Sell ​​faster thanks to home staging?

Completely redecorating before selling? It might sound like an expensive undertaking and a lot of work – but it can actually pay off in terms of both selling price and time. The magic word is home staging. Those who opt for this leave the work to a professional and don't have to buy all new furniture.

What is home staging?

The home staging trend originated in the USA, where sprucing up properties before they are put on the market is now standard practice. Home stagers are also no longer a rarity in Germany. These interior design professionals specialize in furnishing properties to create a welcoming atmosphere without being overly personal. The goal: to make it easy for anyone to imagine themselves living in the property.

Many professional real estate agents work with home stagers. The furnishings are booked before the property is marketed and essentially rented for the sales process. Home stagers ensure the right furniture and appropriate decor, and they have a keen eye for detail. This way, the property makes a great impression not only in photos but also during viewings.

For which properties is home staging suitable?

Home staging can be applied to both new builds and existing properties. Empty rooms often feel cold and don't convey a good sense of space. Potential buyers can't imagine whether their large wardrobe or corner sofa will fit and are therefore uncertain. Conversely, if the property is too cluttered with old, sometimes worn-out furniture and lots of personal belongings, this can also be off-putting. Prospective buyers can't envision expressing their own personality within these four walls. Furthermore, the impression created by run-down furnishings also affects the rest of the property. Buying real estate is an emotional matter. If the overall impression isn't right, buyers are often unwilling to pay the asking price. They fear having to invest a lot of money in renovating the property – when simply replacing the old furniture would suffice.

Is home staging worth it?

A study of American real estate agents demonstrated the effectiveness of home staging. In nearly two-thirds of sales where home staging was used, the asking price was achieved or exceeded. For one in five properties, the final sale price was even 15 percent higher than the asking price. The costs of home staging can thus be recouped quickly. Iris Houghten, Chairwoman of the German Society for Home Staging and Redesign (DGHR), points out that the initial discount sellers offer on the asking price is almost always higher than the cost of home staging. These costs depend on whether the home stager provides only consulting services or offers a comprehensive, all-inclusive package. In the latter case, a commission of 1 to 3 percent of the sale price is typically charged.

Do you need help marketing your property? Contact us now, we'd be happy to assist you with the sale.

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