Selling your house at a less-than-ideal time, whether it’s a slow real estate market, during a global crisis, or simply during the off-season, can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some strategies to maximize your chances of making a sale:

1. Price it Right: Get a competitive market analysis (CMA) from a reputable real estate agent. This will provide you with recent sales of similar homes in your area. You may need to price your home slightly lower than the competition to attract potential buyers.

2. Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Refresh landscaping, power wash the exterior, and make sure the entrance is inviting.

3. Stage the Interior: Make your home look spacious and appealing. Declutter, depersonalize, and consider hiring a professional home stager.

4. Flexible Showing Times: Be as accommodating as possible. The more people you get through the door, the higher your chances of finding a buyer.

5. Offer Incentives: Offer to cover some of the closing costs, provide a home warranty, or leave behind certain appliances or furniture.

6. Highlight Unique Features: Focus on what makes your home stand out, whether it’s a newly renovated kitchen, proximity to local amenities, or a beautiful garden.

7. Virtual Tours: Especially important during times when in-person showings are limited (e.g., during a pandemic). High-quality photos and a virtual tour can make a big difference.

8. Negotiate with Flexibility: Be prepared to negotiate on price, closing dates, repairs, or other contingencies.

9. Promote the Property: Use social media, local ads, and flyers. Ensure your real estate agent lists your property on major online portals.

10. Stay Informed: Stay updated on the local market and be ready to adjust your strategy based on feedback from showings.

11. Get Inspected Early: Consider getting a pre-inspection. This can reassure buyers and give you a chance to fix issues before they become deal-breakers.

12. Maintain the Property: Continue to keep the home clean, lawns mowed, and everything in good repair.

13. Be Patient: Understand that it might take longer to sell during tough times. But with persistence and flexibility, you can increase your chances of a successful sale.

Remember, there’s always someone looking to buy a home, even in challenging times. Your job is to make your property as attractive as possible to these potential buyers.

Think Out of the Box

Remember, selling a house in a challenging market requires creativity, flexibility, and resilience. It’s about finding unique ways to showcase the value of your property and make it stand out from the rest.

1. Virtual Tours: In a digital era, creating 3D virtual tours can be an engaging way to attract potential buyers without them having to physically visit the property.

2. Staging with a Twist: Consider using home staging techniques that evoke strong, positive emotions. Think themes or styles that might resonate with the current market sentiment.

3. Flexible Pricing Models: Offer rent-to-own options or other flexible pricing models that may appeal to buyers in a challenging market.

4. Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses to host open houses with a twist – maybe a wine tasting or art exhibit.

5. Pop-Up Events: Use your space to host community events, which can draw attention to your property.

6. Interactive Content: Create interactive content about your home such as fun quizzes or infographics that can be shared on social media.

7. Neighborhood Ambassadors: Engage neighbors to become ambassadors for selling your home. They have a vested interest in getting great new neighbors.

8. Storytelling: Share the history and stories associated with your home. It might appeal to certain buyers who value a connection with the past.

9. Incentives: Offer incentives like covering the first few months of utilities or including some pieces of furniture in the sale.

10. Seller Financing: In tough financial times, consider offering seller financing to potential buyers who may be struggling to get traditional financing.

11. Eco-Upgrades: Highlight or invest in eco-friendly upgrades which can be a selling point for environmentally conscious buyers.

12. Themed Open Houses: Host themed open houses – “Retro Night”, “Garden Brunch” – to draw in different crowds and generate buzz.

13. Highlight Future Potential: If your home has untapped potential (like an unfinished basement), provide illustrations or mockups of what it could be transformed into.

14. Engage Influencers: Partner with local social media influencers to showcase your home on their platforms.

15. Charity Collaboration: Offer to donate a portion of the sale to a local charity. This not only gives back but can also be a drawing point for some buyers.

Get Help From a Pro

You don’t have to do it alone. A professional home staging consultation is the best first step in selling your home fast and for more, regardless of circumstances.

Put Together a Great Team

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Considering selling your home and tempted to handle the staging on your own to save money? While it’s possible, consulting a professional stager could significantly boost your final sale price. Expert insights can make all the difference.

