You have heard about all of the benefits of staging your home before selling and have decided that you are all in and want to get the best return on investment for your home sale. Congrats, your listening skills are about to pay off big time! The next decision is which is the best staging method for you?
It is March and the Northern Virginia Real Estate season is heating up along with the Spring temperatures outside! Today’s market can be challenging to navigate, but never fear, we have consulted the experts and are ready to share with you what we have learned and why home staging matters in 2024 more than ever before.
As we settle into 2024 and get back into our everyday lives, your New Year’s resolve may have diminished, and your resolutions may be distant memories at this point. You may have made a great start by setting those goals, and maybe even began working towards them. Then, suddenly, real life crashed in, and you realized that you don’t, in fact, have the time, energy, or motivation to conquer the world as you had envisioned during the early January optimism.
Many people are choosing LED lights for their homes these days, but many have no clue where to start when shopping for LED bulbs. We’ve got some great resources and tips for you to figure out just how you can light up your life with cool products that are available.
Proper lighting is essential to create ambiance and enhance online photos. We are consistently asked about what type of bulb to purchase. The way to go these days is definitely LED bulbs. BUT they can be so confusing to shop for when you are unfamiliar with LED terminology such as lumens. Kristie Barnett, the Decorologist, has a helpful guide to wade through the myriad of options in LED lighting and WHY you should replace the bulbs in your home. Read it here. There she delves into the color (temperature) of LED bulbs and she also breaks down the conversion of watts to lumens for the brightness level of a room.
Sufficient lighting can be a huge problem when a home was not built with overhead lighting into rooms. There may be a switch attached to an outlet in the room that you can use to turn on a lamp, but that switch could be inconveniently located. Or better yet, one lamp just may not put out enough light for the entire room. One of our lead stagers, Kim Jones, found a cost effective solution to this problem in her own home. In the video below she demonstrates how you can light up a room with new smart bulb technology even when you don’t have overhead lighting. Take a look:
Say no to dark rooms and turn on the lights! Lighting technology has come a long way in the past five years. There’s so many cool products out there that provide the right light no matter your problem or area. Better lighting can increase your mood and your productivity levels. AND its especially helpful to have sufficient lighting when selling your home!
COVID brought on a myriad of shortages for 2021. The shortage of homes for sale has caused the real estate market to just go a little crazy, to say the least. It’s definitely a sellers’ market with little inventory and over the top bidding wars. Many are scoffing at the idea of home staging in this market because they think buyers are desperate to find homes. While this is true, we have many examples and statistics as to why you may want to consider the small investment in home staging before listing your home in today’s market. There may be money left on the table if you don’t…
The shortage of inventory is causing record multiple offers above asking price on homes. But just because it’s a seller’s market, does that mean any home will sell for multiple offers above asking price? The short answer - no. If a home has not been updated in over a decade, do not expect it to compete in today’s “crazy over listing price” market. Yes, it may sell but it won’t bring in top dollar due to the sheer fact the buyer will calculate in all those updates that need to be done.
Pictures say a thousand words and in the real estate world it is the buyers’ first impression of any home. If your pictures don’t “wow” the client, it’s unlikely they will schedule a showing. If your pictures show years of neglect on updates, then you won’t see that high offer on day one. The buyer will simply move on to another home online.
Home sold in 2 days after staging!
According to the new 2021 survey from the National Association of Realtors®, eighty-two percent (82%) of buyer’s agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. If the buyer feels like it’s home, their desire for the house will drive their offer. This report also revealed that staging increased the sum buyers were willing to spend for a property. Twenty-three percent (23%) of buyers' agents said that home staging raised the dollar value offered between 1% and 5%, compared to similar homes on the market that hadn't been staged. Coincidentally, the same percentage of seller’s agents (23%) stated they received between 1% and 5% higher offers on home that had been staged. Let’s do the math on that, shall we:
Amounts are approximate depending on area you reside, size of home, and value of home. Home consultations are a service that provides you with a list of needed updates/repairs that the homeowner should consider. Full service staging is bringing in furniture for a vacant home. Both avenues give a nice return on investment.
