Actually, it’s not.  Even amid low home inventory, multiple offers, and rising prices, staging is still important.   Over 80% of realtors say you should.    Those same experts say it can add 5-20% to the price you get for your home.  Staging doesn’t have to mean a complete makeover.  That’s not affordable or necessary.  

In our experience, here are a few things that can really make the difference.

1.  The obvious – declutter and organize.  That includes the closets (they should be at least 50% empty).  Put away personal items.  Buyers want to visualize this being their home (not yours).  So put away shampoo bottles in the bathroom, family photos, religious or cultural items–you get the picture.
2. Clean – Odors are deal killers (smoke, mildew, pets).  Clean and fresh are what people want to see and smell.  Febreze can be your friend.  Definitely don’t overdo it with candles.  Best trick before an open house- put a pot of water and cinnamon on the stove to boil before people arrive.
3. Light – no one likes a dark house.  Before an open house make sure all the lights are turned on. People don’t like to go into dark places (that includes basements and closets)!
4. Defined spaces – How will new homeowners use the space?  Buyers will be looking to answer questions in their mind about how they will use the space when touring your home. Where will I watch TV? Where will we eat all our meals? Where will I put my coat and shoes?  And importantly, these days…Where will I work?  Make sure your staging provides answers to all these questions 
5. Emotion.  Buyers can make a “No” decision within seconds.  Those decisions are emotional, not financial.  How does the home make them feel?  Comfortable and inviting or cramped and messy?  A few of the right personal type items can make all the difference…a book and pair of glasses on the coffee table, fuzzy slippers by the edge of the bed or even a bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen.  

Most realtors will tell you that buyers are now impacted by the “HGTV Effect”.  They expect to walk in and see beautifully staged homes just like on the TV shows.  We believe staging is important -but it doesn’t need to cost a fortune.  Most of the time it’s the small things that can really make a huge difference.

Photo by Francesca Tosolini