Online home staging consultations open doors to collaborating with top-notch stagers, regardless of your location or the absence of local experts. Experience the magic of expert advice, no matter where you are.

Benefits of an Online Home Staging Consultation.

An online home staging consultation, as opposed to an in-person consultation, offers several distinct advantages:

1. Convenience: Clients can easily schedule sessions at times that work best for them, without needing to coordinate for a physical meeting.
2. Safety: Especially in situations where health concerns (like pandemics) are prevalent, online consultations reduce risks associated with personal interactions.
3. Accessibility: Clients from any geographic location can access top-notch professionals, not just those located nearby.
4. Cost-Effective: Often, online consultations can be less expensive as there are no travel expenses or time associated with commuting.
5. Flexibility: It’s easier to reschedule or adjust appointment times without the hassle of considering commute or travel disruptions.
6. Documentation: Virtual consultations can be recorded (with permission), allowing homeowners to review advice and instructions as needed.
7. Immediate Implementation: Clients can start making recommended changes right after the consultation.
8. Eco-friendly: Reduces carbon footprint as there’s no need for vehicular transportation.
9. Comfort: Being in the comfort of one’s own home can make the consultation less intimidating and more relaxed for some clients.
10. Efficiency: Digital tools can be employed during the consultation, like screen sharing, which can help in showing visuals, designs, or examples instantly.

However, it’s worth noting that while online consultations offer many benefits, in-person consultations can provide a tactile and immediate understanding of space, which might be preferred by some clients or specific projects.

Benefits of Doing a Home Staging Consultation with a Professional versus Self Staging

Opting for an online consultation with a professional stager, as opposed to self-staging based on personal preferences, has multiple advantages:

1. Expert Insight: Professional stagers have the training and experience to identify a home’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring the best features are highlighted.
2. Objective View: Homeowners may be emotionally attached to their property and its decor. A professional provides an unbiased perspective, focusing on broad buyer appeal rather than personal tastes.
3. Cost-Effective: While there’s an upfront fee, investing in a professional consultation can lead to a higher sale price, often compensating for the initial outlay and reducing potential lost profits from price reductions.
4. Current Market Trends: Stagers are updated on the latest home design and buyer trends, ensuring the home appeals to the contemporary buyer’s preferences.
5. Space Optimization: A professional can suggest layouts and designs that make rooms appear larger and more functional, maximizing the potential of every space.
6. Resource Recommendations: Professional stagers often have a list of trusted vendors, from furniture rental companies to painters, which can be invaluable for homeowners.
7. Efficiency: Based on their experience, professional stagers can quickly identify solutions, saving homeowners time and effort.
8. Avoid Common Mistakes: Without professional guidance, homeowners might over-personalize or clutter spaces. Stagers help prevent such pitfalls.
9. Enhanced Online Appeal: In the digital age, property listings often start online. Stagers know how to create spaces that photograph well, increasing online interest.
10. Psychological Impact: Stagers understand the psychology of buyers and create spaces that evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and potential.
11. Flexibility & Convenience: Online consultations can be scheduled at the homeowner’s convenience and provide actionable advice without the need for in-person visits.
12. Value Proposition: A well-staged home differentiates itself in the market, especially in areas with many similar property listings.
13. Boosts Confidence: Having the endorsement of a professional can boost a seller’s confidence in their property’s presentation during showings and open houses.

While self-staging might seem like a cost-saving approach, the expertise and insights of a professional stager, even in an online format, can yield a swifter sale and often a better return on investment.

Ready to get a better sales price on your home?

Get your online home staging consultation or staging service today. For in person consultations or staging, call for a custom quote.

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Interested in becoming a home stager? I recommend the Staging Diva Home Staging Training program!

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Ready to put your home on the market? Assemble a top-notch team to ensure a smooth and profitable sale. Your squad should include an expert home stager, a skilled real estate photographer, and a Realtor who excels in marketing and truly champions your interests.

Wondering how to pick the perfect team? Begin with your home stager. I recommend taking the initiative as a seller to make this selection. Choose the best in the business! For insights on why this matters, check out my blog post titled Why Hire a Professional Home Stager to find out more.