So based on the math, you don’t lose money. You make back your investment plus gain an extra profit - the amount depends on your list price, and whether the home has been properly prepared.
Don’t sacrifice your proven, repeatable systems even in this strong sellers’ market. That includes professional photography AND staging. This sellers’ market will not last forever, and it’s important to show how you differentiate yourself and your listings from other Real Estate Agents.
Don’t forget that a home that sells for more also increases YOUR commission, in addition to adding to the equity in your sellers’ home.
If you are a homeowner and/or realtor in the Northern Virginia area, take a look at this video that Owner, Leigh Newport, made in February. She makes great points to support the reasons behind staging in a sellers’ market.
It stands to say that the small investment in home staging can bring in a nice return on investment (ROI). In the past we’ve always referred to home staging being less than your first price reduction. In today’s market, you’ve got to consider the amount of money you are leaving at the table by NOT staging. Go ahead - be the best house on the block!
Interested in more tips and advice about home staging? Porch.com has a great Q&A article from home stagers around the country (including our very own Leigh Newport!). Check it out here: Real Estate Photography, Home & Virtual Staging Q & A: Tips & Advice
If you need help being the best, book an online appointment with us and allow us to shine a spotlight on your home!
The Spring selling season is almost upon us. Are you ready? With limited inventory on the market, the home selling/buying process is moving very quickly. If you are needing to put your house on the market in a quick time-frame, we have come up with 5 things you need to do before listing. These are all very economical tasks you, as the homeowner, can do in a short time frame that will increase the salability of your home.
Our home revolves around our lives. Life gets messy - especially with kids. But when selling a home, let's edit some of the items we use on a daily basis. We don’t really need buyers seeing our every day lives spilled out on the countertops of our kitchens and bathrooms. AND buyers don’t really want to see evidence of someone else living in the home.
If you can't see it, you can't sell it. Draw attention to the focal points of the room and make sure you have have ample walking space from room to room. This may mean moving some furniture out into storage while your house is on the market.
We are talking Spring cleaning on steroids. Make sure to take into consideration things you don't normally think about on a regular basis like air vents, light fixtures and grout. Sometimes buyers can see past clutter but they can’t see past the cleanliness and condition of the home.
Adding a few inexpensive light touches makes a huge difference. New pillows always freshen up an old sofa. New white crisp bedding and towels give off that clean hotel appeal while adding style to a space.
Realtors spend several minutes at each home trying to open the lock box and get the key to the home. During this time buyers are analyzing ALL the details of the front exterior. First impressions are huge! Items you can tackle in this area include trimming those overgrown bushes, adding a fresh coat of paint to the front door, giving the flower beds a fresh appearance with new mulch, and planting seasonal flowers.
The market is definitely crazy right now and things are moving at a fast pace. These 5 things will put you in the right direction toward a quick listing date. If you are feeling overwhelmed or your house needs a little TLC before hitting the market, book a home staging consultation with us. We will give you a room by room priority list of what you can do to spruce up your space within your budget. We can shine a spotlight on your home!
It’s February and love is in the air. Did you know that when selling your home, you are essentially courting your buyers? Think about it as the most expensive first date you can imagine. Blow this first impression and you’ll have more than unreturned phone calls to deal with! So, how do you channel that first date anxiety into preparing your home for sale?
Pull out the proverbial full length mirror and prepare to be honest. You must scrutinize your home with a buyer’s eye. Stand in the doorway of each room and take pictures. This is what buyers will see online, where you have less than 3 seconds to grab their attention. Is there more furniture than open space? Does it look inviting? Your online presence is the first step to curb appeal.
Just as you would be selective with your fashion accessories, the same idea applies to your home. Pack up the knick-knacks, personal photos and breakables. Your goal is for the buyer to be able to envision themselves in your home, and de-personalizing and de-cluttering is key.
When selecting the look for your big night, determine your best feature and highlight it. Do the same in your home by creating a focal point in each room. Create a conversation area around it, or use it as inspiration for what colors or furnishings should remain in the room.
