The Power of Home Staging
Making your home stand out when selling is a significant undertaking that requires a keen eye for detail and strategic planning to rise above the competition in today's, sometimes challenging, property market. Fortunately, there's an effective tool at your disposal that can enhance your selling process: home staging!
In this blog post, Victoria Nicol of West End Styling explores what home staging is, the core reasons why it is helpful in maximising your property's appeal and dispels some common myths.
What is Home Staging?
Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale with the goal of appealing to a wide range of potential buyers. It focuses on showcasing the property's best features, creating a neutral and inviting ambience, and highlighting the home's potential. The purpose of home staging is to help buyers envision themselves living in the space, ultimately leading to a faster and more successful sale.
Note: Home staging should not be confused with interior design, which focuses on creating personalised spaces for individuals or families who will be living in the home long-term.
First Impressions Matter
Within seconds of stepping through the door, potential buyers form an opinion about a property. Home staging plays an important role in making an immediate and positive impact. By creating a welcoming, cohesive, and well-curated space, you capture buyers' attention and encourage them to envision their future in the property.
Increased Sale Price
Staged properties tend to sell for more than non-staged homes. This boost in the sale price is a result of the enhanced presentation and perceived value. Through strategic planning and execution of a professional home staging plan, tailored to attracting your ideal potential buyer pool, it can help you achieve a higher return on your investment.
Faster Selling Time
Staged properties also enjoy a shorter time on the market, than non-staged homes. By presenting your property in its best light, you attract motivated buyers, increase showings, and generate more offers. Home staging saves valuable time and brings you swiftly closer to your selling goals.
Online Appeal
In today's digital world, a strong online presence is crucial. Staged properties generate significantly more interest and views online. Professionally staged homes receive substantially more online views compared to unstaged properties. By capturing stunning photographs of your property, showcasing its potential, you make a memorable impact on potential buyers browsing online.
Emotional Connection
Staging creates an emotional connection between buyers and your property. Staged homes evoke positive emotions in the great majority of buyers. By presenting a well-curated, aspirational lifestyle we help buyers envision themselves living in the space and make that emotional connection that leads to a faster and more successful sale.
Home Staging Myths
Let's address some common misconceptions about home staging:
Myth 1: Home Staging is Only for Expensive Homes
Reality: Staging benefits properties of all price ranges, sizes, and locations. Every property, regardless of its value, from modest one-bedroom city flats to grand country castles can benefit from the power of home staging. Staging is particularly advantageous in competitive or unpredictable markets, making your home stand out among the competition.
Myth 2: Home Staging is Too Expensive
Reality: Home staging should be viewed as an investment rather than an expense. The cost of staging is often lower than the price reduction you may face otherwise and is generally less than the potential increase in your home's selling price. By choosing to invest in staging, you increase the likelihood of selling your home faster and at a higher price, making it a sound financial decision. Staging offers a return on investment, and there are flexible staging options available to accommodate various budgets.
Myth 3: Home Staging is Time-Consuming
Reality: Hiring a professional home stager expedites the process and delivers impressive results. They bring deep industry knowledge, an objective perspective, and access to a wide range of furniture, décor accessories and resources, such as a team of tradespeople, that transform your space efficiently. Their expertise will save you valuable time while achieving outstanding results.
Note: While it is recommended to complete staging before listing your property for sale, it is never too late to implement staging strategies to increase buyer interest and optimise your chances of receiving an offer, even for properties already on the market.
Home staging is an invaluable tool for sellers in today's property market. By leveraging the expertise of a professional stager, you unlock the hidden potential of your property, attract motivated buyers, and increase your chances of achieving a higher sale price in a shorter time. Trust in the power of home staging to transform your property into an irresistible and marketable asset.
Take advantage of ASPC’s Making Your Home Stand Out service
If you’d like a helping hand to make your home stand out, take advantage of our Making Your Home Stand Out service.
Aimed at properties that have been on the market but haven’t yet attracted a buyer, this service gives ASPC sellers access to expert home staging advice from Victoria Nicol of West End Styling. A consultation at our Property Hub at Holburn Junction will help you unlock opportunities to improve how your property is presented and listed, to maximise interest from prospective buyers both online and at viewings. You can tap into Victoria’s wealth of property presentation experience, and get personalised advice around potential improvements you could make.
To book your consultation, you can either contact your solicitor agent and ask for a referral, or contact ASPC directly at 01224 632949 or centre@aspc.co.uk.
Sources: The Home Staging Report 2022: Home Staging Association UK & Ireland
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