Why your Real Estate Agent will thank you for staging your property
Staging your property before listing it on the market is one of the very best ways to make a positive impression on your potential buyers. Real Estate Professionals love it when sellers take the time to stage their homes because it helps showcase the property in its best light. A well-staged home highlights the space, makes it feel inviting, and allows buyers to imagine themselves living there. With carefully chosen furniture, decor, and strategic room layouts, staging transforms a property from just a house into a home. This not only attracts more potential buyers but also leads to quicker sales and, in many cases, higher offers.
Your Real Estate Agent will also appreciate the fact that staged homes tend to photograph much better, which is essential in today’s digital age. The majority of buyers begin their home search online, and having professional-looking photos of your property can make a huge difference in how it stands out. When buyers are scrolling through listings, they’re likely to skip over homes that appear cluttered or poorly presented. Staging elevates the overall aesthetic of the home, ensuring that your listing captures attention and generates more interest. This increased interest translates to more buyers at inspections, and ultimately better chances of selling quickly.
Finally, staging helps create a competitive edge in the marketplace. In a crowded market, homes that are staged often sell faster and for higher prices than their non-staged counterparts. Real Estate Agents understand that this gives them a valuable tool to help their clients stand out from the competition. By offering staging as a service or recommending it to sellers, Agents are more likely to secure a sale that both they and their clients will be happy with. Ultimately, staging is a win-win situation, making both the selling process smoother and the outcome more successful for everyone involved.
6 Key Steps in Property Styling
It all begins with an idea.
Staging a home for sale involves several key steps to ensure it appeals to potential buyers:
Declutter and Depersonalize: Remove personal items and excess clutter to create a neutral space that allows buyers to envision themselves living in the home.
Clean and Repair: Thoroughly clean every room and address any minor repairs or maintenance issues to present the property in the best possible condition.
Enhance Curb Appeal: Improve the exterior of the home by tidying up the landscaping, painting the front door, and ensuring the exterior is inviting.
Neutralise and Modernize: Paint walls in neutral colors and update outdated fixtures or decor to create a fresh, modern look that appeals to a wide audience.
Strategically Furnish and Decorate: Arrange furniture and decor to highlight the home’s strengths and make spaces appear larger and more functional.
Professional Photography: Capture high-quality photos of the staged home to showcase its features and attract potential buyers through online listings and marketing materials.
These steps help ensure that a home is presented in its best light, increasing its marketability and appeal.
The Impact of Staging on Sale Prices
Professional property staging has become a widely recognised strategy in real estate, aimed at enhancing a property’s appeal and accelerating the sale process.
Numerous studies and industry reports indicate that professional property staging can significantly increase a property's sale price. In Australia, research conducted by the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and other industry experts reveals compelling data:
Average Increase: According to a 2023 study by the Property Styling Association of Australia (PSAA), properties that were professionally staged sold for an average of 10% to 15% more than their non-staged counterparts. This increase is attributed to enhanced visual appeal and a more appealing presentation that resonates with buyers.
Faster Sales: Staged homes not only achieve higher sale prices but also tend to sell more quickly. The same PSAA report found that staged properties sold up to 50% faster than non-staged homes. The quicker sale can further influence the final sale price, as reduced time on the market often minimizes the likelihood of price reductions.
Return on Investment: On average, the cost of professional staging in Australia ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. However, the return on this investment is substantial. The REIA notes that for every dollar spent on staging, homeowners can expect to see an average return of $2 to $3 in increased sale price, reflecting a strong positive correlation between staging investment and sale outcomes.
Professional property staging offers a significant financial advantage in the Australian real estate market. By investing in staging, homeowners can potentially increase their property’s sale price by 10% to 15% and achieve faster sales. This practice not only enhances the property's marketability but also provides a substantial return on investment, making it a strategic choice for sellers aiming to maximize their financial outcomes.