Ask Phyllis is a blog series of frequently asked real estate questions. Have a question about real estate? Email us here
Is home staging necessary?
Dear Phyllis,
I met with a real estate agent who wants me to move my furniture out of several of my home’s rooms so a stager can bring in rented furniture. This seems like a lot of trouble, and I am not sure that it’s really necessary. I want to sell my La Crescenta home, but I don’t think I want to put that much effort into it. Is home staging necessary? MAF
Dear MAF,
While professional home staging is not always necessary. There are instances when home staging greatly impacts your bottom line. Not every home needs to be professionally staged with rented furniture, and this is where you should be able to count on your real estate agent for direction. Ask your Realtor why she is suggesting that you bring in rental furniture. Buyers have different expectations depending upon the price of your home.
For those home sellers who don’t need/want to bring in rental furniture, but want to spend some time and energy on sprucing up their home for sale, check out these quick and easy tips for home staging on a budget.
- First, clean your home from top to bottom. It pays to hire a professional to wash the windows, and your return on investment will be significant.
- Next, declutter, donate, sell, and eliminate. Go through your belongings once, then go through them again. In fact, 90% of clients say they bring “stuff” to their new home that they later throw away. Additionally, rent a safe deposit box for valuables and move them before your home goes on the market. Remove refrigerator magnets, and also eliminate any financial information due to identity theft risks.
- Then, add a pop of color. While neutral tones like “real estate beige” appeal to buyers, small color accents bring a room to life. For example, use colorful pillows, throws, or even an accent wall to add instant energy.
- Finally, add fresh finishing touches. Fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit are simple, inexpensive ways to bring life to the kitchen and other rooms in your home.
