Frequently Asked Questions

How much does home staging cost?
Why should I stage?
Are there any statistics to support investing in home staging?
But we're moving - why should we spend a lot of money on decorating now?
Can't buyers just visualize how the place will look with their own stuff?
In a tough market, doesn't it all come down to price?
How long will home staging take? We're so busy with everything else going on in our lives!

How much does home staging cost?

Home staging fees vary depending on the scope of each project. However, home staging almost always costs less than the first price reduction.

Why should I home stage?

Home staging is an investment, and in fact it is the best short-term investment a home seller can make. For most people, their home is the most valuable financial asset they own. Maximizing the return on the sale of this asset is one of life's most important financial objectives.

When deciding whether or not you should invest in home staging, consider the following:

a) your monthly carrying costs, (which are an expense); and
b) the interest on a 6-month CD at your local FDIC insured financial institution (which is an investment).

An investment in professional staging is the savvy financial decision, and the question should be, "how much will it cost if you don't stage?"

Are there any statistics to support investing in home staging?

Statistics show that staged properties sell for more money and faster than comparables that are not home staged. The Real Estate Staging Association's Statistics Report released in February 2009, documented the following:

• In 2007, vacant properties, previously on the market unsold for over 4 months, were then staged and sold in 6 weeks (68% fewer days on market).
• In 2008, vacant properties, previously on the market unsold for over 6 months, were then staged and sold in 4 weeks (85% fewer days on market).

• In 2007, occupied properties, previously on the market unsold for over 3 months, were then staged and sold in 6 weeks (47% fewer days on the market).
• In 2008, occupied properties, previously on the market unsold for 2 months, were then staged and sold in 1 week (90% fewer days on the market).

But we're moving - why should we spend a lot of money on decorating now?

Staging isn't decorating. Staging is marketing! According to the NAR Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers 2008, "87% of ALL home buyers and 94% of buyers aged 25 to 44 used the Internet to search for homes." Staging continues to be a valuable tool to gain more buyer interest beginning with their initial search on the Internet. Properties are being eliminated from the "must see" list, based on photographs from the Internet advertising. In a tough market, there is not only more inventory, there is more staged inventory. And if you are not staging your property before it goes on the market, you are in fact helping your competition!

Can't buyers just visualize how the place will look with their own stuff?

In a word, "no". The majority of people cannot visualize and will base decisions solely on what they see. And they will make up their minds in a matter of seconds.
Studies on the brain's processing of first impressions have shown that the first impression is the lasting impression and that negative impressions will override positive ones. Other studies have shown that more that 60% of the first impression is based on color alone.
The Remodel and Realtor magazine 2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Survey reports on additions, upgrades and replacements in regions across the country that bring the most value per dollar spent. Curb appeal ranked highest in all regions.

In a tough market, doesn't it all come down to price?

Realistic pricing is absolutely essential to selling. However, buyers are making decisions based on their perception of value. A Maritz survey found that 63% of buyers will pay more for move-in ready homes. Professionally staged properties will appeal to a majority of buyers and increase the probability of increased buyer interest.

How long will home staging take? We're so busy with everything else going on in our lives!

That of course depends on the scope of condition work, such as painting, repairs, editing of personal belongings, etc. However, as professional stagers, we excel at project management and can expedite the entire process for you if you wish. Staging will never be a waste of time because staging actually saves time by reducing days on the market!