What is Home Staging?
Home staging is the method of preparing a private residence for sale in the real estate marketplace. Home staging is a form of real estate marketing that aims to entice the most significant number of potential purchasers to a property, resulting in faster and higher sales.
Although home stagers typically work with vacant properties, some work with occupied homes as well. Occupied homes present unique challenges for home stagers, who must work with the homeowners’ possessions, decor, and way of life to create an appealing space that is still comfortable for the homeowners.
10 Tips For Staging Your Home
1. Depersonalize your space. Homebuyers will want to visualize how it would feel to live in your house. But that’s hard to do if it is filled with personal photos and mementos. Put away anything that resembles a home that is “lived-in.” Allow the buyers to imagine how their personal effects will look in your house.
2. Declutter. A cluttered house can deter a potential buyer, making the home feel cramped and less attractive. Decluttering is an opportune time to throw out or give away anything that is of no use to you anymore. If you have items that you’d like to move with you, box them and place them in the garage.
3. Put away personal items. In addition to decluttering, you’ll also want to put away any personal items that might be out in the open. This includes things like medication, toothbrushes, and toiletries.
4. Clean, sparkle, and shine. A clean home is a welcoming home. Make sure to dust, vacuum, and mop every surface in your home. Ensure the kitchen cabinets are wiped down, and the countertops are cleared off. Bathrooms should sparkle and shine, and the sink vanity should be cleared.
5. Let in some light. Flood your home with light by opening the curtains and flipping on the overhead lights. Potential buyers love walking into a room that’s inviting with natural lighting.
6. Create a focal point. In each room, you’ll want to create a focal point that will catch buyers’ eyes. If you have a fireplace, dress it up to look warm and inviting. Putting some candles on the mantel or even a lovely bouquet or greenery can add a touch of elegance. If your living room is the focal point, add some throw pillows and a throw blanket, and make sure the coffee table is clean and clutter-free.
7. Arrange furniture strategically. You’ll want to arrange your furniture to make the space feel open and inviting. Avoid putting furniture up against the walls and create conversation areas. If your current furniture is not up to par, consider renting some quality pieces and staging your house properly. The arrangement of your home can play a role in how potential buyers view it.
8. Add some greenery. Plants are an excellent way to make a home look more inviting. They add color and life and can make a space feel homier. If you don’t have a green thumb, no worries! A quick run to a nursery can take care of that. A few plants around the house can make a significant impact.
9. Stage the outdoors. The first thing buyers see when arriving at your home is the door, so make sure you take the time to stage it. This could involve power washing the siding, painting the front door, or planting flowers. Make sure to mow the lawn and that the hedges are trimmed. A new welcoming mat can also make a big difference.
Creating a great first impression is key!
10. Prepare to present your property at a moment’s notice. You never know when a buyer will want to see your home, so it’s essential to be prepared. Make sure that all the rooms in your home are clean and presentable. You may even want to keep a stash of cleaning supplies on hand, just in case.
Following these ideas will assist you in staging your home for sale and boosting the likelihood of selling fast and at a high price.
What Are Some of the Advantages of House Staging?
Over the years, house staging has become more and more popular. Realtors have noticed that when potential buyers enter a room set up for function and aesthetic appeal, they can picture themselves in that space more quickly and are likely to put an offer on the house.
What Does House Staging Cost in Houston, TX?
Home staging is vital when trying to sell your home. The average home staging cost in Houston, TX, is $1400. The final price tag varies depending on how much furniture you require or what type of embellishment you want.
The fee for a home staging consultation is about $200. Home remodeling costs can range from a few hundred dollars to upwards of $10,000, depending on the project.
If the home is vacant, a home stager’s starting price is around $2500. Most home stagers will charge 1% of your home’s selling price.
Add Pleasing Scents to Your Home.