If you find that you’re still not sure where to begin, Professional Home Stager takes on the role of the trusted girlfriend; sharing your goals, being supportive, yet brutally honest when a complete makeover is needed. They can do as much or as little as you like. If it’s your furnishings that could prevent your home from looking it’s best, they offer accessories and furniture for rent, and provide much needed direction for what it will take to sell your home for more money in less time.
“Don’t trust everything you see, even salt looks like sugar.”
Remember when you were a kid and you would pull a prank on a friend by filling the sugar container with salt, or vice versa? Upon first look, the poor friend couldn’t tell the difference. It was once he poured it on something and took a bite to realize it wasn’t what he thought.
Virtual staging is a lot like salt. It looks like sugar and is so enticing but once a buyer goes into the home it turns into salt. It’s simply not as inviting as the pictures online promised. (Feel free to take a look at one of our previous posts, Can’t Beat the Real Thing Baby, to read more of our thoughts between virtual and professional home staging).
Recently, we had the opportunity to stage a home that was previously listed on the market using virtual staging. This home showed well online virtually staged (though not to scale) but buyers were disappointed once they walked in the door to this country home. They were anticipating sugar but got a spoonful of salt instead.
This home had been on the market for over 6 months vacant. Then they paid to have it virtually staged. It still did not result in a contract. They reached out to us and we staged the entire main floor plus basement. The home then sold in less than a month. Proof is in the pudding folks – professional home staging allows the buyer to FEEL like they could live in a space once they walk in the door.
For example, take a look at the comparison between the virtual and professional staging of the living room:
The virtual living room was not staged to scale. The plant in the niche by the stairs touches the chandelier. The ceiling height is also depicted as very low due to the placement of the sofa and art. Our professional staging photo (though at a slightly different angle) shows the ceiling being much higher due to the vertical art above the sofa. It also shows the space is larger by allowing a sofa and two end tables. The niche is also more to scale showcasing the beautiful chandelier with a small ottoman placed in that nook.
The bedroom that was virtually staged looked great online. But once you entered the room you probably would not feel like you were in the same space. It seems much larger online due to the virtual placement of furniture. The render makes the window behind the bed seem centered on the wall. In reality the window is not centered. In addition, roman shades were added as part of the virtual staging. Window treatments typically convey with the home, but these don’t even exist. Talk about bait and switch! We actually staged this bedroom with a different layout since the windows were not centered on the walls. We felt this opened up the space more in the room. If we would have placed the bed in the same spot as the virtual render, there would be no room for an end table beside it.
The basement virtual stage was a bit more realistic, however, the main flaw was the scale of the room. The virtual furniture created a much smaller space than in reality. Take a look at the comparison below and see how much space the sectional and ottoman take up compared to our sofa and large coffee table. This basement probably did not wow the buyer once they walked in and saw it empty and cold. Furniture breathes life in the basement!
This home is just one example of many out there who choose to virtual stage. Yes, it’s less expensive. Yes, it’s quicker. BUT salt does not make the chocolate chip cookie amazing – it’s the sugar.
Next time, skip the virtual staging and spend less time on the market by choosing professional home staging prior to listing. Give us a call or book online for a home staging consultation and learn how we can make your house into a home that will sell. Let us shine the spotlight on your listing.
First impressions never get a second chance! According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 93% of home buyers use online websites to search for their ideal new home. This means photography play a huge role in whether or not a buyer likes the home. And what is the first photo in a listing? Generally, it’s the exterior of the home. We have created a list of the best curb appeal ideas for any budget to ensure your home is picture perfect and generates a profitable first impression!
One of the first steps to a great first impression is cleaning the outside of the house. This can be done very simply with a good pressure wash. If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can easily rent one or hire a professional. Not only does the siding need to be cleaned all the way around the home but also the front porch area, deck and any walkways around the home. And don’t forget to clean those windows. And while you are at it, remove those screens altogether!
Plant some nice colorful flowers in your flower beds, front porch containers and/or window boxes. If it isn’t springtime, there are some great options that can last through tougher conditions like pansies and fresh greenery. To show off those new beautiful flowers and to present a clean landscape, we would also suggest a nice new layer of mulch in your beds around the front of the home.
