Staging really does help (like a lot).

But don’t take our word for it. A recent survey from the National Association of Realtors revealed:

• 77% of agents said staging makes it easier for their buyers to visualize the property as their future home. It’s like helping the buyer dream it so they can achieve it.

• 39% of agents said staging a home greatly decreases the amount of time a house is on the market. Time saved means moving into your new house even sooner.

• 21% of agents said staging a home increases its dollar value between 6% and 10%. That leads to more money in your pocket.

Budget before you stage.

Many listing agents offer staging services to their clients. If you want to use your own stager, you’ll typically have to pay out of pocket.

Staging costs vary depending on where you live and how many rooms you’re staging. On average, home sellers pay between $300 and $1,400. If your house is empty because you’ve already moved, you might have additional expenses for renting furniture and other homey decorations to make it look lived-in.

Many stagers offer consultations for as low as $150. DIY staging using the advice you learn during a consultation may be your best option if you’re on a tight budget. Listen for tips on how to use the furniture and decor you already have to show off your home’s best assets.

Declutter for best results.

Spoiler alert: No buyer has ever been impressed by a messy house. 

The hanger rule.

Rather than stuffing closets full, pull things out to draw attention to the space. The ideal closet will have two hangers’ worth of space between each hanger.

Organize everyday household items into crates and keep them out of sight. Stow away seasonal decorations. Make time for a whole house cleaning, including carpet shampooing. Change light bulbs, make those minor repairs and add a fresh coat of paint to any room that needs it. Buyers will check out your closets. Clean them out!

Remove personal items such as family photos, artwork and religious keepsakes. The concern is not that home buyers will be offended by you or your lifestyle. The goal is to neutralize the space so home buyers can imagine themselves living there.

So where are you supposed to put all that stuff? If you don’t have a place to tuck things away, consider renting a storage unit. 

Ask these questions to find the right stager.

If your agent doesn’t offer staging services, she can likely recommend a local staging company. Before you hire, interview at least three candidates in person. You’ll want to get a sense of how much they charge— and whether they have good taste. Here are 10 questions to ask prospective stagers: 

On average, how many days were your staged homes on the market last year? Experience is important but it’s not the only factor to consider when vetting stagers. You want someone who stages homes that sell— ideally within 30 days, because that’s when agents often recommend making a price reduction if your house is still on the market.

What price range do you work in? Staging luxury homes is a totally different ballgame than staging starter homes. Find someone who specializes in homes near your listing price.

What styles of homes do you usually stage? Staging different types of homes also requires different skill sets (think penthouses versus bungalows). Look for someone with experience working in homes similar to yours.

What formal training do you have? A number of staging organizations such as the International Association of Home Staging Professionals and the Real Estate Staging Association offer certification or accreditation. Training from these associations can distinguish professional stagers from beginners.

Do you have insurance? Your home could get damaged when the stager moves furniture in and out. Find someone with business insurance so you’re protected.

May I see your portfolio? Ask to see photos from their three most recently staged homes.

Do you select everything for the homes or do you collaborate with other experts? Some stagers work independently while others collaborate with other vendors. Make sure you know everyone who will be involved in staging your home so you don’t have surprise guests rearranging your living room.

What are your rates? Some stagers charge a fee for decorating services plus a monthly fee for renting furniture, while others charge a flat fee per room for the duration of the listing. Ask about how each stager determines costs before you commit to working with one of them. 

What’s your availability? If you’re on a tight timetable, make sure the stager can get your house ready in time.

Can you provide contact info on past clients? Get in touch with two or three people who have worked with the stager. Ask how staging services helped with the sale of their homes and what they might have done differently.

Focus on the rooms that count the most.

You don’t have to stage your whole house to make buyers swoon. 

Budget staging tips

• Get rid of carpet dents left by furniture you’ve moved by putting ice cubes on the imprints. As the ice melts it causes the compacted carpet to expand and erases those imprints.

• Staging the rooms where people spend the most time usually makes the biggest impression on buyers. Start with the living room then do the master bedroom then do the kitchen. 

• Keep in mind that you’re not going for an HGTV overhaul. Even small touches like fluffy towels in the bathroom or new throw pillows in the family room can make your home appreciably more attractive.

BTW stage your yard too.

Your house has to look its best inside and out. After all, buyers form their first impression when they pull up in front of your home. It’s no surprise that curb appeal can increase your home’s value up to 17%.

If you’ve never had your yard professionally landscaped, now might be the time. Landscaped homes have a sales price advantage ranging from 5.5% to 12.7%. This means an extra $16,500 to $38,100 on a $300,000 home.

However, professional landscaping can cost a lot. You’re aiming for polish, not the gardens of Versailles. If your budget is tight, start with these DIY improvements:

• Plant blooming flowers and fresh greenery. Even if it's winter you can add colorful winter blooms and seasonal touches like garland or lights.

• Mow the grass.

• Reseed bare patches of lawn and add fresh sod as needed.

Then move on to these easy upgrades to your home’s exterior:

• Wash the front windows.

• Power wash siding and walkways.

• Repaint or stain porches and stairs as needed.

• Make sure house numbers are pretty and easy to see. 

• Make sure important outdoor features such as the front door, porch, sidewalk and paths are well lit. If they’re not, install new fixtures or lighting.

Even basic upgrades— laying fresh mulch, changing porch lights, installing a new mailbox— can help a buyer fall in love at first sight. Just wait ’til they come inside and see what else you’ve done with the place!

Source www.houselogic.com/sell/how-to-sell-step-by-step/how-to-stage-a-house