Why Staging Your Home Matters
Sellers benefited from intense buyer competition from mid-2020 though early 2022, but 2023’s market is characterized by the pendulum swinging back in favor of buyers, as competition settles down slightly. It’s still not a full on “buyer’s market,” per se, since buyers continue to be stifled by higher rates, low inventory, and climbing prices. But we are seeing buyers harnessing more negotiating power, especially with seller concessions now becoming commonplace in many transactions. As a result, most sellers can’t afford to just list their home for sale and wait for 5+ offers to roll in on day one. Selling in today’s market requires an appealing and well-priced property, which is why staging is one of the most important marketing tools a seller can utilize.
First impressions matter
If a buyer walks into your home and isn’t feeling it in the first few seconds, the likelihood of them putting in an offer has dropped significantly. Being turned off can sometimes have little to do with the actual layout and fixtures of a home and a lot to do with the personal style of the sellers. Rather than distracting would-be buyers with family photos and clutter, great staging can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that allows people to instead envision themselves and their decor in the space.
Highlight the home’s potential
It may seem contradictory, but when a house is void of furniture it can actually feel smaller than when it’s furnished. Strategic furniture placement and the right size art and decor can highlight a room’s functionality and emphasize its purpose and ideal flow. Having buyers imagine themselves living comfortably in the home should be your number one goal, and the right staging is often able to accomplish that.
Competitive edge and online marketing
Houses are no longer flying off the market, with the average days on market in July 2023 sitting around 40. That’s a major increase from the average of 21 days in July 2022 and an even more substantial difference from 2021! Buyers in 2023 are typically looking at photos online first — whether it’s something they found on Zillow or an MLS link their agent sent them — before deciding whether or not it’s worth it to tour the home in person. It cannot be understated just how important good photos are for getting your home sold, and the best way to optimize those photos is to have the home staged. Digital staging is another option to entice buyers to see it in person, but it’s ideal to have the house actually staged so the experience of the photos extends into the physical.
Maximizing timeliness and value
A 2021 National Association of Realtors survey of agents revealed significant advantages to staging when it comes to how quickly a home sells, and for how much. There are numerous issues that can stand in the way of a smooth sale and escrow process, but taking steps on the front-end to ensure your home is presenting at its best can save you time and money in the long run.
Interested in selling your home? Want to discuss staging options? Contact me to set up a listing appointment today.
Julia Van Valkenburg, Realtor
OMNI Homes International
julia@buyselltucsonhomes.com
520-275-3514