As we have mentioned before, paint is money in a can! Consider sprucing up the front of the home by painting your front door, trim and/or shutters. This presents a clean finished look to the house and tells the buyer you take pride in the appearance of our home.
Make sure your house numbers are clearly visible and easy to read. This may seem silly but when a buyer is looking for your home you don’t want them to accidentally pass you buy because they simply can’t see your house numbers. If your numbers are in good condition, consider cleaning and/or giving them a spray paint to make them stand out. Otherwise, consider purchasing a new set of numbers to install.
If your porch lighting is outdated or rusted, replace it. Below are some very affordable options on Amazon. Before purchasing anything, make sure to pay attention to the size and shape of the base plate of your existing light fixture and buy accordingly. Another source of light that should be addressed are any lamp posts that may be in your front yard. Make sure the glass is clean, the bulb is bright and the paint is refreshed. Before addressing these lighting concerns, check with your HOA to make sure they do not have any stipulations as to what kind of light can be used on the exterior of the home or if they can repair lamp post if needed.
Adding a new doormat is an easy way to make your home inviting. Buyers spend quite a few minutes standing on the front porch waiting for the realtor to get the lockbox to open for the key. For these few minutes the only thing the buyer has to do is study your front door. Seeing a clean entry with a clean welcoming door mat is appealing to any buyer. You may also want to consider another rug just inside the home for buyers to step onto when entering the home and a place to take off their shoes.
If your mailbox has seen better days, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. If it’s beyond the paint cover-up, just replace it with a new one. Once again, you will need to check with your HOA if there are restrictions to what kind of mailbox can be used.
These quick updates can do wonders for your curb appeal. The goal is to draw buyers inside your home. Showing them you care enough about the outside tells them you care enough about the inside too. Remember, first impressions never get a second chance. Take that first step and book a home consultation online with us - we would love to shine the spotlight on your home and get it market ready!
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
This year’s spring market has turned into more of a summer market thanks to COVID-19. More buyers are listing their homes now that states have opened back up with social distancing protocols. Although inventory may be lower does not mean buyers will not be particular about the upkeep and condition of the home.
We have identified four design trends that are holding strong in real estate. With each of these trends, you can improve your home’s appearance with simple, low cost updates that will give you a great return on investment (ROI) and sell your home quicker.
Not sure how to approach these trends in your own home? Book your consultation today. We provide staging services for all of Northern Virginia for our in-person consultations, and can assist out of area clients via our Online Staging Consultations.
Buyers are still loving their neutral walls. We highlighted some beautiful no- fail wall colors in a previous post. Neutral walls give the sense of relief to a buyer when they walk in the home. It’s clean, it’s easy to live with and goes with any style. Buyers, on average, will offer $5000 less the cost of what it would cost you to have it painted. For example, it may cost you $3000 to have the main portion of the home painted, but the buyer will offer you $8000 less on asking price. Huge difference right?! We like to call it the “pain and suffering” penalty. Some colors just aren’t tolerable for buyers (ahem - we’re looking at you, red walls) and they don’t want to go through the pain and suffering of trying to get the walls painted before moving into the home. As a result, they offer FAR less.
We are seeing more and more light fixtures using a mix of metals. We are also noticing the metal on light fixtures doesn’t necessarily have to match the hardware on the cabinets. This is great as it offers flexibility with design choices. Light fixtures are such an inexpensive way to update your home and create a HUGE impact. They are the jewelry of the home. Builder grade light fixtures scream the fact you haven’t updated your home since you moved in 20 years ago.
Instead of spending tons of money replacing cabinets, think about painting your cabinets. BUT PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS YOURSELF - LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS. Painted cabinetry has been on trend for a couple of years now and is still holding steady in today’s market. Islands are often painted a different color to set them apart and to add interest. If your cabinets are in great shape other than the finish, painting is a low cost way to create an updated feel to the home. Buyers will notice when a bad job has been done so please don’t try this as a weekend DIY project. When done correctly they will bring much added value to your home.
