Making a Lasting Impression with These 3 Home Staging Tips

When you are selling your property, it is important to make an excellent first impression. The best way to do this is by staging your home correctly. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips that will help you stage your property to make potential buyers want to buy it!

The answer is a loud and exuberant YES!! According to a 2022 study of 10,000 staged homes conducted by the International Associate of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP), luxury houses tend to sell rapidly. Regardless of staging status, luxurious properties typically stay on the market for 41 days before selling. If you need to sell quickly, be aware that stagers said listings went off the market 2-8 times as fast when a luxury property is staged. Furthermore, the survey indicated that staged luxury properties brought in offers between 4-20% above the asking price!

First off, it is easy to see why buyers are attracted to this area in the east-central zone of California, with nearly 2000 miles of hills and mountains. With the proximity to Lake Tahoe and Echo Summit, it is no wonder why this county was ranked the 6th healthiest in 2013, thanks to easy access to great places for outdoor adventures. With such prime real estate, sellers can easily understand why the market favors them.

When considering property for sale in Placerville, CA, the median list price in July 2022 was $599,000, so a staged home could bring in $23,960 above the asking price at the low end of 4%, or up to $119,800 at the high end of 20% above asking. With a median number of days on the market of 47, staged homes could come off the market at 23.5 days, at two times the speed, or up to a minimum of 6 days at eight times the speed.

For Cameron Park real estate, a staged home could bring in $25,980 above the median asking price of $649,500 at a 4% increase or up to $129,900 at the 20% rate of increase. With median days on the market of 37, homes could come off the market in 18.5 days at two times the median speed or as quickly as 4.6 days at eight times the median speed.

As for houses for sale in Camino, CA, the median list price in July 2022 was also $799,000, so a staged home could bring in $23,960 above the asking price or up to $119,800 based on the average increase of 4-20% over asking price for staged homes. With a median number of days on the market of 50, staged homes could come off the market for 25 days at two times the speed or up to a minimum of 6.25 days at eight times the speed.

So what rooms should be staged at a minimum? According to the 2021 Profile of Home Staging published by the National Association of Realtors, the primary bedroom, living room, kitchen, and dining room are the most important rooms to be staged based on surveys of buyers' and sellers' agents.

The primary bedroom should be the perfect retreat for potential buyers. It should be clean and clutter-free, with a well-made bed as the focal point. The walls should be painted a neutral color, and the window dressings should be simple.  The room should look spacious, so remove any unnecessary furniture.

The living room is one of the main entertainment areas, so it needs to be inviting. Again, start with a clean and clutter-free space. The furniture should be arranged in a way that inspires conversation.  Add colorful pillows and throws to add interest, and use light-colored draperies to make the room look larger.

The kitchen is usually the most used room in the house, so it needs to be spotless! Clear off countertops, and put away any small appliances. The floors should be clean, and the cabinets should be organized.  If possible, stage the kitchen with fresh flowers or a fruit bowl on the counter.

The dining room should be set up for entertaining, with a beautiful table and chairs. The table should be set for dinner, with place settings and a centerpiece.

While these are the most important rooms to stage, don't forget about the other rooms in your house! The bathroom, bedrooms, home office, and outdoor living spaces should all be staged to make a lasting impression on potential buyers.

When buyers walk into your staged home, you want them to exclaim, "Wow!" To make a lasting impression, go for the wow factor in each room. How do you do this? Start by picking a focal point in each room, whether unique lighting that can be synced with the home's sound system, a  beautiful piece of art, or a cozy fireplace. Then, arrange the furniture around that focal point to create an inviting space. Be sure also to spotlight the focal point with appropriate lighting.

In the living room, for example, you might want to arrange the furniture around a beautiful area rug or below a striking light fixture. You might want to focus on the table and chairs or the serving buffet in the dining room. And in the primary bedroom, you'll want to showcase the closet and other storage and create a cozy seating area for relaxing before bed.

If you're unsure where to start or need help creating the wow factor in your staged home, work with an expert. Home staging is an art, and professional home stagers have the skills and experience necessary to make your house look its best.

When interviewing potential home stagers, ask about their experience, process, and fees. Be sure to ask to see before-and-after photos of their work. Once you've found the right home stager for your property, you can relax while they do the work for you!

Home staging is a great way to make a lasting impression on potential buyers. By following these tips, you can be sure your property will stand out from the competition. Ready to take the next steps? Reach out to trusted El Dorado County real estate agent Kristen Haus for guidance.