What is Home Staging and will it help sell my house?
Your property has been on the market for a few weeks or months and you’ve had little interest and no offers.
Although coronavirus is currently having a big effect on the housing market, if your house has been for sale since before the outbreak then the answer may lay a little closer to home.
New build houses are appealing because they are ready to move in to, although older properties often have larger rooms, bigger gardens and are less likely to be overlooked. Older houses are generally cheaper by comparison but may benefit from some work by the seller before going to market.
Why isn’t your home selling?
If your house isn’t selling, or you’re not receiving the right offers, this can be rectified by improving your properties appearance.
Homes that are cluttered, scruffy and untidy won't attract buyers. For a buyer it is hard to look beyond these distractions and as a seller it's even harder to detach yourself from your own home and notice these problems.
What is Home Staging ?
Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale or rent. The goal of staging is to make a home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property quickly and for more money.
I use Home staging to sell occupied private residences using your existing furniture and accessories where possible.
How much does home staging cost?
Prices start from £150 for a home visit and home staging report, the report will give you a detailed guide to how to improve your home and lots of recommendations. Further investment is usually required but this will depend on the property and owners circumstances.
Home staging usually costs 1 – 2 % of the asking price. Generally this will amount to less than the first price reduction you may make if your house isn't selling. On average staged homes sell for 8% more than non-staged homes and they sell up to three times faster than a non-staged property.
Average house price in the South East (June 2019): £322,000
Staging costs 2%: £6500
8% increase: £25,800
New Asking Price: £349,000
Does home staging really make a difference?
Staging your home may seem like more effort than it's worth, but it has been proven that staging can help buyers visualise the space in your home better. Vendors are buying into a lifestyle so it’s really important they can envisage themselves living in your property.
How can home staging help me?
A professional stager will take on the role of a buyer, similarly they will be able to identify your properties weaknesses but also advise you on how to improve on these areas.
A home stager will always work to your budget with the view to add maximum value for minimal cost. They will consider what you already have and how it may be used or reworked in your home.
What type of recommendations and improvements may be suggested?
Decorating
Repairs
Furniture layout
Kerb appeal
Garden/Outside space
Sometimes more extensive work could be required with the view that the costs will be recouped when the property is sold.
When should I consider home staging?
Ideally it is best to consider home staging before you put your house on the market. However in most circumstances people resort to home staging once their house has had little or no interest and has been on the market for a while. In this case it is advisable to take your house off the market whilst home staging is done and return to the market a month or two later with the added WOW factor.
It takes time to prepare a house for sale so if you are considering selling your property think about staging before you call an estate agent.
Contact me to have a chat about how home staging could help you to sell your property.
