Sell for Top Dollar in the Portland Metro Market: The Staging Secret
In today's competitive real estate market, achieving that "picture-perfect" home is no longer just a trend—it's a crucial strategy. While stunning online photos draw initial interest, professional home staging is the secret weapon that transforms a property, making it stand out, attract more buyers, and ultimately sell faster and for a higher price.
You might wonder if staging is truly necessary. The reality is that home design shows have significantly influenced buyer expectations. A report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reveals that over half of real estate professionals (58%) reported buyers were disappointed when homes didn't live up to TV portrayals, with 73% blaming design shows for unrealistic expectations. To meet these rising demands, agents are increasingly turning to staging to help buyers visualize themselves in the space and improve market performance.
Why Staging Is Your Smartest Investment for a Quicker, More Profitable Sale:
Helps Buyers Visualize: A remarkable 83% of buyers' agents say staging makes it easier for potential homeowners to imagine the property as their future home. This is especially beneficial for homes with challenging layouts, as staging can clearly define how spaces can be used.
Boosts Your Offer Price: Staging directly impacts your bottom line. About 30% of real estate professionals reported a 1% to 10% increase in home value directly attributed to staging, with 10% noting a 6%–10% increase in offers over similar, un-staged homes.
Reduces Time on Market: Staged homes sell faster. Approximately half of real estate professionals reported reduced market time: 30% saw a slight decrease, and 19% noted a "greatly reduced" time on the market. Only a tiny fraction (4%) found that staging increased market time.
Enhances Online Presence: With most buyers starting their search online, staged homes photograph exceptionally well, leading to more clicks and more showings. One-third of buyer's agents confirm that buyers were more willing to walk through a staged home they saw online.
Highlights Best Features: As Jessica Lautz, NAR's deputy chief economist, notes, "By staging a home, agents... strategically highlight the best features, ensuring sellers receive the most competitive offers."
Key Areas to Focus On (According to NAR):
Real estate agents report the most important areas to stage are:
Living room
Primary bedroom
Kitchen
Dining room
Outdoor spaces
What Staging Involves:
While professional staging involves an investment, the return on investment is clear. Staging efforts often include:
Decluttering and Depersonalizing: Creating a neutral canvas is paramount. Remove personal items, family photos, and excessive clutter to allow buyers to envision their own lives in the space.
Deep Cleaning and Minor Repairs: A spotless home free of small imperfections signals good maintenance and move-in readiness.
Strategic Furniture Placement: Optimizing flow and showcasing room size, often using less furniture for an expansive feel.
Lighting and Accessorizing: Maximizing natural light and adding tasteful decor to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Curb Appeal: Don't forget the exterior! First impressions start before buyers even step inside.
Thinking about selling your home? Let's discuss how strategic staging can help you navigate the modern market, attract serious buyers, and achieve your real estate goals by maximizing your property's appeal and value.
For more valuable resources and insights into the real estate market, I recommend checking out the official website of the National Association of REALTORS® and the article this post was inspired by: