Written by Amy Walker
Property staging is an important part of selling a home, but for some people it can be a daunting experience as there are a lot of myths about the service.
Today we are diving into these myths and busting them. Telling you what is fact and what is fiction in the staging world so that you can feel at ease when choosing to have your property styled.
1. Home stagers make you discard everything/staging is only for vacant properties.
FICTION!
- There is not a universal solution to this misconception because it depends on the staging business you choose, however at Kurved by Design, we specialise in both complete and partial staging of properties, hence this myth is fiction. To achieve a unified design, partial staging combines our furniture with the client's existing furnishings at the property.
- Based on a quote that is discussed one-on-one with our client, we can use as much or as little of their furniture as they would like. After taking pictures and making thorough notes about the home's existing features, our design team will bring any additional furnishings and accessories required to make the property marketable and satisfy the agent's and the target market's expectations.
- It is important to note that while staging is not limited to only vacant properties, there is a set of procedures that come along with having our furniture in your property while you are living there.
2. Staging is only to make the property look “pretty.”
FICTION!
- When it comes to property staging, there is no greater myth than this one. Making a house appear “pretty” is not our business. Furthermore, we are not tasked with executing your unique design concept. Rather, we aim to transform your property into a marketable product.
- Although ideally, we want people to walk into a staged property and feel compelled to comment on how the home looks nice and feels comfortable, there is a lot more to the design in front of them then just some cushions and artwork. Our team works tirelessly to achieve designs that will appeal to a broad market of potential buyers, evoking their emotions to envision a home that they want to live in rather than a blank canvas or four walls. Furthermore, we focus on accentuating the highlightable features and strengths of a property and diverting attention from weaknesses.
3. Staging is not necessary in a hot market.
FICTION!
- It is commonly believed that in a hot market a property will sell quickly regardless of its presentation. However, selling a home successfully is determined by how much the buyers are willing to pay for the property. Therefore, why not aim for the best possible presentation and maximise your return on investment.
- Even in a seller's market, staging has enormous value given that it appeals to a wider range of potential buyers. Since most people cannot visualise furniture in a home when it's not there, a staged property is going to attract more attention. The staging will then automatically draw more people to your door, which may result in intense competition when it comes time to sell, and this may raise the sale price.
4. Staging is only for properties that are trying to hide something.
FICTION!
- Staging a home is not for houses with something to hide. In fact, it is unethical for a stager to cover up any defects in a home. Staging calls attention to what is desirable about a property and creates a visual ‘set’ where buyers can imagine their own lives playing out.
- Both the seller and the buyer will lose if staging is used to conceal any defects in the property. This is because the buyer expects the house to be defect-free when it is sold, but if the staging is taken away before the final inspection is conducted, the buyer might discover something they were unaware of, which could cause them to back out of the purchase. This will then have an impact on the seller because they will have to pay to have the staging put back in place and incur additional costs associated with keeping the house on the market longer.
5. Improves perceived value of the property.
FACT!
- The primary goal of home staging is this. Staged properties sell faster than unstaged ones, and they typically receive offers that are between 6 and 20% above asking price.
- Property staging significantly enhances the perceived value of a home by creating a polished, attractive environment that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space. A well-staged home highlights its best features, such as spacious rooms, natural light, and functional layouts, while minimizing any distracting elements. By using carefully selected furniture, decor, and accessories, staging helps buyers see the full potential of each room, making it feel more inviting and liveable. This emotional connection can lead to a higher offer price, as buyers often feel more compelled to invest in a home that appears move-in ready and thoughtfully designed. In a competitive market, staging sets a property apart and can significantly influence its perceived value.
. 6. Most buyers can’t visualise rooms.
FACT!
- Very few people are able to see the potential of a house without staging. This is particularly valid for unoccupied properties. Most people feel confused and a little overwhelmed when they tour an empty house, trying to visualise what the room might look like once they put their own furniture in. Because of this they will nit-pick and find it nearly impossible to see past whatever imperfections the house may have since they are not able to see the possibilities. Buying a house is an emotional process, and home staging is needed to create the feeling and lifestyle experience that attracts buyers.