Many military home sellers know about the concept of home staging, but don’t necessarily investigate it, believing that it's too expensive or not intended for a property like theirs. Military home buyers consider home staging even less than sellers do because they think it doesn't impact their purchase at all.
However, home staging is a powerful technique that truly benefits both the seller and buyer in several ways. Staging is often confused with home decorating, but when done correctly, it provides an extra boost of marketing power for sellers and multiple convenience factors for home buyers.
At first thought, the home staging industry seems to be in business to specifically earn the seller the most money for their property. Although staging will most likely increase the sale price, home buyers also have much to gain from purchasing a staged home. Take a look.
The Home Is Move-In Ready
The term "move-in ready" is a multi-layered concept. Not only does it imply that no major house renovations are necessary, but it also suggests buyers may simply unpack and enjoy. For buyers who may have peaked financially during the sale process, the prospect of a staged home offers the perk of move-in ready condition without the extra costs beyond the bottom line of the sales contract.
Remember, a buyer’s agent works hard to meet their client's needs. The National Association of Realtors’ 2023 Home Staging Profile notes that 83% of buyers’ agents reported that their clients said home staging affected most buyers’ views of the home “most of the time.”
A thorough staging process tackles many of the small projects a new owner frequently tries to avoid or waives off until a more convenient time. From nuisance items such as a leaky faucet to decorating overhauls that include neutral paint throughout and new hardwood flooring, many handyman and DIY projects are completed during the staging process, saving the buyer time and aggravation.
Photo from Canva
Buyers who have a difficult timeline and prefer to avoid the back-and-forth of concession negotiations or who’d rather pay for updates as part of the sale are more willing to offer the asking price, and more. The term move-in ready also takes into account the outside curb appeal. The appearance of a well-maintained home gives buyers some peace of mind regarding the proper care of the house in the past.
It’s not uncommon for a buyer to be intimidated by a vacant home. The thought of furnishing a new, empty house is overwhelming. Carefully placing furniture to achieve the perfect traffic flow or accenting the house's best features isn’t a skill that comes naturally to most home shoppers.
Professional stagers outfit empty spaces to attract buyers who prefer the guidance. Staging simply showcases the potential the house already has. This concept also holds true for a furnished home. Skilled stagers show off the best features with existing furniture and décor. Something as simple as highlighting a fireplace in December could seal the deal for a buyer.
Photo from Canva
How Home Sellers Benefit from Home Staging
It’s no secret that home sellers hope to sell their property as quickly as possible, and at the highest price point. The home staging industry has proven time and time again that staging is one of the most efficient strategies to include in an overall marketing campaign. Staging sells homes faster and for more money. Military home sellers who need a quick selling process due to a PCS find staging helpful in attracting larger buying pools in less time.
Start with the tips in our post, Learn the Secrets Home Stagers Use to Draw Buyers In.
For sellers unfamiliar with the benefits of home staging, the investment may not seem affordable. Consider this statistic. According to the NAR report above, in 2023, the median dollar value spent on home staging was $600. This is a bargain when the possibility of earning thousands more through home staging exists. However, for sellers who need further convincing, here are more examples of how sellers benefit from home staging.
Appearance Is Everything
The NAR profile says, “a median of 10 percent of respondents stated that buyers were disappointed by how homes looked compared to homes they saw on TV Shows.” This statistic reveals more than just the amount of disappointed buyers; it points to the high expectations sellers must meet to satisfy buyers who expect TV magic in each home they tour.
A well-staged home provides a large portion of the required marketing for a listed house, not only in preparation for traditional walk-through showings, but also because staged homes photograph far better than those without the extra polish that staging provides.
The home photos are showcased in print, but more importantly, online—which, of course, is the number one way buyers begin shopping for a new home. The first impression of “wow” photos is crucial because online shoppers have fleeting attention spans when it comes to a so-so-appearing house. A staged home makes an impression buyers don’t forget.
Although intended to attract buyers visually, home staging also helps the property maintain its overall value when it's time for the appraisal. By singling out the maintenance and updates needed and addressing those concerns, sellers improve or, at minimum, preserve the appraisal value.
An investment in home staging services saves sellers time and money. Staged homes spend less time on the market and regularly sell for more money than non-staged homes. Less time spent on the market alleviates the need for price reductions and the burden of carrying costs (mortgage payment, taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and repair).
Photo from Canva
Types of Staging
Home staging is not a one-size-fits-all industry. While basic staging tenets exist, such as deep cleaning, decluttering, and neutralizing, each property should be evaluated to implement the optimal staging to move the house off the market.
Most owners are involved with the initial phases of staging, as it saves time and money. Preparing the home by storing unnecessary furniture and an abundance of personal items is a strong start. Smaller DIY projects like drywall repair or landscaping also top the to-do list.
With a clean slate, a stager can transform the house into one that attracts a multitude of buyers, not just the ones with tastes similar to your aesthetics. Staged homes bring in more foot traffic than homes without because they’ve been expertly photographed and launched online for enthusiastic buyers to preview.
Read about the Most Important Updates and Repairs to Make Before Selling Your Home.
Home staging services vary from a simple consultation that compiles ideas and suggestions to reach your property’s maximum potential to full-service offerings that include rented furniture and a detailed plan to emphasize the house's best features.
It's important for homeowners who work with a stager to honestly answer questions about their budget and time commitment to the process. After the discussion, the stager will suggest the level of services best suited to the seller’s needs. Take a look at some standard home staging options.
Consultation and Assessment
A stager walks through the home and gives the owner feedback regarding issues that need addressing. The report typically includes the basics (cleaning) and more advanced staging techniques (paint colors and finishes), but you can negotiate for more in-depth information.
Targeted Staging
This type of staging provides a strong impact if attention is needed in a specific room. The most commonly staged rooms are living rooms, sleeping spaces, and the kitchen, so targeted staging could drastically improve one of these important selling features. Styling and potentially renting decorative items are part of the process.
Full-Service Staging
While it may come at a higher price point, this option showers the most attention on a property, potentially reinvigorating a house needing serious staging care. Full-service home stagers often manage outdated homes or homes decorated with particular aesthetics that few buyers can see beyond. Stagers also regularly treat vacant homes using full-service techniques.
Virtual Staging
This type of staging creates images from photographs of a home that allow buyers to envision what the rooms would look like in the future. The stager has not actually changed the house, but the renderings supply the imagination of buyers who desire professional guidance. Virtual staging is mainly used in vacant homes and occasionally for occupied homes.
Photo from Canva
Home Stagers and Real Estate Professionals Working Together
Home staging isn’t a luxury or a choice in some housing markets. Part of a real estate agent’s job is to help the owner make that decision. Today, many agents have the experience and training to handle the staging themselves, but may also choose to contract with professional home stagers.
Home buyers and sellers each benefit from a home stager’s skills in multiple ways. A professional who dedicates their time to the art and science of home staging and pays attention to detail enhances the home product. The finished and staged home entices buyers, which, in turn, pleases sellers.
Stagers also provide the intangibles that come with working in an industry based on relationships. They know quality contractors, painters, wholesalers, and a collection of vendors who have competitive pricing.
Need more information about the home buying and selling process? Head over and read the other posts on our blog. It's packed with real estate topics that cover buyers’ and sellers’ common questions.
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