Studies show that when you step into a home, the scent is one of the first things you notice. The scent of the house may encourage a potential buyer to make an offer. Many realtors will ensure a scented candle is lit, or a diffuser is running before a showing. A bouquet can also do the trick; incorporating lilac and jasmine scents calms the mind, and a citrusy smell can boost energy. The right scent can make a big impression, even if it seems like a minor detail.
Give Your Home a Personality With Color
When you’re staging a home, make sure you have a pop of color that runs throughout the house. Studies have shown that people gravitate more towards the color blue. So, if your home has neutral colors and you want to stage it with a more colorful personality, consider adding blue to your palette. A colorful throw pillow on the couch, or even paint a small wall for some pop of color.
Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal by Hiring a Professional Landscaping Company.
Staging your home is important for selling your home, but curb appeal is what will get buyers in the door in the first place. Potential buyers may not even bother walking through the front door if your home’s exterior is not up to par.
While you may be able to take care of some landscaping tasks on your own, it’s worth hiring a professional company to give your home’s curb appeal a boost. Studies show that landscaping is worth the investment since it can increase your home’s value by up to 20%.
Staging an Empty Home in Houston TX
Many houses in Houston, TX, are enormous, so staging an empty home can have challenges. The intelligent thing to do is employ a moving company to assist you in bringing in the furnishings you’ll require. A consultant can help you choose the best furniture and decor for your home staging needs and even have a moving company deliver.
Staging Your Back Property in Houston TX
Many homes in Houston, TX, have pools in the backyard. If you are lucky to have one, ensure it is clean and inviting. Floating flowers in the pool can also give your backyard some personality. If you don’t have a pool, consider setting up an outdoor living space. This could include a table and chairs, an umbrella, and some potted plants. Creating an inviting outdoor space will make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
Reduce the Use of Window Coverings to a Minimum
Natural lighting is the first thing people look for when buying a home. When you have too many window coverings, it makes the space appear small and uninviting. You want to make the outdoors feel like it’s part of the indoors. Make sure your windows are cleaned both in and out and consider removing any heavy drapes.
Update Your Carpet and Flooring
If your home has old or dirty carpet, it will turn potential buyers off. Many homebuyers are looking for a move-in-ready house, and if they see that they’ll have to replace the flooring, they may not make an offer. The same goes for any cracked or chipped tile.
If you can’t afford to replace wood flooring, get a professional to sand and refinish it. Also, consider renting a carpet cleaner and giving the carpets a deep clean. You can also choose engineered wood flooring or vinyl and replace the flooring yourself.
Mirrors May Be Used to Add Space to a Small Room.
The right size mirror can take your home staging to a new level. Placing a mirror in the right place can create the illusion of a larger space. Mirrors reflect light and make a room feel brighter and more open. They may also highlight certain features in a room, like a fireplace or piece of art.
If you’re using a floor-to-ceiling mirror, place a small table in front with some accessories to make it look like a vignette. This will help break up the reflection and make the space more inviting.
Use Area Rugs to Define Space
Area rugs are a fantastic way to define space in an open-concept floor plan. They can also add color and personality to a room. When choosing an area rug, make sure the colors are subtle yet complementary to the room. You don’t want a busy pattern that will compete with the furniture and decor in the space.
Repaint The Walls
Not everyone likes an accent wall or a wall that is a different color than the rest of the room. When you’re staging your home, keeping the walls a neutral color is best. This will help possible buyers see the space as more versatile and easy to personalize. If you paint an accent wall, make sure it is a subtle color that won’t be too overbearing.
If you’re unsure which color to use, shades of gray and beige will work great.
Remove Any Traces of Your Furry Friends
If you have pets, removing any traces of them is essential before showing your home. This includes pet hair, toys, food bowls, and litter boxes. You also want to ensure that there are no pet odors in the house.
Many people are allergic to pets or don’t like them, so you want to ensure your home is pet-free. Make sure the couches and chairs are cleaned as well as the bed covers in the bedroom. Keep all windows open to let fresh air in, and consider using a diffuser with essential oils to help eliminate any pet odors.
