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Staging can be a controversial topic for many home sellers, especially considering the effort and costs it takes to properly prepare the home. But there's no doubt the investment is worth it for many homes in that staging can transform the property entirely for the benefit of the bottom line. We'll look at what it means to stage for different buyers, and how you can use the information to your advantage.
Stage Matters
Staging is more than just cleaning up the home or fixing up the woodwork. You're showcasing how the home will look once it's filled with its decor. From the fixtures to the furniture, you're giving the home a certain style that will cause it to leave an impression on the buyers. While it's difficult to assign the exact profits of staging, there's plenty of evidence to show that buyers get attached to homes that highlight their potential.
Age & Lifestyle
There are a few relatively basic concepts about how to stage a home for different kinds of buyers. If you have a third bedroom tucked in the corner, you may want to add two twin beds and a chest of toys to appeal to young families looking for a starter home. That same bedroom may function better as a dignified study or home office if you're more likely to have single professionals tour the home. Or you could stage it as a guest bedroom if the average buyer in your home is likely to be a retired couple who want their grandchild to stay over every now and again.
Neighborhoods and Styles
It's important to know more than the basic demographics of the buyers who stop by. Just because an older couple is touring the home, doesn't mean they'll be more attracted to an old-fashioned decor. Young buyers may want to see a walk-in pantry stuffed with luxury food, while retired people may want to see a universal toilet in the bathroom or a grab bar in the shower. If several generations are moving into the home, you may want to stage the basement as its own separate apartment.
It doesn't necessarily make sense to stage every home, but it is highly recommended for most sellers. The best part is that you don't necessarily have to blow your profit margins by spending thousands of dollars. Talking to a real estate agent can make it easy to conserve your budget while still maximizing your return on investment. No matter how you stage, you need to think about how people are perceiving each amenity before you put the house on the market. A real estate agent can help you do just that.
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