Considering selling your home? Proper home staging can significantly boost your final asking price. In fact, effective staging not only recovers its cost but often yields a profit! Additionally, you might be eligible to deduct staging expenses as advertising costs from your home sale taxes.

However, a word of caution: avoid Realtors offering staging services unless they’re professionally trained. Ineffective staging won’t produce the desired effect. An exceptional Realtor will likely suggest, and perhaps even cover, the cost of a professional home staging consultation.

Exercise caution if your Realtor offers to choose and fund the staging. While it sounds enticing and can lure clients, many just opt for the most affordable stager. Some might even inflate this cost for you. Remember, cheaper options can result in an unappealing presentation, leading to prolonged market time, several price cuts, and mounting monthly expenses.

Often, Realtors request “light staging” or “minor fluffing,” a minimalistic approach to make a property appear staged on a budget. This strategy, which might involve sparse furniture or sporadic décor, isn’t effective. Instead of a charming home, it renders the property peculiar both online and offline.

Your best bet? Personally hire a top-tier stager. This investment, done correctly, offers maximum returns.

For tips on hiring the best home stager, refer to my article, “Five Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hiring a Home Stager. 

Learn More About Home Staging

Get Your Home Staging Consultation Today

Secure your online or in-person home staging consultation or service today. Click the images for more information. For comprehensive staging services, please call for a custom quote.

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Great question. I’m glad you asked Usually, they are very different things. The key difference is who you are decorating or designing for.

Home staging is decorating for the buyer. The goal is to make an emotional connection with them, so they can envision themselves living there and want to make an offer. You are appealing to their vision of their ideal lifestyle. To learn more about home staging, see my article, Home Staging- How it Works and What it Costs.

Interior design is decorating for the homeowner. The goal is to also to make an emotional connection and create their vision of a home that works for their ideal lifestyle.

There are some definite differences in how you make this emotional connection. In home staging, you are decorating for the target market, or most likely buyer of the home, whether It’s a young family, retired professionals or whoever. Colors are generally more neutral to appeal to a greater number of people. The decorating should highlight the features of the home, rather than tell the story of the owners. Personal items are usually removed. About half of the items your normally live with are removed to make it feel more spacious and show off the features of the home itself. Home staging is often done with the seller’s belongings, or with rental furniture and décor which are often typical retail items that are lower to mid-range in price.

With Interior design, it is important to let the personal story of the homeowner shine. Colors can be as rich or colorful as you like. Personal items are highlighted and given a place of honor. How much is on display all depends on the style the owner prefers. Interior design may use a wide range of retail or unique or custom furniture and decor in a wide range of price points.

Virtual staging is digital home staging done to a photo of a vacant room. The virtual staging may be done with a software program that has specific items available for use in the program, or it may be done by a designer with access to any product available on the market, both retail and custom. Virtual staging by a designer may offer more options for design and home décor than staging software programs. To learn more about virtual staging, see my article, Virtual Home Staging and Design- the Pros and Cons.

Recently, I completed this virtual staging project, which was selected as an example of Edesign for an Interior Design magazine, “Vision”, for the article “5 Things You Need to Know About Edesign” by JoAnne Lenart- Weary. The article starts on page 50, and my design is on page 55. To learn more about Edesign, see my article, Edesign-How it Works.

In this case, the virtual staging was both home staging and Interior Design! I used Photoshop, rather than a virtual staging program to complete the design.

The target market for this staging project was a young family in a high-end neighborhood. I created a modern global style design I thought would appeal to young, professional buyers in their 30’s that were starting a new family. I used greens for the colors, as green appeals to most people, and would not seem either too feminine or masculine. The wall color of the home was already neutral. The design is casual, comfortable, modern and uncluttered to highlight the features of the home. The living room design was chosen for the magazine article.

Here is the living room from another angle.

Here are a few of the products I used in the living room design. Click on the pictures to learn more. Some are affiliate links, meaning they give me a small commission for sharing at no additional cost to you.

I love all this beautiful black and white art from Arhaus.

Here is close up of the dining area in this open concept space.

