Myth Busting: The Six Myths
of Home Staging
Everyone knows a neighbor who’s resistant to hiring professionals for home projects. Like the one who insists on resealing his driveway only to redo it soon after. This same neighbor might harbor misconceptions about hiring a professional home stager.
Yet, professionals are trained experts. Their specific training enables them to perform tasks with a proficiency that comes from dedicated practice and learning.
Home staging, designed to captivate a broad audience of buyers, is no exception and has myths that need debunking.
Myth #1: Home stagers make you discard everything.
Reality: It’s a common misconception that home stagers will force homeowners to part with all their belongings. However, Certified UltimateStagers™ are professionals trained to capitalize on a property’s strengths. They don’t aim to make homes devoid of personality but rather focus on broad appeal.
The goal isn’t to create an impersonal environment but a relatable one. Personal items that may not resonate with a wider audience might need to be de-emphasized, but not necessarily discarded. A skillfully staged home ensures potential buyers can see themselves living there, making decluttering and neutral décor paramount.
Myth #2: Home staging equals home decorating.
Reality: While both home staging and decorating involve aesthetic enhancements, their objectives are markedly different. Home decorators curate spaces that reflect a homeowner’s personal taste and style.
In contrast, home stagers work to make a property appealing to a wide array of potential buyers. This involves strategic design choices to accentuate a home’s best features and present it in its most marketable light.
Myth #3: Anyone can stage a home.
Reality: The belief that home staging is merely rearranging furniture and adding a few decor items is a gross oversimplification. A Certified UltimateStager™ brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Their trained eye quickly identifies a property’s assets and knows how to enhance them, all while minimizing its drawbacks.
Furthermore, research indicates that professionally staged homes allow buyers to better visualize the property as their future residence. This visualization can be a crucial factor in swaying purchasing decisions.
Myth #4: Home staging is an unnecessary expense.
Reality: Some sellers are hesitant about the upfront cost of home staging, questioning its value. However, in reality, staging is an investment with proven returns. On average, sellers can anticipate a 390% return on their staging investment.
Additionally, staged properties tend to spend significantly less time on the market. The visual appeal of a professionally staged home translates to online listings as well, resulting in enhanced photographs that capture and retain buyer interest. This online appeal is often the first step in drawing potential buyers for physical viewings.
Myth #5: Staging is only for vacant homes.
Reality: A misconception is that only empty homes benefit from staging. In truth, whether a property is occupied or vacant, professional staging can work wonders. Home stagers adeptly transform spaces to paint a lifestyle picture that resonates with potential buyers. Their expertise ensures that each room is showcased to its maximum potential. By doing so, buyers are often captivated the moment they step through the door.
Myth #6: Home staging isn't necessary in a seller's market.
Reality: Some believe that in a hot real estate market, where demand outpaces supply, staging becomes redundant. However, even in such markets, staging can make the difference between a quick sale and one that lingers.
While buyers might be plentiful, they’re also discerning. A staged home can fetch a higher selling price compared to its un-staged counterparts. Plus, staging emphasizes the intended functionality of rooms, ensuring they appeal broadly and don’t rely on buyers’ imagination.
In conclusion, professional staging is an invaluable tool in the real estate realm. Beyond hastening sales and maximizing returns, it alleviates some of the inherent stresses of the selling process.
The myths surrounding home staging are just that – unfounded beliefs that, when debunked, highlight the undeniable merits of the profession.
