about creating more space by cleaning clutter, removing objects and furniture, giving rooms a fresh and neutral color, and making necessary repairs. Replacing carpets and flooring is a common practice. The process may involve professional painting, deep-cleaning, furniture rental or placement of appropriate pieces of the seller’s furnishings, and continual maintenance. To minimize expense in home staging, you or your professional’s first step is going to be to do as much as possible with what you already have. The priciest items will probably come when making updates and repairs, inside or outside the house. Least expensive are the things the sellers are willing and able to do themselves—maximizing space by moving objects around and cleaning the house out. An important step is choosing accessories and furniture to dress up your newfound space, creating a welcoming and warm environment. Home staging makes prospective buyers see all the possibilities of purchasing the home and living in it. They need to be able to imagine their own lives taking place in each part of the home. Money spent on staging should not be considered a waste, but should be thought of as an investment or simply the cost of doing business, and it will be recovered when the property is sold. It will pay off in the long run when the home’s perceived value is boosted.
DOES HOME STAGING WORK?
According to the available information from the Real Estate Staging Association, properties that are professionally staged look more appealing and spend less time on the market by about 75%. They are most viewed by buyers as “well-maintained” and “must-see” houses, and subsequently sell at higher prices.
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