To show the possibilities for the large unfinished basement, I created a playroom area next to a comfortable family area where mom or dad could work while doing laundry and keeping an eye on the kids. There is also a crafting area and table. The rugs and kids’ furniture are all washable and pet friendly.

Here are a few of the products I used for this unfinished basement. These beautiful rugs from Ruggable can be removed from the pad and washed in a washing machine, and are kid and pet friendly, as are the washable covers on the bean bag furniture for kids from Pottery Barn Kids.

You may be wondering, is virtual staging helping this house sell? The house is still for sale. It has been on the market 4 months, and was virtually staged after being on the market a month vacant. In looking at the market data for similar homes today, it appears this home is initially overpriced by $30k-$40K (10%) and the current price is still over market value even with 4 price reductions. Staging can help you sell quicker and for more, but it is not a silver bullet, and requires a competitive price when first listing and good marketing for it to work. Virtual staging has generated more interest in the home, and is probably the best option in this case so the sellers do not incur monthly rental costs for furniture and accessories associated with traditional home staging, as they wait to get their asking price.

Need Help with your Home Staging Project?

Need help staging your home for a speedy and profitable home sale?  Check out my home staging services. I offer local in person home staging consultations, vacant and occupied staging. I also offer online home staging consultations, virtual staging and social media marketing for your home sale nationwide.

Sign up for my monthly design, color and staging tips and a get a free report on Top Paint Colors for a Speedy and Profitable Home Sale. Never miss a great idea!

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When it is time to sell our home, we all want to sell fast and for the highest price. One of the best ways to make that happen is to stage your home. Home staging uses decorating to highlight the home’s best features and helps buyers visualize how they can use the space while making an emotional connection with them so they can see themselves living there happily.

When it comes to home staging, there are several ways to go about it. You can:

1. Get a consultation with a professional home stager and get advice on everything you need to know to successfully stage it yourself.
2. Hire a pro to do the staging for you or with you, either working with what you already have if you will be living there while on the market, or bringing in everything and staging a vacant house.
3. You can virtually stage the space to show buyers the “potential of the home” and “what it could look like” if it was furnished in a particular style.
4. You can also use ” virtual design” to show how it could look if it were remodeled to have different paint colors, lighting, flooring and more.

What is Virtual Home Staging?

Virtual home staging is a computer rendering of what a vacant space might look like if it was staged with furniture and accessories.

Here are two examples of virtual staging where good quality photos of a vacant home were virtually staged to show the potential of a vacant property for sale. These examples could be used on the MLS for your listing if allowed in your state and should be clearly disclosed that they are virtual photos. A good way to do this is to show both the vacant photo and staged photo together so buyers know what to expect when they see the property in person. Notice in both cases, the condition of the walls and carpeting looked in very nice shape, so the staging was not covering up any obvious “problem areas”.

Virtual staging could even be used to advertise rental properties that the renter is expected to bring their own furniture to show them the potential of the space and give them a sense of scale and how furniture could fit in the space.

What is Virtual Design?

Sometimes a seller or realtor wants to show the potential of a space. Below is an example of one of the rooms above where the paint color was changed, the lighting updated and flooring was changed. The area rug was changed to work with the new paint color.

This type of rendering entails more work because in addition to adding things, you are also changing items such as color, lighting and flooring so would be more expensive. This type of rendering that shows cosmetic changes is more an example of “virtual design” than “virtual staging”.

Virtual design can help if the property for sale will need work such as repainting, new flooring and lighting and the seller is willing to sell for a lower price and allow the buyer to do the work and make their own selections for those items. This would be a nice addition to materials you are showing buyers at an open house. It is not recommended for use on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) because the cosmetic conditions of the home have been changed and you do not want to mislead buyers about the actual condition.

In addition, virtual staging or design should never show changes of things that cannot be changed (such as removing powerlines or highways from the view). Check to see what is allowed on the MLS in your state. Even if allowed, you may be opening the door to having buyers feeling ‘misled” by the listing when they see it in person, especially if they do not read all the “fine print” on the listing.

