Attention REALTORS do you know how to use Home Staging properly?

It has come to my attention that many real estate agents do not really know how home staging can benefit them especially if the market is considered a "sellers" market where homes are not having a problem getting the SOLD sign up quickly.

"98% of Realtors perceive staging as having value, yet only 20% use it."

So why is that? let's discuss the importance of staging no matter what market and how you can use staging from a professional to make you money....

HOT markets

In a market like this home buyers buy the home that they are attracted to the most and FAST. They even sometimes put in offers OVER asking price to ensure that they get that home over anyone else. Now if someone is willing to pay OVER asking price for a home in the first place they why bother staging it?

Home staging does not cost a lot to provide for your clients with most companies in Ottawa you'll be looking to pay around $200 for a 2hr consultation. With home staginging we are appealing to the most amount of buyers in the least amount of time. When we appeal to the most amount of people in a sellers market this will stimulate the likelihood of a bidding war which is where you and your client can make a large profit on their home. I have never walked into a home and said this is so perfect it does not need to be staged! EVERY single home needs some sort of tweaking here and there whether its moving furniture to improve on traffic flow, removing a few decorative pieces that are distractions or even recapping how the home should be presented on show days. Since home staging is such a minor cost with greater benefits it should become part of your marketing plan for ALL of your listings. Considering that the statistics prove that home staging will cut back listing time as much as 50% of more and typically for more money then what as an agent do you have to lose by providing this top notch service to your clients?

Slow Market

We just came out of a slow market here in Ottawa. I had frequent calls from agents during this time because they knew that home staging is very important when their home is competing against 10 others in that location with the same features. Home staging in a slow market will again appeal to the most amount of buyers in the least amount of time but in this situation instead of bidding wars (which can still happen) you are more likely to sell faster than the rest of the competition and also hold onto your list price rather than do a price reduction.

Why Use Home Staging on All Listing Properties (Recap)

-Affordable: budget this into your marketing plan and buyers will be thank full that you have an elite program geared to get their home sold as fast as possible for the most amount of money.

-We're the "polite badguys": Many home owners are fearful that their furnishings will be criticized and judged so this is a VERY sensitive topic for most home owners. Let a professional home stager explain the importance of getting their home ready to sell in a way that appeals to the most amount of people in the least amount of time and why we are doing it. Don't put yourself in a position of potentially offend your clients.

-We ensure the best results: Our packages are not only affordable but they are designed to ensure the best end result leaving you more time to focus on your client and not the preparing of the home.

-We know what sells: No matter what market we are dealing with we need to put our best home forward! We will be able to assist clients with getting the home "move in ready" because 63% of buyers are willing to spend more money on a house that is in great condition over one that needs work.

-We save you time: You are very busy so free up some time by allowing us to keep the project of getting your clients home ready for sale. We keep your clients motivated and on track to obtain the best end result.

-We save you and your client money: As an agent we save you money by reducing the time on the market so your advertising costs are lower and your client will not have to pay their mortgage for a longer period of time by selling faster.

Remember even if the home is considered "attractive" or "well decorated" I can guarantee that I'll find something that will need to be addressed that will improve the likelihood of selling even faster and for top dollar.

if you have any questions on home staging please contact me for a FREE presentation.

Happy Staging