Staging Your Home on a Budget

Staging your home can sometimes mean the difference between a positive response and no response at all from potential buyers. You have one opportunity to make a first impression, and professional staging offers the most reliable way to make your home stand out from the rest. The necessity of staging depends on several factors, including the condition of your home and its décor. Fortunately, some tricks of the trade can help you accomplish your goals affordably. Read on for some helpful advice for staging your home on a budget.

What is Home Staging?

Technically, staging a home refers to hiring a professional designer or stager to prepare it for sale. If the home is occupied, this typically includes removing some of the seller's items and adding other items, which may include furnishings, lighting, artwork, rugs, window coverings and/or accessories. Although every buyer has his or her own décor preferences, some colors and design styles are more universally appealing. Staging also addresses how furniture is laid out and how the home flows, which, if done correctly, can make the home feel larger, more open and more welcoming.

Is Home Staging Really Necessary?

Although sellers may balk at spending the money for a staging pro, sometimes it truly is necessary. If your home already has challenges (whether that relates to location, condition or price), having it professionally staged will give you a distinct advantage over similar homes whose owners skip it. Likewise, if inventory levels are high and you have a lot of competition for buyers' attention, they are much more likely to remember your home if it's been staged. Consider hiring a professional even if you simply want to bring in top dollar for your house or move it a little more quickly. Finally, if you have unusual or a themed décor, it's much more likely that buyers may be put off by the style. Although you would like to believe potential buyers could see beyond the cuckoo clock collection, many simply cannot.

Staging for (Almost) Free

If the expense of full-service professional staging simply isn't possible, try some do-it-yourself methods to achieve a similar result. Many interior designers and staging professionals will agree to provide the design (at a greatly reduced fee) and allow you to do the physical staging yourself. They may also agree to do a limited number of rooms (the foyer, living areas and master bedroom, for example). This may be enough to do the trick, and you can follow their lead in finishing the remaining areas. If nothing else, look for staging tips and tricks online. Remove as many personal and themed items as possible, as well as any furnishings or accessories that don't adhere to a light, neutral color palette.

The professional Realtors® of the Edie Israel Team understand the personal nature of buying and selling real estate. They are committed to making the process as simple and enjoyable as possible, all while providing you with exceptional customer service. Contact them today and ask about staging your home.