Sometimes, you may not have good photographs to work with due to the lighting or angles they were taken at, or the photos are filled with furniture or other items that need to be removed. In those cases, a 3D render can be created from scratch from room measurements. This type of render takes longer so is more expensive. Because these do not use actual photos, I would consider this “virtual design”, and it is critical to make it clear to buyers that this is a virtual rendering so they are not surprised.

The Pros of Virtual Staging and Design

• Virtual home staging usually costs less (often half the cost or less) than physical home staging because it takes less time and there are no rental fees for furniture and accessories.
• If the seller cannot afford in person staging, virtual staging can still help buyers or renters visualize the possibilities of a vacant space.
• Virtual home staging is better than no home staging, because it helps the buyer to visualize how big the space is, how furniture can fit in the rooms and the purpose of each room.
• Some homes may need a lot of remodeling, updates or exterior or interior painting and the seller may not be able to afford to do it, or may choose to leave that to the buyer so they can do it their way and sell at a lower price point. Helping the buyers see the possibilities at an open house with “virtual design” is a great advantage as the majority of people can not visualize how the space could look with major or even minor changes.
• Virtual staging can show higher quality furniture and accessories, or specific styles to attract the target buyer that might not be available for in person staging. This might be beneficial for high end properties.
• Virtual staging could be used to advertise rental properties where the renter is expected to bring their own furniture.
• Virtual design can be used in combination with regular home staging. For example, if you have a home that needs exterior painting due to the color or condition but cannot afford to do that before selling, you could show a render of the house with a new paint color and still physically stage the interior.

The Cons of Virtual Staging and Design

• I always recommend in person staging over virtual staging so buyers can make an emotional connection and envision themselves living there. The emotional connection is what causes buyers to make an offer. Buyers will never make the same emotional connection with a computer or paper image of a space as they will when seeing a beautifully staged home in person.
• When using virtually staged images on an MLS listing, it is critical to make sure it is allowed in your state, and make it clear to buyers that this is a representation of the space. Buyers may get angry or be very disappointed when they visit the home in person and it looks nothing like the advertised image. Some buyers buy online and do not get to see the home in person. Be sure you are not mis-representing the space to buyers that cannot visit it in person. Showing a photo of the real space next to the virtual space with a detailed description can help make that clear.
• If the rendering is not done accurately and to scale, it may give a false impression of how big the space is and how furniture could really fit in the rooms. Be sure to have your renders done by professionals that will make it to scale.

Be Sure to Disclose

Home staging,  virtual staging and design are great tools to help you sell your property faster and for more, or help you rent a property and attract your ideal renter.

Be truthful with buyers on the condition of the house. Check with the MLS for your state to know what is allowed before listing. And remember that all buyers do not read all the details or fine print. Things to consider:

• For realtors and home sellers, be clear and disclose that the photos you are showing are virtually staged and the property is actually vacant.
• For those creating the virtual renders, be sure not to cover problem areas with staging items.
• Be clear if the photos have made cosmetic changes and show the “design possibilities” rather than what the house actually looks like now.
• One of the best ways to disclose are to show the actual photos side by side with the virtual photos. You do not want buyers to be surprised or angry when they see the actual property.
• Photos should be realistic and not cropping out or changing things that cannot be changed, like power lines or other actual physical features surrounding the property.
• Photos should represent the actual scale or size of the space in relation to the furniture and accessories added.

Need Help?

If you would like help selling your home faster and for more, I can help you with an in person home staging consultation or staging of a vacant or occupied home, an online home staging consultation for your home or vacation rental property and virtual home staging and virtual design.

Click on the pictures to learn more about my online services and give me a call for a quote for in person staging in my service area (south-central Alaska).

Virtual Staging and Remodeling Services

I always recommend in person staging over virtual staging so buyers can make an emotional connection and envision themselves living there. Sometimes though, a space may need a lot of remodeling or updates and the seller chooses to leave that to the buyer so they can do it their way. Or the seller can not afford in person staging. Virtual staging can help buyers see the possibilities of the remodeled space or visualize the possibilities in a vacant space.  Learn more about the Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging in my blog article. Drop in renders use your well lit great photo of the vacant space. 3D renders use measurements of your vacant space with a suitable photograph for guidance. I also offer your buyers 10% off an Interior Design consultation for their new home that you can give them as a gift. See examples and Learn More.

