According to Forbes magazine a first impression is made in about seven seconds. In the real estate industry that can make or break a potential sale. Home staging is a highly effective step-by-step process that minimizes homes’ weaknesses and highlights their strengths. This step-by-step process results in great first impressions for potential buyers!

Home staging begins with “curb-appeal”. Adding fresh paint, manicuring the lawn, and adding colorful flowers are just a few ways to create an inviting home and inspire buyers. The condition and appeal of the exterior of the home is extremely important! This is because it is the first chance to make a great impression on perspective buyers.

After enhancing the features of the home’s exterior, the interior spaces are prepared for sale with a special emphasis on presentation and appearance. Unlike Interior Design, staging actually removes taste specific decor from the home. The homeowner’s belongings are carefully edited and minimized. Color schemes are neutralized and decors are updated to appeal to a broader range of today’s buyers. Home staging uses many steps and methods proven to be effective to accomplish the goal of creating a home with a universal style where potential buyers can eagerly envision living.

Statistics tell us that staged homes sell faster and for higher prices than non-staged homes. Consider one month of mortgage payment, utilities, insurance and property taxes multiplied by the potential number of months spent on the market. Many homeowners are willing to reduce the price of their home 10%, 20% or more, yet the average cost for home staging is a fraction of the cost.

Staging solves common dilemmas, clutter amongst them, and employs tricks to maximize a home’s assets.
According to one report, staged homes sell up to five times faster than their non-staged counterparts. (Wall street Journal April 2011)

The U.S. Urban Housing and Development reports that a staged home will sell, on average, for 17% higher than a non-staged home.

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR), reports that the average staging investment of between 1 and 3 percent of your home’s asking price may generate a return of 8 to 10 percent.

Nation-wide average number of days on the market for staged homes is 40.5 as opposed to non-staged homes on the market for 263 days.
(Real Estate Staging Statistic Report 2010)

In a 2011 Home Gain Survey of 2000 Realtors®, it was reported that sellers who invested in staging services for their home, recovered 299% of the cost of staging in the sale of their home. (Home Gain Study 2011)

Refer to the attached “THE CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE STAGING™” for more information.