There's lots of discussion these days about home staging. Is it worth the effort? Isn't the property going to eventually sell anyway? Well, the answer to both is a qualified YES.
Yes, the home is going to sell anyway, EVENTUALLY... but probably for far less and after a much greater length of time. So, YES, it's worth the effort to stage.
Statistics released by RESA, the Real Estate Staging Association, confirm that a professionally staged occupied home sold 46% faster in 2007 and an astounding 89% faster in 2008. A vacant home, previously on the market and then staged, sold 68% faster in 2007 and 85% faster in 2008.
You can't argue with the facts. And you also can't deny that with every passing week on the market, the eventual offer is going to be lower. So now that we're into the Buyer's Market phase the best way to take advantage of those early weeks is through Staging. Capitalize on the initial impact when you hit the MLS, by having fantastic photos and create the buzz that your listing is one which simply must be seen before it's gone.
One of my vacant stagings sold 3 weeks ago for 101% of the ask, within 48 hours IN A BUYER'S MARKET!
It's been said before, but I'll say it again... STAGING WORKS!
My name is Christine Bird, and my company is New View Home Staging located in Kitchener-Waterloo. We're here to help.
