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Top 10 Reasons to Stage Your Home

The Real Estate Staging Association defines staging as “(1) The process of preparing your property for sale by setting the scene throughout the house to create immediate buyer interest in your property. (2) Proven way to increase the chances of your property selling in a timely manner and for more money.”  Throughout the blog, you will see several before/after pictures which clearly demonstrate how effective staging is.  

1. “You only get one shot to make a first impression” says Brenda Spencer of Spencer Staging & Redesign.  Making a strong, positive first impression gets your home sold for top dollar. 
   
2. Your home will sell for more money.  According to a Maritz study in the February 2009 Real Estate Staging Association statistics report, Buyers will pay 63% more for homes that have issues resolved and are in completely move-in ready condition.
3. Your home will sell faster. A 2008 study by the Real Estate Staging Association showed that staged homes had 85% - 89% less days on market than non-staged homes.
4.  In a down market, you will fare much better. Sometimes your home will be in a prime location or in hot demand. However if youare suffering from a down market or competition is stiff, staging will give you the extra edge needed to get your home noticed and sold.
5. You will get more showings since pictures will present your home better. The National Association of Realtors 2007 study showed 84% of Buyers begin their home search online. A staged home looks much better and drives more interest in your home, thus increasing the frequency of showings.   
6. Buyers can better imagine a purpose for each room. Stagers are experts at bringing out the most logical use of each room. For example, a formal dining room may not always be used as such. Professional home staging means each room is clearly identified and highlighted for maximum selling potential. 
7. Your home has been de-personalized and prepared for sale. Spencer says “removing clutter, taste-specific decor and collections” is a critical step in getting a home on the market. Potential Buyers are notorious for getting distracted by the Seller's belongings rather than appreciating the home's features.  Once the home is neutralized and de-personalized, it is easier for potential Buyers to see themselves living there.   
   
                                 
8. Professional home stagers are “in the know” on the most current home designing trends.  Most homeowners are not professional designers and do not have the expertise necessary to highlight the best features of their home. HGTV “Designed to Sell” designer Lisa LaPorta shares this list of 30 “Can’t Miss Staging tips” http://www.hgtv.com/real-estate/30-cant-miss-staging-tips/index.html.      
9. You’ll be ahead of the competition. The majority of homes on the market are not staged. Simply by hiring a Realtor with a proven staging partner means you are one step ahead.
10. Stagers have the right accessories when needed. Sometimes vacant homes need accessories to put their best foot forward. Picking the right colors and items on your own can be daunting, but a professional home stager does this with ease.

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Tammy is a licensed Realtor with Horizon Realty in Austin, Texas. An Austin resident since 1978, she's part of a Mother/Daughter Realtor team with over 27 years of combined experience. Tammy & Judy are experts at marketing and staging homes for top dollar. They specialize in the Wells Branch subdivision in North Austin and have helped Buyers, Sellers, and Investors in all parts of the city and surrounding areas.  You can reach Tammy at tammy@familypair.com or (512) 773-3214 or visit her site at http://www.familypair.com/.

Brenda Spencer is the Austin-area staging expert Tammy & Judy use to get their listings in show-ready condition. She has professionally staged over 250 homes. Brenda currently serves as the President of the American Society of Home Stagers & Redesigners http://www.ashsr.com/ as well as President of the Real Estate Staging Association, Central Texas Chapter, www.realestatestagingassociation.com. You can learn more about Brenda at http://www.spencerstaging.com/. Some photos courtesy of Brenda Spencer.

By: tammyle | In: Sellers | Comments: 0 | On: 10/02/2009 18:03:09