Many homeowners are wondering if home staging is worth the cost. Staging a house can be expensive, and it’s not always clear why all of these costs are necessary when you could just sell your home as-is.
Staging helps to make your house look more appealing by making it appear larger, cleaner, or better cared for than it actually is. Staged homes also help to draw in buyers who might have otherwise overlooked them because they don’t like the outside appearance of the property.
Staging is something that many people are not aware of but can make a world of difference in how quickly your home sells. Staging can be done by an interior designer or you can do it yourself. Home staging costs vary depending on who does it and what they use to stage the house. We will give you tips and tricks to save money while still making sure your home looks its best!
Is home staging worth it?
Several different studies have determined that staging your home is usually a worthwhile investment.
According to a recent study report by the NAR, buyers were willing to raise the dollar value offered between 1% and 5% on staged homes, compared to non-staged homes. Buyers agents also revealed staging helped the buyers visualize them selfs in the home. Staged homes are also less likely to get price reductions. Staging does not add value when it comes time for the homeowner to sell but can increase the speed at which they do so and increase how much money is offered on their house, according to a study by Remodeling Magazine.
Is Staging Worth It? Yes!
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one size fits all answer as to whether staging is worth it for you or not. Any form of staging by you or a professional will increase the likeliness that your home sells faster and for more money.
How does staging work?
Home staging is usually done by a professional staging company that serves sellers when selling their homes. Staging takes on an emotional approach that emphasizes the value of your home to buyers by making it look larger, cleaner, and better-taken care of.
Staging can be done with a variety of different items ranging from furniture appliances, plants and can even include cars.
If you planning on selling your home and would like to hire a professional to help you, you should first perform a deep clean and declutter. Another option is to have your house professionally cleaned before letting in-home stagers. Your design professional will have an easier time evaluating the space and determining the best use of it.
Your staging professional will first have a consultation with you to discuss your home, needs, and design preferences. Stagers will then walk around the house with their client in order to best determine how to make it look bigger while also making sure furniture placement encourages buyers’ views of different rooms.
Staging companies will usually need only a few weeks to make your home look its best. We would recommend meeting with at least two stagers at least a month before listing. Stagers usually charge for time staged, make sure you know when your listing photos are and when the listing will go live, and coordinate with the stagers.
Who pays for staging?
Who pays for staging? Staging is usually paid for by the seller but may be negotiated between real estate agents and clients. Staging is usually something that you need to pay for if you are selling your home through a real estate agency. You could decide to stage yourself or consult with your real estate for other options.
Stagers will often provide different plan options and can also work with the homeowner’s budget in order to make sure staging meets their needs while staying within their means. Stagers will usually do their best to keep costs down while still making sure the home looks its absolute best. Staging is often seen as a luxury item but can actually help save you money and time in your selling process.
Stagers typically charge by the hour or square footage of space staged so be sure to ask your Stager about their prices and what is included. Some Stagers may also provide a flat fee for different sized homes or properties to help make the process easier.
How much does home staging cost?
The average cost of a home staging in Chicago is $1,500, but fully staged homes can be over $2,200 and above depending on staging, home size, and time.
Stagers can also charge by the hour if you would like to hire for a consultation. You can expect anywhere from $150-$500 per hr. Fully furnished large homes can be $6,000 a month and above. Stagers can also offer flat rates if you have a small home. Staging companies usually charge $35-$100 per room for staging by the hour or square footage, in addition to delivery and pick-up costs (if necessary).
Homeowners should expect staging fees to be around 30-50% of what they would spend on furniture but it is important to remember that Stagers are experts and will be able to make your home look its best.
How to save on home staging?
Use Used furniture
Staging items are usually an afterthought. Stagers may use furniture from local thrift stores or Craigslist at a lower cost. Consider shopping for used furniture if you have an old couch or old furniture piece, but still, make sure that everything is cohesive with the design of your home. You know your style best – keep it consistent!
Don’t Over Fix the fixer-upper
When performing small repairs I have often felt it’s also easy to keep peeling back layers. If you cant remove wallpaper, consider painting. If the bathroom floor needs replacing, don’t continue with replacing the vanity. This goes back to defining your priorities and sticking with them. You should decide what needs immediate attention and what is not as important. Remember deep cleaning and decluttering is a priory, don’t skimp out on it.
Hire a Consultant
If a fully furnished home is not an option. Hiring an advisor or consultant might fit the bill. An interior designer can use your own furniture and decore to rearrange your home to appeal to the right buyer. Also, consult with your realtor, they will be able to point out eyesores that a buyer might be turned off by.
Virtual Stage
Virtual staging has been around for a while, however today you can find high-quality staged images that really help the buyer through the door. Staging a home using professional photography, video tours, and floor plans will help your home shine. Realtors can also work with local photographers or companies that offer virtual staging for a lot less than a fully furnished home.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to sell your home in the Chicago or Naperville area, don’t worry about whether or not it’s worth staging. Staging a home for sale can make all of the difference when listing and attracting potential buyers; it also saves time by allowing you to focus on other things like deep cleaning and decluttering. Stagers will usually do their best to keep costs down while still making sure that your house looks its absolute best before putting it out there on the market.
Have Questions? Ask The Velasco Reynolds Team!
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