Change the Lighting in Your House
A new and modern light fixture can change the look of a room. It can also brighten up a space and make it feel more open. Pendant lighting can be a great way to add interest to a kitchen or dining room. LED lighting is also a popular choice as it is more energy-efficient.
How To Properly Stage Book Shelves
Consider taking some of your books and adding tokens to the shelves if you’re a frequent reader and have stacks of books. Keeping shelves less cluttered can help achieve an open concept feel to a room. Add a small plant or a succulent, a couple of candles, or even frames.
To Fill in Empty Spaces, Use Huge Potted Plants.
Plants don’t just provide oxygen and clean the air; they work great for filling an area of the house that looks a bit bare.
Potted plants come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that will fit perfectly in the space you’re trying to fill. Having a tall plant with wide leaves can make a room look larger. Snake plants are also an excellent choice to use for staging. If you don’t have a green thumb, plenty of artificial plants look realistic and require no maintenance.
Make Sure Your Clothes Are Neatly Folded
Closet space is essential when people are looking to buy a home. They want to ensure their clothes will fit and that there is enough space for their belongings. To stage your closet:
- Start by removing any clutter.
- Ensure that your closet is clean and your clothes are hung properly.
- If you have folded shirts, stack them neatly on the shelves. You can also utilize baskets or bins to hold items like socks and underwear.
Dusting the Ceiling Fan and Floor Panels
It might not seem necessary to clean a ceiling fan since it’s not something people usually see, but you can be sure that buyers look at everything. It’s essential to make sure the blades are dust-free. The same goes for floor panels – ensure they’re clean and free of dirt or debris.
Replacing Hardware in Kitchen and Bathrooms
Sometimes it’s the little things that will make a huge difference. You can upgrade the room’s look without paying a lot of money by simply replacing the hardware in your kitchen and bathroom. Choosing new hardware can also be a great way to add a pop of color or change the room’s overall style.
Virtual Staging in Houston TX
If you want to sell your home but don’t want to go through the hassle of having someone come and stage your home, then Virtual Staging, such as 3D Stagers is the perfect solution. Virtual staging is when a company comes in and takes pictures of your home and digitally stages the house with furniture and decor.
This is a great way to get top dollar for your home without having to do any work. Prices range from $30-$55 per room. If you don’t want anyone coming to your home, you can take pictures of the rooms and E-mail them. Within 24-48 hrs, they will provide you with staged images you can use when listing your home.
Benefits of 3D Virtual Staging Vs. Real Staging
Using 3D virtual staging to sell your property is almost always a good idea and, in most situations, will result in a higher sale price. An empty home on a website will not sell as fast as a furnished home. With virtual staging, you can choose which living room layout or bedroom style you prefer. You can ask for a modern look or a rustic farmhouse look. With just a few clicks, you can enhance any room in your house with beautiful artwork, arrangements, vibrant flowers, and sophisticated area rugs.
Actual staging will require you to have someone come to the house and move around your furniture and, in some cases, even buy new pieces of furniture. This is a costly and timely endeavor with no guarantee that the potential buyer will like what you have done. With 3D virtual staging, you can make as many changes as you want until you find the perfect look for each room, and it only costs a fraction of the price.
Within 24 hours after sending pictures of your home, a team of experts will provide you with staged photos. Every little detail gets included in the staging. An empty house can look lived in using all the modern furniture looks of today’s style.
If you’re still living in your home and want to list it but don’t want the hassle of staging, you don’t have to buy anything. You can take pictures of your home as is, and an expert virtual stager will replace your furniture with new furniture in your chosen style.
3D virtual staging has become a trendy way to showcase a property for sale, and it’s not hard to see why. Virtual staging can make any room look bigger, brighter, and more inviting. It’s a great way to add value to your home without spending money on physical staging. If you’re selling your home, virtual staging is definitely something you should consider.
Before and after pictures must be included in a listing to avoid misleading potential buyers.
