In the real estate industry right now, whether or an agent or seller, we are all searching for the magic tool to get properties sold or rented. Realistically we know there is no magic potion but we need to go the extra 150% to get owners the most $$ for their home. We know two of the main reasons a home is “saleable”/”rentable” is based on price and condition. As an agent we lack total control to have much leeway in pricing if that is what the market’s comps valuation tells us. But we are in control of the property’s condition and presentation. Thereby making our marketing of the property beneficial and successful.

As human beings we react in many instances on emotion and the way something makes us feel. How many times have you shown a property and your buyer or renter walked in and “just knows it’s the one.” It’s an immediate “fall in love” when they find the “one.” The same holds true with their home purchase.

How many times have we seen pictures in the MLS that look dreadful? We wonder how the listing agent would allow a property that is not in “showing condition” to be presented in such a poor light to the public. We also know as agents that we skip showing those listings if we have not had the time to preview it prior to taking out our prospects. The same holds true to potential buyers and renters who see these pictures during their internet search. Immediately skipping over the property and listing loses the chance of anyone previewing it in person.

BEFORE

AFTER

I attended an event in South Florida by the Members of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP), South Florida Chapter in conjunction with the International Association of Home Staging Professionals Foundation. The “Competitive Edge” Real Estate Event featured a panel of real estate experts, top industry leaders and a keynote speaker from the Home Staging Industry. In the market right now studies have shown that homes staged for sale by an Accredited Staging Professionals sell on average in 33 days or less. This is compared to Today’s market of non-staged homes selling on average of 196 days or longer. Why are these Staged homes selling so quickly and how costly is it for a seller to have their home staged?

Staging is not expensive designing and decorating as we all might assume. Staging is not just reserved for luxury and estate homes. Staging is not just for homes for sale. Many rental homes are perfect prospects to be staged. Staging is setting up a home to make it “de-personalized,” “sellable,” or “rentable.” So many buyers/renters are turned off to prospective homes due to minor items/inexpensive/quick fixes that could have been rectified with staging. The seller loses months on the market, consistent reductions in pricing and possibly selling/renting their home at all. Staging seems to be “a must” right now if you want your listing to stand out and get ahead of the competition in such a challenging market. Can’t afford it? Think again. You and the owner can’t afford not to. Staging can consist of only the basic services included in a consultation, ranging from $300-$500. Depending on whether a seller wants to have someone do the legwork the price would increase from there.

Can you pass up the opportunity to “gamble” on NOT placing your home in a higher percentage chance of selling in the first 33 days or less for $500 or less without losing money due to months stagnant on the market or price reductions?

You do the math.