There are significant benefits to seller staging, particularly in getting a house sold in a strong market. It is particularly important in larger cities and metropolitan areas, being nonnegotiable in many areas. Overall, staging enhances your reputation as an agent, providing good looking homes that are easier to sell and sell at higher prices in the long run. In many situations, buyers who view staged homes can more easily see the value of the house.
Convincing staging for seller
A word of caution, staging can be a difficult subject for sellers. The mere suggestion can seem like an attack or insulting and unnecessary to sell their fantastic home. Wait until you have the listing and can work staging into the conversation naturally. Provide some examples and discuss how staging provides the best return on investment. When presenting options and changes for implementation, assure the sellers that you are only recommending necessary changes for the best returns. Provide a checklist and some information on staging, including minimum and maximum levels of each topic. Remind them that any packing they do for staging will help them in the long run since they will have less to pack when the house sells.
Seller Staging Consultation
Depending on the seller’s budget and available time, either you can manage the staging, or a consultant can be used. There are many pros and cons to both methods and comes down to how much control and value you are comfortable giving away to the consultant.
Evaluating the House
Either way of consulting should follow the best practices to perform the evaluation when the sellers are not at home. Start with the perceived curb appeal, then go room to room and take notes about what needs to be improved. Provide options to repurpose furniture in other rooms, paying attention to clutter and items that are real distractions such as personal items, and loud colors. Also, check for cracks in walls, windows, and doors.
Implementation
Within a day of your evaluation, send an email to the seller with recommendations. It may help the sellers feel comfortable with the changes if you provide a timeline and a list of subcontractors or resources to complete the items. Overall considerations should include decluttering, cleaning, repairing or maintenance, and creating an atmosphere for buyers.
Staging an Empty House
When the seller has already moved out, an empty home can take longer to sell. Staging a vacant home can quickly occur through a consultant with access to rental pieces or even their warehouse. This can be done affordably to focus on the entryway, living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. A few pictures, fake flowers, and cushions can help create a lived-in look.
Seller staging is an essential part if you want to sell your home for top dollar. For more tips about real estate, visit our blog to learn more.
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