Staging For Resale

Facts and Stats: It’s no longer a secret that many home sellers are hiring stagers to prepare their homes for resale.  Why wouldn’t you?

  • Research shows that a staged home speeds sales in a sluggish market and can increase prices 2%- 20% in a moderate market.  In hot markets, effective staging can boost prices 20 % - 30%.  (Wall Street Journal April 2003

Given that your home is quite likely your largest asset why not market it professionally by showcasing its best features and minimizing the flaws?

  • A recent study by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry found that a $700 paint job results in a 200% recovery of the cost upon resale of the home (National  Post – March 2004)

Have you put in an offer on the house of your dreams but now need to get your own house sold quickly and for the best price possible in order to meet the conditions?

  • The average number of days on the market for a staged house is 13.9 versus 30.9 days for an un-staged house (New York Village voice)

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.  So stage first, then list.

  • “First impressions are a key factor in selling.  Typically, a potential buyer has made up their mind ten seconds after they step inside the front door.  They were already forming an opinion as they pulled up to your house”

Sellers are comfortable with the way they live.  They don’t see many issues with their homes and may not really know if what they have is current or dated.

  • “75% of Canadians classify the style of their house as “current” or “somewhat current” which is contrary to what home staging specialists are finding.  They maintain that, although the majority of homes in Canada are in need of updating prior to sale, a significant difference can be made with as little as $1500.” (Royal LePage Home Staging Poll, March 2005

And Finally, keep in mind that the cost of staging your home will never be as high as the first price reduction you may need to make.

Let's Get Started

Staging your home includes two major steps that are not mutually exclusive:

  1. First is the décor and maintenance update

Why do this?

When people are searching for a new home they are not just buying a house, they are buying into the lifestyle they perceive (and usually aspire to) when they see your home.  A well-maintained home with updated décor shows pride of ownership, implies quality workmanship, and says ”just move in and relax”.  This update can include things like new paint colours, flooring, window treatments and accessories, rearrangement of furniture and lighting, fixing leaky faucets, creaky doors, and loose porch steps.

  1. Second, is the neutralization process

Why do this?

      In order to appeal to as many prospective buyers as possible, a home needs to be “neutralized” or “de-personalized” to give it more of a model home feel – a place where they can visualize themselves living versus a house where someone else currently lives.  This process includes cleaning up and cleaning out – de-cluttering corners, tables, desk tops, closets, basements and garages, (a great benefit is the illusion of more space and less stuff for you to pack when you move!) putting away personal items like family photos, souvenirs, and diplomas, clearing food, small appliances and dishes from counter tops, clearing bulletin boards and fridge fronts, and removing pet accessories like bowls and litter boxes.

Serving Southern Vancouver Island, Nanaimo to Victoria