Vinyl has come a long way, baby. A great way to update your flooring (particularly outdated tile) is to install luxury vinyl tile or planks - also known as LVT or LVP. The planks give the look and feel of wood floors without the upkeep of wood floors (so Fido can run all he wants on this flooring with no scratches left behind). This flooring is also an excellent choice for basements, as it can tolerate water better than wood or carpet in case there happens to be an accidental flood. This flooring is becoming more prevalent in today’s homes. It updates the home and gives the look and feel of tile or wood without the maintenance and upkeep.
Small, inexpensive updates can give a huge return. These four investments will give you a substantial return on investment (ROI) no matter where you live. Buyers want homes that look updated and feel updated, and these four design trends will be noticed immediately when walking into a perspective home. We stage, on average, 500 homes a year and these four items are on our list for 90% of the homes we stage. If you need help getting your home market ready, let us help. We can do virtual consultations no matter where you live. We strive to offer the best advice with low cost updates to give you the maximum return on investment.
Book your online consultation today and let us shine the spotlight on your home.
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
Real estate doesn't stop because of a global pandemic. Clients need to sell regardless based on circumstances prior to the coronavirus outbreak. Whether it's during this crazy time or just a normal day outside of coronavirus mania, we thought it might be handy to supply you with a basic staging toolkit for realtors that can help prepare a house for sell when professional staging is not an option. (Click on pictures below to purchase straight from Amazon)
The finishing touches really do count when transforming a house to a home. The same is considered when staging a home to sell. There are little things you as realtors can keep on hand to assist in staging a property and making that buyer feel like that house is home.
First impressions are a must. Buyers on average make up their mind if they like a house within the first 15 seconds of entering a home. Why not make the most of those first few seconds by placing new clean mats at both the exterior and interior entrance?
Who doesn't love a brand new towel?? White towels are a must. They scream crisp and clean and go with every type of decor. We like to place towels on every towel bar in every bathroom to soften it as most bathrooms come across as cold and empty. And don't rule out a good gray towel if your bathroom has a lot of white in the hard surfaces. This will bring a pop of color to the bathroom but still keep it neutral..
Shower curtains also add to the softening of a bathroom. White shower curtains, again, shout crisp and clean and they go with all decor. We've also recommended a fun ombre one as well to bring in that ever-so-popular gray.
Bedding
White bedding gives a bed that hotel feel. Are you sensing our crisp and clean theme?? It's simple, neutral and creates a wonderful focal point for professional photos. Gray is also a great neutral backdrop if the room is light in color. Used together, you can fold one at bottom to create a nice layering of textiles that feel like luxury and comfort. And don't forget that white bed skirt if needed!
Lighting is key to showing a home. Not only do we suggest using the highest wattage, non-energy efficient light bulb you can, but we also suggest layering lighting with lamps in darker areas. This will help buyers see the house better at night and on darker, cloudier days. Here's some great lamps to keep on hand that will never lose trend and will work with almost every style.
We hope this staging toolkit for realtors will be helpful to add some light touches to your properties. We are always available if you need to call in the big guns - we are still staging vacant homes using all the necessary precautions to keep your client and ourselves safe from COVID-19. Feel free to give us a call (703-552-4545) or book a virtual home consultation online and we will be happy to partner with you to SHINE a SPOTLIGHT on your home.
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
INTRODUCING......online virtual consultations! The effects of the coronavirus epidemic have affected all of us. As we all practice social distancing, we here at Staged by Design® will continue to offer our services utilizing online virtual consultations. We know some our clients still have a need to sell homes regardless of what's going on in the world. Here's owner, Leigh Newport, with more on this new service:
https://youtu.be/CyvQadvibO8
If you would like to learn more about our consultation process, please refer to our blog post on Home Consultations: Friend or Foe.We do our best to provide recommendations that will increase your return on investment and we have a proven track record to prove it.
To setup your online virtual consultation, visit our website and schedule today. We would love to partner with you and shine a spotlight on your home!
Why is it that most of us feel the need to apologize for the condition of our home? Our homes are meant to be lived in - it's ok. However, living in your home is MUCH different than selling your home. Are home staging consultations meant to scare you or help you? They are most definitely there to help you maximize your home's return on investment.
