You’re already aware that your home should be clean and well-maintained when you put it on the market. But if you’re like many sellers, you’re probably a bit unsure about whether to go the extra mile and stage your property. Staging is the process of preparing your home to be photographed and shown—all with the end goal of a more successful sale. Before you decide whether or not to go this route, there are a few things you should be aware of.

Here are five facts home sellers should know about the staging process…

1) It’s not just about style

Staging isn’t just about beautifying your home. While enhancing the look of your property is always one of the goals, there’s a lot more to it than that. A true staging expert will focus on creating a stylish-yet-understated look—one that appeals to the tastes of many different buyers. The process could include everything from painting your walls an eye-catching neutral colour (like warm beige or cream) to choosing on-trend decor that doesn’t call attention away from what really matters—your home and its selling features!

2) It helps highlights your home’s liveability

In addition to attracting as many home hunters as possible, staging should provide the right experience for every buyer that shows up. That means helping people envision your home as their own. It starts with a thorough decluttering and cleaning. Next, pack away those family photos, religious items, and anything else that could be distracting. Once that’s done, it’s all about selecting elegant, subdued pieces and adjusting your layout if need be. The aim is to create the perfect backdrop so that buyers can imagine their own possessions in your space.

3) It can lead to a quicker sale

We real estate agents know from experience that staging can result in a more efficient sale. The good news is, you don’t have to take our word for it. According to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), staged homes sell faster (in 23 days on average) than those that haven’t received the same type of treatment (184 days). We also know that staging helps buyers imagine a living space as their own, and there’s a lot of data out there to back that up. Bottom line: the feeling that buyers get when they walk into a perfectly-prepared home can result in a quicker sale—and more money in the bank.

4) You may not need a full staging

Many sellers believe staging has to mean a full transformation—one that will be time-consuming and disruptive. Fortunately, that isn’t necessarily the case. You don’t have to opt for a full staging. The truth is, many homes would benefit more from a thorough cleaning and a few small decorative touches. Not only that, but an experienced staging professional will know how to create a timeline that will work for you—and keep disruptions to a minimum.

5) There are benefits to working with a team

Sellers often feel overwhelmed at the prospect of choosing the right professional stager. But finding someone with talent and skill doesn’t have to be stressful. Often, the key is choosing a real estate team that offers staging expertise as part of its services. When you’re interviewing agents, be sure to ask specifically about home preparations. Working with a team can help ensure that the selling process is smooth end-to-end—which could mean far less stress, and a better end result!

Ready to learn more about staging—and how we can help you through the selling process? Reach out to get started today!