Ocala home staging is a valued tool in the quiver of today’s home seller, but has it got universal applications or just case specific ones?
A new Realtor recently posted the following question on a real estate forum. “Is staging really important to the home selling process?” Realtors responded in various ways. One suggested that he only recommends staging for the most upscale listings. Another pointed out that stagers often charge exorbitant fees. Therefore, for the average listing, she finds she can get away without it.
In my view, such responses demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of what staging is. To be sure, I learned the value of staging every listing early in my career.
Ocala Home Staging: Understanding The Concept
Staging is something that requires special training and licensure. Therefore, only a professional designer with special certifications may stage a home, correct? Of course, the answer is a resounding no!
“But the advice of a professional stager can cost thousands of dollars, so how can it be an option for all listings?”, you ask. The answer is simple. Staging can be quite expensive, but need not be. We work with knowledgeable stagers who will visit your home and offer cogent advice for as little as $99. Additionally, affordable virtual staging services are also available.
But what is Staging? It is the art of presenting each room in your home in the best possible light. To stage effectively, one must begin by learning a few basic concepts.
Firstly, cleanliness is a key element of staging. Therefore, a maid service, a pressure cleaning company or an enterprising homeowner may perform tasks with respect to this phase of staging.
Secondly, decluttering and depersonalization are also key elements of staging. Of course, while you can execute these elements with the help of a professional stager, you need not. For example, as a homeowner, you need no specialized guidance to put away personal photos and artifacts. You must only understand the concept that, in interior design, often less is more.
Thirdly, organizing furnishings and furniture plays a vital role in staging. Of course, obtaining advice from an expert in this phase is of great value. But there are many other resources you, as a homeowner, can access to help you implement this element of staging.
The First Element Of Ocala Home Staging – Cleaning
Undoubtedly, everyone understands the importance of presenting a clean home to guests. But to clean a home to make it ready to sell may warrant the hiring of professionals. This is so because you must deep clean and detail your home to make it truly ready. Everything must be dusted from ceiling to floor, including furniture and cabinetry. Additionally, carpets and area rugs must be thoroughly vacuumed, and perhaps even shampooed. Major appliances must be cleaned to a showroom shine. Of course, stains on ceilings and walls must be touched up. Kitchen and bathroom fixtures must be washed and disinfected as well. But does any of this require the involvement of a professional stager. It clearly does not!
The exterior must be clean and presentable as well. After all, the first impression buyers form is an extremely important element of the selling process. To be sure, that begins with your home’s curb appeal. Therefore, exterior cleaning is vital. You must remove mold and mildew from your roof, walkways, driveway and landscape borders. Additionally, you must weed your beds, trim your landscape plants and mow and edge your lawn. But when you perform these landscaping tasks, are you merely cleaning, or decluttering and organizing as well? I’ll leave you to answer that question.
The Second Element – Depersonalizing
Studies show that buyers can more easily imagine themselves living in a home that is depersonalized. On the other hand, when they see photos and other personal items that identify the home as belonging to you and your family, their subconscious creates a mental block. Of course, this block serves as a constant reminder that they are in someone else’s home. Therefore, you would be wise to remove and store everything that connects your home with your family specifically.
The Third Element – Organization
For everything a place, and a place for everything. Therefore, to make the best use of space, you must position furniture and furnishings in such a way that each room looks open and inviting. Accent pieces must highlight the furniture and room design, not simply add clutter. Bookcases and wall units must display things in a neat, organized fashion. Even closets must look neat and organized. Additionally, lighting must be bright, but not overpowering.
If you feel that you have an eye for design, you may choose to organize each room yourself. However, you’ll find great value in consulting a home staging expert at this juncture. In fact, statistics show that the cost of consulting a professional stager and following their advice is returned up to six fold in additional cash at closing.
Below are three articles that will help you to understand staging and see its benefits to you as a seller. Enjoy reading.
17 Home Staging Tips For 2022
So you’ve decided to sell your house and you want to attract potential buyers and get a great offer, or even multiple offers . The more qualified buyers whose interest you peek, the better. Learn more on Real Estate Spice.
Staging Your Home in 2022
One of the best things you can do when you’re getting ready to sell your home is to stage it properly. To be sure, there are great benefits to learning about home staging and the top home staging trends you’ll see in 2022. Continue reading on BRIGHT MLS HOMES.
15 home staging tips from real estate experts
There’s no doubt that Ocala home staging, whether or not you use a professional company, can create real ‘buyer appeal’. Learn more HOMES AND GARDENS.
“Buyers only know what they see, not the way it’s going to be!” – Barb Schwartz
Please understand that staging is how you prepare your home to make a great first impression. Of course, hiring a professional stager to offer expert advice has great value. This value translates to added cash at closing. But staging is defined by what is done, not who does it. Therefore, you may choose to do most or all of the work yourself if you wish to and feel prepared.
Andrew Kruglanski, MBA, ABD, Broker
(352)234-3048
andy.k@ocalahomes.online