Is Virtual Staging Worth The Investment
According to research, over 80% of potential home buyers find visual staging helpful when evaluating whether to purchase a property.
Out of the surveyed group, 41% said they were more likely to enter a home they saw online if it was already staged.
With that being said, the apparent answer is YES! Virtual staging is definitely worth the investment if you are looking to sell your home. Not only can it help your home sell quicker, but it will also help you sell it for a higher price.
Which Room Will Benefit More From Staging?
Not every room needs staging. Focus on what potential clients will see first walking into a home.
Kitchen: The kitchen is always the focal point of the house. The proper lighting, cleared countertops and a set table in the kitchen make a difference. Keep the kitchen decluttered and put away any dishes.
Living Room: The living room should feel warm and inviting. A cozy couch with some throw pillows and a coffee table with a few books or magazines creates a relaxed feeling in this space. The TV should be turned off, and cords should be hidden.
Bathroom: Having the bathroom shine is important. Ensure the mirrors are cleaned, and the vanity is cleared of toothbrushes or soaps. Have a matching bath mat and towels to bring the look together; lighting a scented candle can add to the ambiance. Make sure the toilet seat is down.
Bedrooms: The bedrooms should look like a place where someone can go to relax. Keep the beds made, and any clothes put away. Add a few pieces of furniture like an armchair or a small table and lamp to make it feel cozier. Use a thick comforter and a plush throw to give the room a comfortable and relaxing feel.
Hiring Movers in Houston, TX, to Stage a Home.
When you are ready to stage your home for sale, there are a few things you will need to do to ensure that the process goes smoothly. One of the most important things you can do is hire professional movers in Houston, TX, to help you with the process.
Many people try to save money by moving their belongings, which is often a mistake. Not only is it physically demanding to carry your belongings, but it can also be very stressful. This is why hiring professional movers is such a good idea.
Movers in Houston, TX, have the experience and expertise to safely and efficiently move your belongings. They’ll also be able to give you tips and advice on how to best stage your home for sale.
Don’t know where to start? You can ask your realtor for recommendations. Chances are, they have worked with professional movers before and can give you a good idea of who to contact.
Moving companies in Houston Offer Storage Solutions
If you’re planning on marketing your house, you may be wondering what to do with all of your belongings. After all, you will need to stage your home for potential buyers, which may mean getting rid of some of your furniture.
One option is renting a storage unit. This will allow you to keep your belongings safe and out of the way while you are trying to sell your home.
If you do not want to go this route, you can ask your moving company about storage solutions. Many long-distance companies in Houston offer storage services for an additional fee. This option is a perfect alternative if you want to keep your belongings close by but do not want them taking up space in your home.
Movers Can Also Pack Your Belongings
Another benefit of hiring professional Houston Movers is that they can also pack your belongings for you. This option can work great if you are pressed for time or do not feel comfortable packing your things.
Packing can be very tedious and time-consuming, so leaving it to the professionals is often a good idea. Movers in Houston, TX, have the experience and expertise to pack your belongings properly so they are safe and protected during transit.
Congratulations! You Sold Your House. Now What?
You’ve done it! You’ve sold your house. Congrats! But now what? Now that the process is (hopefully) over make sure to call your moving company and schedule a time for them to come and pick up the rest of your belongings and combine them with your other belongings to get them all in one place.
Are Staging Expenses Deductible?
Yes, the cost of staging is deducted from the proceeds of a home sale. Staging costs are considered legitimate selling costs for both primary and secondary houses; therefore, they are tax deductible.
Bottom Line
There are many benefits to staging a home for sale. Not only does it make your home more appealing to potential buyers, but it also allows you to sell your Houston, TX, home quicker and for a higher price. If you are selling your home, virtual or traditional staging is definitely something you should consider. Some potential buyers prefer walking through a home before buying, so classic staging can work best. Others might rely on visual staging to help them make their decision. Either way, you cannot go wrong with staging your home before putting it on the market.
