Home Staging FAQ: What You Need To Know

You may have heard that staging your home properly can make a big difference when you sell your house, but is it really worth your time and effort? Here are a few quick FAQs that can help you decide.

 

What Is Home Staging?

Staging is the process of arranging and decorating your house to highlight its best features and make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. It can range from simple touch-ups to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget. How Does It Help Me Sell My House? Studies show good staging ultimately helps your house sell faster and maybe for a higher price than an unstaged home (see visual right).

 

What Are My Staging Options?

The most common is leaning on your agent for their expert advice. They know what buyers like because they’re in showings all the time and hear that feedback firsthand. That expertise is crucial to getting your house market-ready. Full-service staging is another option if your house needs more hands-on attention. This is when you hire a staging professional or staging company to come in, make recommendations, and do the work for you. Going this route is more involved and that makes it more costly, too.

 

How Do I Know Which Option To Go With?

Your real estate agent will help determine what level of staging you need based on:

• Market Conditions: If the market is slower, going all in on staging can make your home more attractive to buyers. If the market is very active and homes are selling fast, you may be able to get by with doing less.

• Your Home’s Condition: If your house is vacant or has a unique layout, using a professional stager who can bring in the right furniture and accessories may help.

• Your Budget: If your budget is tight or your home only needs minor updates, your real estate agent can suggest simple DIY staging tips to help your home look its best.

 

Bottom Line

Staging your house properly can make it much more attractive to buyers, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s talk through what your home really needs to stand out and sell for top dollar.

Check out Wanda's Buyer Guide for more information. 

Buyer's First Impressions

Wanda Mooney is an Accredited Staging Professional with specialized training in preparing homes for sale. Buyers are most attracted to well-maintained, impeccably clean homes, and in today's competitive market, it's crucial to make your listing stand out. Staged properties typically sell faster and for a higher price. Wanda will collaborate with you to ensure your home is perfectly staged and ready to make a lasting impression before it hits the market.  

Need help organizing your move? Visit Wanda's area business page here for a comprehensive list of local services, including contractors, handymen, storage facilities, clean-out services, and more!

Here are some useful staging tips to help you get started.

Exterior: 

Most buyers drive by houses first before setting up showing appointments. Make sure the outside is always picked up and maintained. Here are a few recommendations.

• Make sure lawn is mowed, shrubs are trimmed, flowers are weeded and no debris is left outside.
• Add a container or two full of brightly colored flowers on the front step or porch.
• Clean up the entry way, and if necessary, apply a coat of paint.
• Clear the entry hall of toys and any items that will give it a cluttered look.
• Keep garage doors closed and if possible, driveway clear of cars.
• Make sure damaged shingles and any roof repairs have been completed.
• Keep walkways and steps clear of obstructions and sweep. 
• Eliminate any cobwebs or dirt around doorway, windows or light fixtures.
• Repair any peeling paint and loose caulking, paint where needed.
• Replace screens if ripped or rusted.
• If you have pets, make sure their waste is picked up.
• Tidy up the garage and show off its size.
• Step back and take a look - Make sure things look clean!

Interior:

You want buyers to be just as impressed with the inside as they are with the outside. Taking the time to make sure your house is ready to show is worth the extra effort.

• The best thing you can do for the inside is remove the clutter. 
• Crowded rooms look smaller, put excess furniture in storage.
• Kitchen and bathroom counters should be clear and cabinets cleaned.
• Make sure you remove everything that is displayed on your refrigerator.
• Closets and cupboards will be opened. Make sure they are neat.
• Wash your windows, repair any cracked windowpanes.
• Fix dripping faucets and replace any burned-out light bulbs.
• Repair any holes or cracks in walls. A fresh cost of neutral paint makes a big impact.
• If needed, replace electrical outlet and switch covers. It will give it a fresh look.
• Paint baseboard heaters if look rusted or worn.
• Make bathroom sparkle. Replace or clean grout around the tub and sink. Hang fresh new towels and a shower curtain.
• Clean and brighten the basement with light color paint and large wattage bulbs.
• Consider hiring a cleaning company to go through the house, wash floors and clean carpets.
• If possible, remove your pets and make sure their beds and dishes are put away and vacuum thoroughly.
• Prior to a showing make sure you turn on all the lights especially in the basement and attic and dark areas of the home.  

 

If you're thinking about selling and would like to learn more about Wanda's comprehensive marketing strategy, contact her at 413-768-9848 or email hello@wandamooney.com. You can view her recent sales here: Wanda's Recent Sales and learn more about her credentials here: Wanda's Accomplishments.

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog, or feel free to contact Wanda for professional real estate assistance.