Drop In Render- $100 per room photo. 2 Photo Minimum

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3D Render- $210 per room

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Floor Plan Added to either Package above. $30.00 per room

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By purchasing, you are agreeing to my Letter of Agreement and Terms of Service

Learn More

Interested in learning more home staging and design tips? Get my monthly award winning blog articles and get a free report on Top Paint Colors for a Speedy and Profitable Home Sale or My Top Ten Interior Design Tips in appreciation.  Never miss a great idea!

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Low Cost Home Staging Can Cost You Money

We have all experienced a time when we were “penny wise but pound foolish” and regretted buying something because it had the lowest price, only to find out the item broke too soon, was not the quality we were looking for, had maintenance problems or other issues. I know I have with a few vehicles I have purchased!

If we had just purchased a higher quality item, it would have saved us money in the long run and we would have been much happier with our purchase. It is easy to make decisions quickly based on cost rather than stepping back and considering the “bigger picture”.

As a home stager, color consultant and designer,  one thing I do is help home sellers sell their house as fast as possible and for the highest possible price. I know your home is probably your biggest financial asset and that selling a house is stressful. Helping you get through the process fast and with great results is my success story too!

How Cutting Costs can Hurt Your Bottom Line

I have seen many cases where a home seller has been “penny wise but pound foolish.”  It makes me sad to think of how things might have been different for them. They try to save as much as possible during the sale by cutting “costs” but it hurt them in the end with a much lower sale price. Home staging is an investment, rather than a “cost” that can give you a great return on your money.

As an example, I had a call from a seller that said “Our vacant home has been on the market over a year with no interest. We have to do something! I would like you to come and do a consultation and then stage it for us”.  Great! We made plans for a consultation in a few days. At the last minute, they called and cancelled. They said their spouse had decided not  to spend money on staging as they were already strapped paying a second mortgage and would just leave it on the market vacant.  I noticed a few weeks later on the MLS that they dropped their price $35,000.00.  Staging the home would have cost less than 1% of that cost and they would have had a great chance of selling it quickly for their asking price. A loss of $35,000 is a lot of money!!! See how staging could have made a difference in this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzkF3bccgmI

Stage it Before You List

Another example was a call from a realtor a few weeks ago wanting to know the cost of staging for a couple that had had their occupied home on the market eleven months without interest. They got back to me that the couple did not want to spend the money on staging because they could not afford it since they were paying two mortgages. I feel their pain and wonder why their realtor did not suggest staging to them a year ago before listing? Here is an example of professional staging of an occupied home.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAqW37LSkRI&feature=emb_title

Hire a Pro to do Your Home Staging

Other common examples are sellers who have realtors willing to pay for a consultation (bravo to those realtors!) but the sellers do not want to invest in the actual staging and decide to do it themselves. They often do not want to pay for a final visit from me to check on or help polish their final product. I always follow up to see how these properties look when listed. In all cases, the property looks much better BUT it does not have the same appeal for buyers as if it was professionally staged. Home owners do not have the ability to be objective about their own property, or “see what the buyer sees” and are not professionally trained in the art and science of home staging. This will definitely affect the final sales price. Saving a hundred or a couple thousand dollars may have cost them tens of thousands of dollars at closing.

Light Staging is a Waste of a Home Sellers Money

I sometimes get calls from realtors looking for “light staging”, where only one room is done or a few rooms only partially done. I do not accept these jobs because I think it is a waste of the home seller’s money. The end result looks odd, as if the movers forgot to take all the furniture and left a few pieces, and it certainly does not create the effect that buyers will fall in love with! Sellers, using this method will cost you more in the end!

How Much of a Difference will Home Staging Make?

You are probably wondering, how much of a difference will professional home staging really make in my sales price or in how fast I can sell my home? Information is often published by the Real Estate Staging Association and National Association of Realtors and other publishers every year or two. The numbers vary each year, and there are no guarantees, as every home sale is different and a variety of factors can affect your sale (such as location, condition, realtor marketing, asking price etc.) but here are some guidelines.

