Staging
In the current weak housing market, property owners are striving to enhance their home’s appeal to a wider base of interested buyers through the guidance of professional stagers. The Bay area in California has an average listing price of homes in the $500,000 and higher price range. This is currently a buyer’s market, and sellers are expected to present their real estate with those extra touches offered through the expertise of professional stagers.
Costs of Professional Staging
In the desirable Oakland-Berkeley-Piedmont area of California, prices for staging a home range from $2,000-$6,000 depending on the size of the property. An approximate staging cost for property owners can be calculated by using an average price of $350 a square foot. Most staging consultants offer property owners the choice to pay half of their fee up front with the remainder due at the close of escrow. Staging is a common expectation with the high end real estate market, but when cost is a factor a staging consultation can be conducted for about $150.
Homeowners Participation in the Staging Process
A consultation with the marketing experts gives the homeowners a step by step approach to depersonalizing their home for a greater appeal for buyers. Stagers will make the homeowners aware of any improvements and maintenance that need their attention. A de-cluttering of personal effects will also be an expectation for the homeowners to broaden the buyers’ pool.
Benefits of Professional Staging
It is proven that staged homes sell faster and attain a higher selling price. With a large inventory of homes, sellers need to do as much as possible to make their property stand out as one of the best real estate values in their area. Most of the furniture, artwork, and miscellaneous pieces needed for staging are already in the home, and they are repurposed to create a dramatic difference in the home’s appearance and appeal. The staging opportunity gives prospective buyers the opportunity to visualize themselves and their furniture in a well staged home. Professional staging is a wise choice for contientious sellers to get the best price for their home in today’s tough housing market.
