What is Staging?

Staging is the process of preparing any home for sale, regardless of price or location.  Staging is a service, usually executed by a professional, to enhance property presentation using life style selling techniques, in order to secure an acceptable offer from a buyer.
Staging is NOT Decorating. Here are some differences:

• Decorating is a luxury, Staging is a necessity.
• Decorating is for the homeowner’s enjoyment, Staging is for the future buyer.
• Decorating is personal Style, Staging is universal style – profile who is coming through the house, any recommendations are to secure an offer.
• Decorating generally involves a large budget; Staging is always about budget and is time sensitive.
• Decorating means you have a longer time line, Staging you work with a tighter deadline
• Decorating is optional, Staging is Mandatory.

What are the Key Points of Home Staging?

• Creating broad appeal
• Using “buyers” eyes
• Rearranging, Refreshing Reducing
• Adding Color and Appeal
• Selling the space and not the stuff
• Honouring the homeowner and their belongings
• A key marketing to selling a home

What are the Benefits to Staging your Home?

• Staging is the only service performed in preparation for selling a home that actually brings measurable value.
• Staging provides a huge edge over the competition in a competitive real estate market.
• Staging secures equity – staged homes sell for more money and have fewer days on the market.
• Staged homes sell faster than homes that have not been staged and generally for more money than homes that have not been staged.

Home Staging Facts from the 2005 and 2006 Maritz Research Staging Polls:

• 58% of buyers made a decision to buy after seeing 10 properties – effectively staging keeps your house on the list of must see properties.
• 79% of sellers are willing to spend up to $5000 to get a home ready for sell.
• 63 % of buyers are willing to pay more for a house that is move-in ready.
• 86% of those survey said storage space is more important to potential buyers
• 52% of buyers said the kitchen had the most significant impact on their purchasing decision.
• 79% of buyers indicate they would be willing to pay a premium for a home with an updated kitchen.
• Men (41%) were more likely to place a premium on updated décor than woman (30%)

Resources: ©2005 Canadian Staging Professionals™.
All rights reserved. CSP™ is registered trademark of decorating solutions (Niagara) Inc.

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Staging is really about un-decorating and removing years of living, collecting & decorating so a buyer can visualize themselves living in the home. When a seller "lets go" of some of their own things, it then gives permission for the buyer to buy! There are many benefits of staging your home for sale, but here are the top 5.

1. Staging is always less than your first price reduction. The first price reduction can be $20,000 or more, depending on where you live. Staging a home can be a fraction of this figure. Consider this; you have reduced the price for your "empty" property and guess what? It's still empty. Or imagine that you've reduced the price of your home, but the buyers still cannot see the positive features because you still have too much furniture and clutter. Staging your home will ensure that buyers are seeing all the amenities the home has to offer.

2. Your property will appeal to more buyers if it has been staged. Staging a home helps to remove the sellers imprint and allows a buyer to see themselves living in the home. By neutralizing the décor and eliminating the seller's personality, you will increase the number of interested buyers. Give potential buyers permission to make your house their home.

3. Realtors will want to show your home. When Realtors know that a home has been staged by a professional stager, there are no surprises when they bring their clients to see your home. Homes that have been staged show better than homes that are not staged.

4. Your home will have a "WOW" factor that other homes in the area do not have. Staging will help create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, similar to a MODEL HOME. By staging a home you are creating a particular lifestyle, which helps to sell a home. Potential buyers will want to live the lifestyle you have created.

5. Helps reduce the stress regarding your upcoming move. Staging involves editing, eliminating and de-cluttering. By starting the process now, you will have less to sort, throw, pack and move when the big day comes. You may find out that LESS really is MORE!

So whether you are living in your home while it is on the market, or you have an empty home, Real Estate Staging is beneficial to all involved. Your goal is to sell your home quicker for a larger profit and staging is another tool to ensure that you reach that goal quickly.