• • The majority of Realtors think staging increases the amount buyers are willing to offer between 1-20%
  • Staging usually costs 0.5%-1% of the home’s value (my experience)
  • Staged homes spend 72% less time on the market.
  • Home staging costs vary by the area of the country you live in, the size of the home, time on the market etc. and generally range from approximately $400 for a consultation to $5000 to stage a vacant home.

Let’s Do the Math

Say the median home price in your area is $350.000

1% increase is $3500

5% increase is $17,500

10% increase is $35,000

15% increase is $52,500

20% increase is $70,000

Much of the cost of this can likely be written off on the seller’s taxes as advertising fees on the sale of the home.

Pretty good investment!

Don’t Forget about Price Reductions and Holding Costs

And remember, if your house is on the market a while, each price reduction will likely be $5000-$15000.  Will you also be paying a mortgage and taxes too? You could end up losing 1-20% from your starting price as your house sits on the market. See this recent info-graphic from the Real Estate Staging Association that summarizes some of the benefits and costs of home staging.

At the end of the day, you as the home seller, have the potential to make the most profit (or take the greatest loss) from your home sale, not your realtor or stager. Step back, look at the big picture, and consider the benefits of making an investment in professional home staging for a higher sales price!

References

The Consumers Guide to Real Estate Staging, Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)

RESA Home Staging Statisics InfoGraphic

National Association of Realtors 2019 Profile of Home Staging

Get a Professional Home Staging Consultation Today

The best way to make sure your home sells fast and for more is to start with a professional home staging consultation. Find out everything you can do to prepare your house for market, and steps you can take to get the best return on your investment. During this time of social distancing, virtual staging is also a great option.

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Looking to get a great logo for your home staging or other business?

In 2014, I graduated from the Staging Diva Home Staging Training program and started my home staging and design business. The program offered a great step by step plan to set up and market a home staging business and loads of inspiration!  Some of the great advice from the program that would apply to any new business was to get a professional looking photo and logo,  to make a fantastic first impression with potential clients. Debra Gould, the “Staging Diva” mentioned an option of using 99designs.com to run a logo contest to develop a professional logo, which I tried with great success.

First, I wrote a creative brief describing my image, goals, target market and “who I am”. This helped me refine my own vision for my business.

Then, I supply pictures, documents, and design ideas to help the logo designers understand my vision. As an Interior Designer and home stager in Alaska, I love color and the natural beauty of Alaska’s landscapes and wanted to highlight that in my work. I wanted my finished work to inspire the same reaction people have when they see northern lights, which are most commonly described as “magical”. So my name, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design, and tagline, “make magic happen” was born.

I gave the designers two ideas: one of a house surrounded by mountains with northern lights, and the second of viewing mountains and northern lights from inside a home looking out.

I selected a package stating how much I was willing to pay for my logo. The more you pay the more top quality designers may enter your contest from their marketplace of 950,000 designers.

I had 10 different designers submit logos. I provided feedback through a “star rating” or private message to help them refine the designs. After 3 days, I decided if there were any designs I liked and wanted to continue with the contest, or drop out and pay nothing. I selected my top 6 designers to continue working with. On day 7, I picked my winner.

A great feature is that you can run a “poll” any time of your favorite designs for your “target market”. The poll generates a link you can post on Facebook, Twitter or by email. Polls made my friends aware of my new business and they gave great feedback and enjoyed helping shape the logo for my new business.

My winning designer, “Youimage” from Italy developed a beautiful design and was great to work with! I love the way the window shutters are located so that you are viewing the northern lights as if you are standing outside and looking at them inside the house.

I spent a lot of time giving feedback to get what I wanted, and you can spend as much time as you choose. I received and reviewed 107 designs from designers from around the world. The experience gave me a great logo, helped me focus on the direction I want to take my business and provided an opportunity to engage my target market and advertise my new business.

If you are starting a new business or need a great logo for a project, give it a try!

My Online Services

Northern Lights Home Staging and Design offers a variety of online Interior Design, Home Staging and Color Consulting services. Check some of them out by clicking on the pictures or feel free to call if you are wondering how I might help you with your project.

 

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