Should you be staging a home to sell it or not? At JJ Team Homes, we take a unique approach to each client and their home. We take into consideration if the clients are going to be moving out of the home or living and using the space during the listing process. If they are going to move out, we always recommend home staging, in order to present it in the best possible light. Statistics from the National Realtors Association show staged homes are more likely to appeal to buyers, sell faster and for more money. While each sale and home is unique and JJ Team Homes treats it as such, we answer the most common and basic questions about staging a house.
How much does it cost to stage a house?
How much it costs to stage a house is dependent on two things: 1) the size of the house and 2) how much staging is needed. If your house is vacant for sale, it will need to be fully staged with furniture and accessories, which can be upwards of $40,000 (for homes 7,000+ square feet). If you are living in your home during the listing period, we have an accessories staging option where the stager rearranges the space, using the homeowner’s furniture, but brings in their own rugs, pillows, art, towels, etc. this type of staging costs about $3,000. Most homes in our median price point cost about $10,000-$12,000 to stage.
Can I stage my home myself?
We don’t recommend DIY home staging. For one, home stagers have a unique expertise and come in with a fresh set of eyes. Stagers often see potential for your home you may not see. Whether it’s an updated furniture arrangement or lighting to play up the house’s features, stagers are trained professionals. Second, think about the cost of paint, painters, new furniture and decor. Those costs add up and stagers often have their own library of furniture and decor used specifically in homes for sale.
On occasion, a homeowner’s furniture will look better than the stager’s. In that instance, we may suggest the accessories staging. If you are going the full DIY staging, we recommend packing away 70% of all your belongings. We advise removing personal photos to de-personalize the home, allowing buyers to see themselves and not you living there.
JJ Team Homes: Staging Before and Afters
Is it worth it?
In the Bay Area’s competitive real estate market, you may think staging your home to get offers over asking isn’t necessary. But staging is an important marketing tool. It decreases the days on the market. If you are staging your home, you can generally expect a 1-5% increase in offer amounts, according to the National Association of Realtors. The return on investment of staging we see locally is often 3x the amount it costs to stage, making it a worthy investment.
Looking to sell your home?
As part of the JJ Team Homes Concierge Services, we work closely with the top staging companies in Silicon Valley and on the Peninsula. If you are unsure about staging, reach out to us and our team can help determine what level of staging you may need.
