If you take a look at the photo above which one draws your attention first? An image of just a simple chair or an image of that same chair in a space? In the space right? Now your brain is stimulated you can see how it can be used, what it looks like in a room. If you love it you take a look at buying it and creating this space for you. It's all about marketing baby! That is exactly what staging is it's about marketing your home so it will sell to your ideal buyer. Staging is not about making it pretty by simply adding small things like flowers, or a few extra pillows. Staging tells a subtle story of a life they want, by highlighting features of a home. A stager will consider who your buyer is based on the demographics and what they are looking for.
We constantly hear Realtors tell you to declutter and depersonalize your home but what are they really saying? A bit of a mindset change is required when you decide to put your home on the market. First it is no longer your home, it’s a house and it’s one of your biggest investments. So let’s market it the best way possible. You have a wonderful and fabulous style FOR YOU! But remember this space isn’t working FOR YOU anymore, that’s why you are moving right? The harsh reality is it’s not about you anymore but about your buyer. So put away your treasured items that mean something to you and acknowledge your story. We all know you are truly amazing but let’s not side track those buyers. You want them signing those offers because they can envision living in this house.
Show me the Money!
Let’s talk some numbers shall we. ROI with an average investment of 1%, approximately 75% of sellers saw a ROI of 5-15% over asking price. 85% of staged homes sold for 5-23% over list price. Ummm Yes please!
They say a picture is worth 1000 words
This is definitely true today with the initial home search begins online. You want to grab their attention at the first touch. Stunning photos are the draw, so they schedule that walk thru. This is the perfect time to speak about “Virtual Staging”. Yes there are some incredibly talented photo editors out there. First we need you to realize that only about 2% of people can envision an empty space as something else. WOWZA that is huge, am I right? So let’s image that your buyer is part of the 98% who just can’t envision that room as a bedroom that can fit a king sized bed and all the luxury that could be in that space. They fell in love with those Virtually Staged photos but walk in the space to see how it feels and it’s empty. Don’t kid yourself emotions is what sells and if you aren’t stirring emotions you aren’t making that sale. I look at is as buying a box of mixed chocolates only to find out that your favourite chocolate is not there. What a let down! Sigh!
So let’s stand out from the rest and invest in marketing this house of yours.
Consider this when searching for your Realtor, what are their marketing plans? Do they work with a RESA stager? If your agent isn’t working with a RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) stager ask them why? RESA stagers are continuing their education, have insurance and abide by a strict code of ethics. You want a stager who is invested in their industry. Psst: We happen to be the RESA Ontario President for 2021! So we are definitely invested in the industry.