Home staging consultations are a two hour visit that allows you to see your home through the eyes of the buyer. The goal of our consultation visit is to provide you with recommendations that are allgeared towards maximizing your return on investment for selling your home. It is also target marketing. We want your house to visually look good online so that it will attract buyers to come visit. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that 44% of buyers start their home search online and 98% of buyers frequently use the web to search for homes. In this internet age, real estate agents are suggesting home staging as a strategy to “wow” virtual viewers from the very first picture.
Our consultations provide you with an exhaustive list that covers each room of the home. No matter how overwhelming it may seem, we break it down into bits and pieces to provide you with a priority list. Ultimately, it's your money and your budget and you may not be able to do all of our suggestions. Having a priority list will let you know where you will get the most return if updates are made. Our two hour consultations come with a detailed report before our departure and cover areas such as:
curb appeal
specific de-cluttering advice
furniture placement
accessorizing using existing furnishings
recommendations and/or options for furniture, artwork or accessories needed, but not present in the home
deferred maintenance issues
specific paint color recommendations as needed
updating and/or upgrading suggestions such as countertops, cabinets, lighting, carpet, etc.
specific lighting suggestions complete with links to local shopping venues
So the next question is, what do you need to do before we come for a consultation? Absolutely nothing! Take a look at Leigh's video to hear her explain.
https://youtu.be/5BPntENjyIM
Are you a real estate agent or homeowner selling a home that needs a little TLC? You don’t need to spend a lot of money to achieve an upscale look. Let us help you select on-trend, cost effective options, geared towards maximizing your return on investment. Take a look at some of our work and give us a call or schedule an appointment online for a home consultation. We would be happy to partner with you and shine a spotlight on your home.
Selling your Northern Virginia home during the holidays is not ideal but sometimes can't be avoided. The decision to decorate for the holidays when selling a house is always difficult. Should you put a tree up? Should you put outside lights on the house? Should you just skip Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah all together? It can be more stress on top of what is already a stressful time of the year for most.
The good thing about selling your home during the holidays is that most buyers are serious. Those that are house shopping NEED to purchase, which is good. Historically, there are fewer homes on the market as well, which also works in your favor. However, the need for proper presentation is still key, no matter what time of year you are listing.
Just as personal belongings tend to distract buyers, your seasonal decorating can serve to be a distraction, however you don't have to ditch ALL your holiday decorating traditions. Here are 10 tips on how to navigate staging your home to sell during the holidays.
#1: Clean and declutter.
This is your first step to selling your home any time of the year. Decluttering your home before bringing out any holiday decorations is a must, or you risk your seasonal decor simply adding to the clutter that already exists.
#2: WAIT to decorate until AFTER your professional photos have been taken.
Your photos are the first thing a buyer sees and you don’t want them to see a Christmas tree in your photos in February if your house didn’t sell quickly.
#3: KISS – Keep it simple silly!
Whatever you use to decorate – keep everything simple. Display a few classic pieces instead of every heirloom family favorite. Your tree should be simple and able to fit the space. Larger trees for large rooms and slim trees for smaller spaces. If you use a real tree – make sure to daily pick up fallen needles.
#4: Use seasonal greenery.
Deck the halls with fresh garland and use a fresh evergreen wreath to adorn your front door. Greenery is traditional and simple and adds a great smell to the home.
#5: Don’t display your Christmas cards
We all love those cards we receive from family and friends. However, this can be like personal photos and create a distraction as well as provide visual disruption, no matter how you decide to display.
#6: Wrap up a few empty boxes under the tree.
This creates a finished look without causing stressing about someone stealing your actual gifts. Place your gifts under the tree when your family celebrates.
#7: Put away religious symbols.
No nativity scenes, menorahs, nutcrackers, etc. The goal is to allow anyone to envision themselves living in YOUR home, regardless of their personal beliefs. Best to keep those packed away for next year in your new house.
#8: Use white lights.
White lights are simple and elegant and do not distract or make a room crazy. If you have to string extension cords all over the house to use lights, then just avoid them altogether. You don’t want to allude to the fact there is not sufficient outlets in the home.
