There's an old saying that a first impression is a lasting impression, and nowhere is this truer than in the world of selling property. The way your home presents itself to potential buyers can significantly impact their perception of its value. So, how do you ensure your home creates that striking first impression? Enter the world of professional home staging.
A professional home stager is an expert at transforming a lived-in home into a market-ready showpiece. But is hiring a professional stager worth it? Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive look into the potential benefits of hiring a professional home stager, and why you might want to consider one.
Home Staging: What is it?
Home staging is a marketing strategy where a professional interior stylist creates an attractive, welcoming environment that showcases a home's best features. This strategy goes beyond merely tidying up and decorating. It involves creating an appealing and neutral aesthetic that potential buyers can picture themselves in. A well-staged home speaks to buyers' aspirations, helping them see the property's potential.
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Home Stager
Now that we understand what home staging is, let's dive into the reasons why hiring a professional might be a great idea:
Expertise and Objectivity - Stagers have an eye for what sells. They understand what today's home buyers are looking for and can effectively highlight the best features of your home. In fact, Sarah our co-founder, previously worked as an estate agent, and has accumulated years of experience under her belt, knowing exactly what buyers and looking for and what excites them on a property viewing. A professional stager will bring an unbiased perspective to a home's presentation, helping to eliminate personal taste or emotions that can sometimes cloud a seller's judgment.
Maximising Return on Investment - Research has shown that staged homes often sell for more money and spend less time on the market than their non-staged competition. According to Rightmove, staged homes sell for 8% more than non-staged homes. Some will see even higher returns, so your return on investment (ROI) could be anything from 500%-1000%! An investment in home staging will also be significantly less than a price reduction later on!
Impressive Online Presence - In this digital age, most home buyers start their search online. A professionally staged home creates beautiful, impactful photographs that stand out in online listings, attracting more potential buyers and encouraging them to schedule in-person showings.
Reducing Stress - Selling a home can be stressful, and the pressure of presenting your home in the best light can add to that stress. A professional home stager takes on this task, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the selling process.
When Might You Not Need a Stager?
While the benefits are substantial, there may be situations where hiring a professional home stager may not be necessary. If you're in a hot market where homes are selling rapidly regardless of their condition, or if you have a knack for interior design and can effectively stage your home yourself, you might consider forgoing professional staging.
Although you should still bear in mind that even in a seller’s market, staging your property could entice higher offers than a non-staged home.
Also, if you are considering staging a property yourself, be aware that the costs and process can become very expensive and time consuming. You will need to be able to get all the furniture and accessories to the property (be prepared to lift heavy items and build flat-pack furniture), then stage the whole property, not only with furniture, but with an array of artwork, rugs, cushions and throws plus an abundance of accessories. Without a team of professionals, it could take several days to carry out on your own and thousands of pounds purchasing all the right items. In this case, hiring a professional stager will be much faster, less stressful and possibly cheaper.
Finding the Right Stager
If you decide that hiring a professional home stager is the right choice for you, it's important to choose the right one. Look for professionals who have a portfolio of their work and can provide references. Be sure they understand your budget and your goals for the sale. A good stager will collaborate with you to create a plan that best suits your home and your needs.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
So, should you hire a professional home stager to stage your home? While the answer ultimately depends on your individual circumstances, many homeowners find that the benefits far outweigh the costs. With their expert eye, ability to maximise ROI, and knack for reducing stress, a professional home stager can truly transform the selling experience.
Remember, you’re not just selling a building; you’re selling a dream, a future home. In the vast sea of property listings, a well-staged home can be the beacon that draws buyers to your shore.
For a free consultation with one of our friendly and experienced home stylists contact us today!