“You never get a second chance to make a first impression” This age-old aphorism has never been more true than when it comes to selling a property. If a home doesn’t grab potential buyers’ immediate attention, they’re likely to say “Let’s see the next one”. Psychology studies reveal that first impressions are formed within the first 60 seconds and far more than 50% of a person’s opinion is determined by appearance. Sometimes, it is not possible to close a sale because the potential buyer cannot see beyond a home’s first appearance and envision what it would be like to live in it, unless it’s staged. Sometimes, when a property has been on the market for a while, there may be a problem that is turning people off.

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression”

Home staging is the art of expertly dressing up the house by adding decor and rearranging furniture to make it look stunning for listing photos and walkthroughs. It is about making your home look neat, stylish, and inviting to a potential home buyer.

5 Reasons to Do Home Staging when selling Your Property 

The home staging practice, which has already proven to be very successful in the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia is becoming more and more popular in Europe and Mallorca. Here are the most important reasons why you should stage your home for resale in the real estate marketplace.

1. Home staging provides a very effective marketing tool to protect your home against costly price reductions. From a little closet thinning and tidying up to a major furniture and design overhaul, home staging is about reversing the accumulated clutter, editing and arranging furniture, and erasing any hints of the messiness of daily life to make a home welcoming and appealing to the highest number of potential buyers.
2. Brings out the best of a home. More often than not- it is not possible to close a sale because the potential buyer cannot see beyond a home’s first appearance and envision what it would be like to live in it unless it’s staged. People buy on emotions and the feeling they get when viewing your home; the importance of triggering such feelings in the buyer is huge. As much as 72% of home buyers’ first impressions and feelings can be influenced by the seller thanks to effective home staging. 
3. Quicker sale. Real estate agencies will be more interested and motivated in promoting the property, and a staged home will make the right impression. It will all increase the likelihood of a quicker sale. 
4. A cost effective marketing tool. Home staging does not have to cost a fortune. Painting is for example a cheap and easy way to give your home a new look. You can achieve a lot by simply painting the walls in a neutral colour and rearranging furniture and accessories.
5. Home staging can turn ‘deal breakers’ into ‘deal makers’.  Home staging can make a room seems brighter, or the ceiling higher. for example, you can add light or make a small place look more spacious by using giant mirrors in a row that will create an optical illusion. Floor-to-ceiling drapes covering the walls next to the windows will make the ceiling look higher.

Images courtesy of Stork Interior Design

What does the home staging process involve?

Home staging focuses on two parallel aspects, fixing technical issues such as, for example, repairing moisture problems and cleaning up mold, and enhancing its appeal, because you want the buyer to fall in love with it.  A staging plan is usually made once it has been assessed what needs to be done to get the home in top condition for presenting it on the market.

A well-staged home will show its full potential and will usually be appraised at full market value. And chances are that the home will sell a lot faster.

Read also The Power of Home Staging

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