Is home staging worthwhile? Is it worth the cost? These are common questions asked by many property sellers who want to take the easy way out and save money when preparing their homes for sale.
Now, I have no problem at all with wanting to save and keep more money. I think this is a universal goal for all of us. However, as an expert property consultant, I also understand the truth that sometimes you have to spend some money in order to make some money. This is an inherent concept of the home staging success story.
This editorial will provide proof positive that staging is indeed worthwhile for virtually every property, regardless of whether it is a rental or for sale.
Is Home Staging Worthwhile? / Facts
To answer this question of actual worth simply and factually:
No, home staging is not worthwhile, unless you want tomake more money when selling your home and also want to sell the home faster and easier. If you are content with letting your property languish on the real estate market, eventually selling for much lower than you could have received, then home staging is a complete waste of your time and money.
However, if you want to earn up to 17% more from the sale and accomplish the sale in one half to one third the time, then you need staging implemented inside and outside your residence.
Also, remember that the cost of home staging is completely deductible from your taxes in the US as a real estate marketing investment. So to break it down, the expense is minor compared to the benefits.
Is Home Staging Cost Effective? / Opinions
Sure, the facts supporting increased profitability and faster sales time are great, but I can also provide some inside information which may help you make up your mind about staging once and for all.
I can tell you that in fast markets, inventory homes go quickly, but staged homes often create bidding wars, driving up the price beyond anyone’s expectations, in many cases. In slow markets, inventory homes are in abundance and only staged homes really stand out from the competition.
I have seen sellers using property staging in every type of real estate market to make more money, keep more money and get their money faster. It is truly as simple as that. In fact, I have used staging to buy and sell several properties myself and have realized a nice profit on each and every one.
Is Home Staging Worthwhile? / Conclusions
So, the true answer to this common reader inquiry is: Yes. Home staging is an excellent investment, which is almost always recoupable on taxes and will likely bring in a higher priced offer in a shorter time frame. This is a win/win/win situation for all involved.
The seller makes money and gets to move on to their new home. The real estate agent has a much easier time selling the home and also makes more money. The buyer pays more, but gets the home of their dreams, which is an intangible quality worth every penny spent.
I can tell you the truth of this from all angles, since I help people to accomplish this very satisfying experience every day. It is a very rewarding career, to be sure.
