The Secret Weapon in a Shaky Market: Staging Done Right

In the whirlwind that is our lives right now, it is important to remember that real estate actually does relatively well when the stock market melts down. People move to more tangible investments like bonds, and what is more tangible than a property?

However, during these times, people also wonder if the expenses are worth it when selling a house. In our area, people have found that if they almost fully renovate their homes, they will attain a massive reward for that work. If the tariffs last, materials may be significantly more challenging to come by, and those that are obtainable will be much more expensive.

Focus on Smart, Surface-Level Upgrades 🛠️

So, landscaping, exterior and interior painting, refinishing floors, and staging are your best bets for upgrading and changing the property's look without expensive remodeling.

The more neutral and inviting a space is, the more people it will appeal to. So, although your furniture and photographs may be very appealing to you, they will tend to alienate buyers—they will feel like they are trespassing into someone else's house, and that will make them slightly uncomfortable, even if they do not know why.

Having staging there helps them to spend time feeling the place out, and, as any marketer will tell you, getting someone to stay on the page (or in the house) is the surest way to attract serious buyer interest. Most houses become the stuff of fantasy online long before people actually visit the property, so having great staging, with beautiful pictures, really helps.

Match the Home's Style with the Right Stager 🎨

A good realtor will understand the type of house and the design quality that will best suit the property.

Mid-century houses need a mid-century feel, Victorians call for an eclectic mix of antique and new furnishings, and craftsman bungalows need something to counter the dark wood wainscoting, etc. So, just like different houses appeal to different people, different stagers are more adept at staging different styles of homes. It's important that your realtor understands this and has a connection with a variety of stagers so that they can make sure the staging enhances the property's appeal.

No Budget for Staging? Consider Virtual (Carefully)

If someone can't move or doesn't have the money to pay for staging, there is also virtual staging. I am not a huge fan of this, but if it is the only option, then once again, it is important that it be done well and with the style of the house in mind.

Sophisticated Buyers, Sophisticated Expectations

Our buyers are among the most sophisticated in the world, and they really relate to the quality of furnishings and how space is utilized. In the realm of aesthetic upgrades you can do to make a house inviting, sharply styled, and desirable, staging is one of the least expensive choices you can make, and it will certainly benefit your sale.