Frequently Asked Questions About Home Staging
Home staging is one of the most effective means of marketing a house today. However, many home sellers are unfamiliar with the benefits of staging their homes. If you are new to the concept of home staging, you likely have questions about the process, costs, benefits, and more.
Destined Dreams wants to arm you with the most accurate information available to help you understand the importance of preparing your home before putting it on the market. To do this, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked about home staging.
1. I don’t think I can afford a home stager. Do I really need one?
When you don’t stage your home, you cheat yourself by losing money. Staging is done in your best interest, as it earns back home equity. A home is the most important and expensive thing we buy, so why not have it stand out from the competition by investing now? That way you will have more money to spend on your new home at a faster pace, alleviating carrying costs. The ROSI (Return on Staging Investment) is less than the cost of your first price reduction which is 10-20% on average. Don’t undervalue the staging process unless you are prepared to accept less than what your property is worth. We can do as little or as much as you like depending on your preferences and budget.
2. How much does home staging cost?
The cost of home staging varies as each project is different and have varied requirements. All homes differ from size, floor plan, location, furniture and accessories required, and amount of hours and work. On an average, home staging services cost less than the price of your first price reduction and can typically range between 0.5-3% of the list price of the home, however, the return on investment can be as much as 8-10% back.
We have pricing showcases starting at packages as low as $495 and a full range of solutions worth up to $10,000 depending on what the home requires. You will make up the cost of your staging investment with the increased selling price of your home because improving the condition of your house before you list it can significantly impact your selling price. Clients can generally make 10-15% more when they sell their home staged as opposed to its “as is” condition. Staged homes also sell much faster due to increased visibility and showings.
Hiring a home stager gets you your return on investment by 390%. Vacant home staging would be the most costly, as more work is required for vacant spaces. Staging fees reflect the initial staging investment and the average monthly rental fee. Destined Dreams will gladly work within your budget and customize a dreamy design plan that works for your budget.
3. I get compliments on my home all the time, why would I need a home stager?
Staging a home for sale and decorating a home for a living are two entirely different situations. When you put your property on the market, you have to appeal to the widest audience to capture the interest of the one buyer who wants to buy your house. Doing so involves being detached and unemotional. The fact of the matter is, selling your home isn’t about you, it’s about what the buyer wants, and stagers provide that third party objective opinion.
4. Can I stage my own home?
Staging your own home is often overwhelming and challenging because it’s hard for anyone to be objective about their own space.
5. It’s a slow market, is staging still necessary?
Absolutely! When the market is slow or softer, properties need staging even more to generate interested buyers. Staging your property gives a competitive edge regardless of the market condition. Your house stands out from the crowd of properties that aren’t staged. You may decide not to stage your property, but someone else who’s competing for the same buyer is.
6. My neighbor’s house sold without staging, why can’t mine?
Good for your neighbors! What you don’t know is whether they made as much money on it as they could have. Why gamble with the equity in your house? A ton of statistics supports the claim that staging works when homes are properly staged as it leaves a lasting impression and stimulates multiple offers.
7. What is the difference between staging and decorating?
Decorating a home is for someone’s own personal preference, taste, and lifestyle. Staging is neutralizing a home and depersonalizing it to create mass appeal.
8. How long does it take to stage?
From beginning to end, it all depends on the scope of what needs to be done for the best outcome and how soon you want your house on the market. The day of staging and de-staging takes up a better part of the day.
If you have any more questions about home staging, get in touch with the experts at Destined Dreams. As a leading home staging and redesign firm in Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Milton, Burlington, Oakville, Grimsby, Waterdown, Caledonia, Brantford, Cambridge, Flamborough, Dundas, Mississauga, Brampton, and all of GTA, we provide you with an exciting staging experience. We have ample experience in refurbishing homes for new buyers and have managed to sell numerous homes for their exact worth and more!
To learn more about how we can help you, please click here or contact us by clicking here.