Home staging is the highly refined skill of preparing a property for sale by temporarily furnishing and decorating the home to make it more attractive to potential buyers.

 

Sellers are generally encouraged to not get involved in staging decisions because stagers are focused on the expectations of current buyers and have the systems and inventory ready to stage properties. When sellers dictate what looks “good” in their home, they often find that what might be aesthetically pleasing is not necessarily what will get a property sold.

 

The stagers’ goal is to help buyers visualize how they might actually live in the space. For example, it’s hard for almost anyone to figure out exactly how big of a couch will fit in an empty space. In addition, elements that might be considered challenges - like awkward floor plans or areas with little natural light - can be addressed and even overcome through good staging decisions.

 

Staging ensures a sense of cohesion and simplicity throughout the property, often helping spaces look larger and more dynamic. Stagers also have a knack for current aesthetic design, giving the home a competitive advantage by standing out against the competition.

 

 

Before & After

 

Jen Montague Clark, founder and president of a locally-based design firm, The Home Co., says, “Staging is especially important in the East Bay because many of our buyers are design and tech sophisticates. Many are also Millennials used to interacting with beautiful products like those offered by Apple, Nest, etc. Home staging provides them with the design interface to which they have grown accustomed.”

 

A survey from the National Association of Realtors® demonstrates that staging delivers clear benefits to sellers:

 

Clark said that full-service staging in the East Bay usually ranges in cost from about $3.75 per square foot at the lower end to $6.00+ per square foot for “luxury” properties. Thus, the average cost for a 1,500 square foot home would range from about $5,500 to $9,000.

 

Prices vary depending on the level of service required, if the home is vacant, and the number of rooms that need staging. In addition, some designers may recommend painting, professional cleaning, refinishing floors, furniture, or cabinets, and upgrading the lighting.

 

When preparing a home for sale, work with stagers who will keep prospective buyers in mind. Most are looking for a clean, well-maintained space they can call their own. They are also looking for an emotional connection, a place that feels safe, private, and cheerful.

 

The task of preparing a home for sale can be overwhelming, but we can help you streamline the process. Red Oak’s Enhance program offers home improvement and staging services that can be paid out of escrow. In addition, our experienced agents will be happy to help decide where your efforts are best spent. They can also recommend tradespeople to help you if you’d like, including professional home stagers. If you would like to discuss more specifics for your situation, feel free to reach out.