HGTV may set unrealistic expectations of what a home should look like, but real-life staging is easier and more effective than you think. Start by hiring a pro or going virtual when selling.
Are you ready to sell your home but feeling lost on how to make it look its best? You’re not alone! Let’s talk about staging your home and how it can make a world of difference.
First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: HGTV. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably watched those shows and thought, “Why can’t my home look like that?” The truth is, we don’t live in picture-perfect homes with fake lemons on every counter. Most of us have piles of stuff and a comfortable, lived-in look. That’s where staging comes in—it helps present your home in the best light for potential buyers.
Why staging matters. Staging isn’t just about making your home pretty; it’s about making it desirable. Buyers need to see themselves living in your space. A well-staged home can help them visualize how they’d use each room, making it easier for them to imagine their life there. Here are three different staging options:
1. Hiring a staging company. This is the go-to option for many sellers. Staging firms know design trends and how to showcase your home’s best features. They can bring in furniture that highlights the size and layout of your space, making it look like a model home.
2. DIY staging. If hiring a staging company isn’t in your budget, don’t worry! You can stage your home with what you already have. I like to call it my “finger-pointing exercise.” I’ll walk you through each room, pointing out what to keep, what to hide, and how to declutter. The goal is to help buyers focus on the home, not personal items like family photos.
3. Virtual staging. This is a newer option that’s gaining popularity. If your home is empty, virtual staging uses digital images to add furniture to photos of your space. It gives buyers a sense of how the rooms can be used without the hassle of moving physical furniture. Just remember, these images are labeled as virtually staged, so no one will be misled.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to staging. Depending on your budget and goals, you might choose a full staging service, a DIY approach, or a mix of both. The key is to find what works best for you and your home.
If you have any questions about staging or need advice, just ask. I’m here to help you with the staging process and create a strategy to make your home shine. You can contact me at (503) 522-0090 or sarita@asksarita.com. You can also visit our website, AskSarita.com. Let’s get your home ready to impress buyers.