#9: Use simple ornaments.
Back to the "keep it simple" in tip #3. Instead of trimming your tree with your family's homemade ornaments, use simple, streamlined ornaments in the same color. This will make your tree less of a distraction and more of a part of the home for the holidays.
#10: Curb appeal
Use lights on the exterior of the home only to highlight a feature such as a great tree in the front yard or the architecture of the house. If everyone in the neighborhood lights up their house, don’t be the neighborhood grinch and shy away from the flair of the neighborhood. But in the same sense, don’t be the Griswolds of the neighborhood – remember to keep it simple and stay away from excessive lights and inflatable yard décor. AND one last thing - always make sure to clear away any snow or ice from the driveway and or sidewalks to make your house presentable and accessible.
You don’t have to skip the holidays just because your house is on the market. Following our home staging tips can help you enjoy the holidays while minimizing the stress. And who knows, you may just wake up Christmas morning with an offer!
Need additional help deciding how to prepare your Northern Virginia home for sale? We offer both interior redesign consultations for those staying in their home, and staging consultations to help get your home show ready.
Technology is in every area of our lives. Real estate is no exception. Buyers can “shop” for homes anywhere they have WiFi. And based off what they see online, they develop a list of potential homes they want to visit. Home staging has benefited sellers by creating beautiful spaces for beautiful online photographs. Buyers are not only looking for a new house but they are visualizing a home when they shop. According to the National Realtor Association, 44% of agents feel staging increases the dollar value offered for a home and 53% say staging decreases the amount of time a home is on the market. So if staging is so beneficial – which is better – virtual or professional home staging?
First let’s address - what is virtual staging? Virtual staging is the process of using software to enhance photos of an empty home.
BUT in reality – the house is still an empty box.
Professional home staging makes a connection between the home and the buyer. From start to finish, professional staging caters to the demographics of the buyer and furnishes the home with that in mind. Professional home stagers also use design principles to space plan accordingly to the design of the house. When buyers walk into a home they need to visualize the space for their needs. Seeing a home is also an emotional experience for a buyer. The feeling a buyer gets when walking into a home is a clear directive as to whether they love the home or not.
Professional home staging may be a little more expensive upfront but it’s proven track record of selling homes faster can’t be beat. Virtual staging is a risk. We have encountered countless clients who have started with virtual staging, then a price reduction and finally end up coming to us for professional home staging. Once our work is done, the house sells quickly but it cost the seller more time and money in the long run. All of this could have been avoided if a little more money up front were given to professional staging and the home could have sold for top dollar. You can’t beat the real thing. Professional home staging works.
If you are wanting to sell your home fast, give us a call for a home staging consultation. Or simply click here for our online scheduling form. We want to give you the real deal for real results!
You may wonder why it would be beneficial to stage your home or listing in a HOT market. Statistics show us that the average Days on Market for Loudoun County was 22 as of May 2019. Reduced inventory has continued to increase demand over the past year, and sales prices along with it.
Many sellers may feel that their house will sell even if they are in need of cosmetic repairs and/or updates. While your home may still sell in a strong market, proper preparation and presentation increases demand by providing compelling online photos and can often create a bidding war.
Staging is truly targeted marketing. We utilize photo styling tacticts to create compelling online photos. Over 90% of buyers shop online before stepping foot inside the door of the house. With polished professional photos, a well-designed, de-cluttered home creates that online interest needed to urge buyers to see the home in person.
Staging also allows a buyer to visualize themselves and their family in the home. Most people have a hard time arranging and designing their homes. By having it staged, they can instantly see how spaces are used, gain ideas, and acquire a sense of home when they walk in the door. Appealing to the emotion of the buyer is one of the most important benefits of staging your home for sale.
Realtors have a fiduciary responsibility to help their clients sell their homes for the most amount of money. The National Association of Realtors cites that staged homes can increase sales prices by 5-10%. In any kind of market, consider sharing one tool they can use to get more money for their home - STAGING!
Staged by Design offers consultations for occupied homes, as well as full staging for vacant homes. Feel free to contact us for your staging needs!
