Often times we Stagers hear the comment that smaller lower priced homes do not benefit from staging and the cost is not worth the return. It's a misconception that many hold on to. Some agents will say they don't specialize in high end homes so staging is not a realistic service to offer the "average" seller. Some home sellers figure staging is just for big fancy homes and in today's economic climate it can be hard to convince them otherwise.
Staging is beneficial in any price range. In fact smaller, lower priced homes may benefit the most as staging is all about enhancing space, flow and functionality as well as decor. Why make a potential buyer imagine when they can see it when they walk in the door.
How do you make smaller homes more attractive to the average buyer? Pump up main living spaces and storage potential. As far as buying homes now days, there is a growing trend towards smaller more efficient spaces. Baby boomers don't need the McMansion any longer and the green movement has really gone mainstream. Large "fancy" homes mean more maintenance, clutter and financial burden.
Buyers hire a home inspector to find structural flaws. When selling, why not hire a "cosmetic" expert that is up on the latest trends and has knowledge of the local market? The cost for your average staging consultation is very small in comparison to the return at the end of the sales process. Think of Stagers as an Inspecorator.
That's right, not a house fluffer or the knick knack patrol but a truly informed, expert part of the selling team. Just like the home inspector, agent, appraiser and closing specialist we can help speed along the process for sellers. A true professional will not only recommend the cosmetic but also needed repairs and improvements that will give a seller the most bang for the buck.
So the next time the term staging comes up, think Inspecorator!
AccentPositives provides effective and economical Home Staging Consultations on site and on line. We are located in Corona and service the Inland Empire area of Southern California. Call 951 833 8529 or email staging@accentpositives.com
Ana Hitzel is the owner of AccentPositives Home Staging and the host of Your Place Your Space Home & Life Improvement Radio.
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AccentPositives provides effective and economical Home Staging Consultations and services on site and on line. Selected Best of Corona 2012 in the Interior Design category, we are located in Corona and serve the Inland Empire of Southern California, the Palm Springs area and North San Diego County. Call 951 833 8529. Email staging@accentpositives.com. Visit www.accentpositives.com.
Love it! The Inspectorator.
Congratulations on being one of the Finalists at RESA. All the best to you!
Ana, that sounds like a close cousin of the "Decospector" :)
Ana, I agree, I would think staging would be even more important in more modest homes.
I've used a similar analogy as well and wrote a blog a couple years back called "inspector stager" and likened us to home inspectors on the aesthetic front. Cute term! I also totally agree that any home in any price point benefits from staging.
Greata post! I love the term! I totally agree that the more modest home DO benefit the most.
Hi Ana ~ I've staged a number of modest homes recently and believe they really benefitted from staging. Great post and fun graphics!
The lower end properties benifit greatly form staging...they need it even more than the McMansions!!
Hi Deena, thanks for stopping in and congrats to Michelle Minch!!!
Hi Charles, the decospector? Sounds like a 70s disco thing LOL.
Hi Gary, I think you're right, everyone wants their piece of luxury and staging can make even modest homes look more inviting and upscale.
Hi Karen, thats a good term also, stagers to the rescue!
Hi Kim, thanks. Good things come in small packages too.
Hi Maureen, thanks. I like the challenge of smaller homes, it's where you can see the biggest difference when you have finished:)
Hi Valerie, you are right, thanks for commenting:)
Ana, I always tell agents I teach that one of the biggest myths about Home Staging is that Staging is just for estate properties. I tell them exactly what you said, which is that in my opinion, you get more "bang for the buck" Staging the smaller, every day type of homes. It costs less and can have a bigger impact in terms of days on market because there is so much competition at the lower price points (much more so than with the more expensive homes). Great post!
Most of my clients are sellers of modest homes. All price ranges can see a benefit to staging. Marketing is still marketing, no matter the price tag on the product.
Ana, your title caught my attention! What a great term. There are reasons why homes in every price range can benefit from staging, thanks for pointing that out. We just need to keep saying it...
Your posts ROCK! Love this term-Can I use it?
Staging the small homes benefit greatly! Great post Ana.
Hi Annie, thanks for commenting and you are right on pointing out the lower to mid end of the price scale has way more competition for buyers' attention. Pricing and effective staging are the way to stand out!
Hi Tara, my client base is the same, modest homes in middle income neighborhoods. When we present ourselves as marketers as well as cosmetic specialists, that's an effective 1, 2 punch:)
Hi Cathy, thanks for commenting. We do need to keep saying it, I have lots of practice on repeating things....MY KIDS!:)
Thanks Cathy and yes Inspecorate away!:)
I loved this paragraph:
Staging is beneficial in any price range. In fact smaller, lower priced homes may benefit the most as staging is all about enhancing space, flow and functionality as well as decor. Why make a potential buyer imagine when they can see it when they walk in the door.
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