Home Staging: Myths Vs. Facts

With the popularity of today's home staging shows, many people think they know all about home staging principles. Unfortunately, there are a lot of well intentioned homeowners who have been misinformed. Without any Mentos or Coke, staging myths are about to get BUSTED!

MYTH: I can stage my own house.
FACT: It is very difficult for homeowners to look at their own house objectively. Living in a house, one becomes accustomed to the sights, sounds, and smells of their environment. Asking a professional stager to evaluate your home will allow you to get a sneak peak at what buyers will be focusing on (the good, the bad, and the ugly).

Even though the general public has received their home staging training in one-hour television increments from Lisa LaPorta, it doesn't mean that they know how to stage a home. There is much more that goes into preparing a house for sale than what is shown on television.

MYTH: Home staging costs too much.
FACT: Home staging does cost, but it also pays! The average cost of a complete staging project is usually much less than your first price reduction. Statistically, homes that have been properly prepared for the market sell before a price reduction is needed. Can it get any better than this? Yes, it can... on the average, the rate of return for a staging project is around 120%; that means if you invest $1,000 in staging, you may receive $1,200 in return when your house is sold. There will be staging costs, but it costs more to not stage! (Statistics cited from www.stagedhomes.com, with permission).

MYTH: A decorated house is a staged house.
FACT: Decorating and staging are almost complete opposites. Decorating involves putting the existing home owner's tastes and styles into the house, making it personal. Staging involves taking one's personality out of the house, so the decor is neutral and appealing to the most amount of buyers. Stagers help you and your Realtor market your home as a product by using staging, design, and marketing principles.

MYTH: I will save time if I list my house first and then stage it if is doesn't sell.
FACT: Actually, it is best to have your house staged first and then have it listed. Think of the importance of first impressions. The greatest buzz about a house is generated when it is first listed. Referring again to real estate statistics, homes that have been staged first, then listed sell quicker than homes that where listed first, then staged. Results don't lie.

MYTH: Home staging is just a real estate fad.
FACT: Although new to the television circuit, home staging has actually been around since the 1970's. In some areas of the country it is as common as open houses. The central states are starting to recognize the value of a staged home, not because it is trendy, but because it works!

In this slow real estate market, staging your home is the smartest decision you can make to prepare your house for sale.

There is a popular saying in the real estate industry: "The worst thing that you can do when selling your home is... nothing." The sit-back-and-see-what-happens way of selling a house is long gone. Be proactive in the marketing of your house, stage your home!