FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Home staging is on the rise in the real estate industry as one of the most effective marketing strategies for selling a home faster and for more money. However, if you’re new to the concept of home staging, you probably have a few questions you want answers for before you make a decision.
Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we receive about home staging. If you have any other questions not answered here, feel free to contact us. We're here to help you get Top Dollar for your home in any way we can!
What is home staging?
The goal of home staging is to transform a house so that it becomes infinitely more attractive to potential buyers, sells quickly and for more money. The home stager prepares the home for sale by highlighting its best features and accentuating them so that it stands out from the crowd. Home staging focuses on what the buyer will need to see and feel when they walk through a home to inspire them to make an offer right away.
Why choose Gold Medal Home Staging & Design?
Jackie Edwards, owner of Gold Medal Home Staging & Design says, "I'm a competitor by nature, having been an Olympian and professional athlete for over 15 years. I bring that same mentality to staging. I want my clients to have the BEST house on the block and sell for TOP dollar so I am going to make sure that I get the job done!"
What is the difference between home staging and decorating?
Home staging is about making a home appealing to the widest range of buyers possible while decorating focuses on a homeowner's personal style and taste. In home staging, color palettes are chosen so that buyers can imagine their own décor in its place rather than getting distracted by someone else’s. It is the home stager's job to enhance the marketability of the home.
Does home staging really work?
Several studies show that home staging helps homes sell faster and for more money than non-staged homes. Once staged, homes spend an average of 73% less time on the market and buyers are willing to spend 1% to 6% more of the dollar value on a staged home than a non-staged home. In the competitive housing market of today, home staging is one of the best marketing strategies at your disposal.
How do I know if I need home staging?
Every home can benefit from home staging to increase its appeal to buyers. Even the most beautifully decorated and organized homes can benefit from it because what makes a home appealing while it’s on the market is different from what makes it appealing while someone is living in it. Vacant homes really benefit from staging because buyers have a difficult time visualizing where to place their furniture or the best way to utilize a space. It's the reason why vacant homes sit on the market longer than even poorly furnished homes. Also, when a room is empty, buyers focus on all the negatives as oppose to the beautiful features of the home.
Where do I put my belongings during the time my home is staged?
There are two types of home staging - Occupied Home Staging and Vacant Home Staging. If you are still going to be living in your home while it is on the market, the home stager will incorporate your existing furniture and décor. If there are any items that do need to be removed, however, we recommend storing them in a storage unit, in the garage, or at a friend or family member’s home until you’re ready to move.
How much does home staging cost?
Home staging can fit any budget and you do not have to spend a fortune to stage your home for sale. While some investment is required, it can be minimal depending on your situation. Gold Medal Home Staging & Design offers a wide variety of services to fit your needs including everything from consultations where we provide you with a detailed staging report and you prepare the home yourself, to half-day, full-day and vacant home staging options. You also do not have to stage the entire home but experts agree that main living areas sell a home. We recommend focusing on formal living rooms, dining rooms, master bedrooms and family rooms. Additionally, you should address any room that the future homeowner may find challenging to furnish, including porches, patios, entryways, mud rooms, and any additions. The investment you make will come back to you when the home sells faster and for top dollar.
How do I choose the right home stager?
As home staging has proven its value in recent years, to ensure that you get the best results, do your research and choose a home stager that will deliver effective, personalized and professional service. Review their portfolio and interview them before making a final decision. Ask the home stager what kind of “Look” can you expect in the home and make sure the staging matches the “Luxury Level” of the home. Remember, you usually get what you pay for, especially in a vacant staged home.