Home staging, which first appeared in the United States in the 1950s, gradually spread to Quebec. The term gained widespread popularity in the 2000s, likely fuelled by the rise of home decorating TV shows.
Today, home staging remains a popular technique among homeowners looking to sell, as it is believed to help attract potential buyers and lead to faster sales by creating an immediate appeal during in-person or virtual tours.
Interior decorating vs. home staging: what’s the difference?
At first glance, home staging may seem like interior decorating, but these two approached have very different objectives.
Interior decorating focuses on personalizing a space to suit the tastes and needs of its occupants. It reflects the personality and lifestyle of the residents.
On the other hand, home staging is intended not for the homeowners, but for potential buyers. The goal is to create a neutral and inviting atmosphere where visitor can easily imagine themselves living in the space.
In short, interior decorating adds personal touches, while home staging removes them to make the property more appealing to a broader audience.
What are the seven basic principles of home staging?
To maximize the effectiveness of home staging, it’s essential to follow several key principles. Here are the seven fundamental ones:
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Clean
A spotless home creates confidence and appeal. Removing dirt, dust, and signs of wear showcases the space as well maintained and ready for new occupants.
Start by cleaning every corner of the house; floors, ceilings, kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and door handles. Don't forget areas often overlooked, such as the inside of cabinets and appliances—they all need a fresh touch!
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Repair
Even minor defects, like a cracked wall, broken handle, chipped tiles, or a stuck window, can distract potential buyers. Taking care of necessary repairs or replacements ensures the property appears well maintained.
These details will likely be noted in the buyer's pre-purchase inspection report and could be used to negotiate the sale price. It's best to address these issues whenever possible.
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Declutter
Overcrowded spaces can make a home feel smaller and less functional. Removing unnecessary or bulky items creates a sense of openness and allows the strengths of each room to stand out.
This principle also applies to storage areas like closets, cabinets, and bookshelves. If they’re overflowing, buyers may feel the home lacks adequate storage. It’s important to declutter and reorganize these spaces as well.
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Depersonalize
To appeal to the widest range of potential buyers, personal items and preferences should be replaced with neutral decor. Storing away family photos, vacation souvenirs, religious symbols, trophies, and other personal belongings helps buyers envision themselves in the space.
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Rearrange
Rearranging furniture can maximize space and improve the flow of movement throughout the home. Each room should be functional, with no obstructions in doorways or corridors, allowing visitors to move freely and easily through the house.
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Harmonize
The colours, materials, and textures should work together to create a cohesive and calming atmosphere throughout the home. The decor should be balanced, avoiding overcrowding furniture in one corner.
If the walls are painted in bold colours, consider repainting to change the room’s vibe. Neutral tones and simple yet elegant elements are preferred, as they attract attention without being overwhelming.
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Enhance
Highlight the unique features of your home, such as a stone fireplace, a bay window with a stunning view, or hardwood floors. These elements, which you may have grown accustomed to, can make a significant impact when selling. Make them the focal points of your decor so that buyers are immediately drawn to them.
Enhancing your home may also include:
- Adjusting the lighting to brighten up rooms
- Creating a pleasant scent in the air such as lighting scented candles or baking pastries.
How does home staging help sell faster?
Home staging is a process that utilizes various techniques to highlight a property's best features and optimize its appeal to potential buyers. When executed properly, staging can attract more interest, create a positive first impression, and even reduce the time it takes to sell the property.
However, it’s important to remember that home staging alone doesn’t guarantee a successful sale. It serves as an additional boost to your efforts, but not a miracle solution for selling your home.
To further enhance your chances of a quick sale, consider enlisting the help of a real estate agent. Their expertise can guide you through the selling process and provide invaluable advice to help close the deal.
Creating an instant attraction with buyers: a crucial aspect
First impressions are crucial in the home-buying process. Buyers often form their opinion about a property within seconds of entering. Home staging presents the home in a way that triggers immediate attraction.
A well arranged, bright, and welcoming space encourages buyers to explore further, while a neglected or overly personalized interior can dampen their enthusiasm. This instant appeal is often the key to speeding up the decision-making process.
Is it always useful in a seller's market?
In a seller’s market, where demand is high, some may think home staging is unnecessary. However, presentation remains an important aspect of the sales process. It helps sellers maximize their chances of selling quickly and at a higher price.
A well-presented home can attract more offers and even spark bidding wars, resulting in a higher final sale price. In a competitive market, standing out is essential, and home staging provides that crucial advantage.
So, there's no reason to skip it!
Home staging: what percentage of your home’s price should you invest?
The amount you should invest in staging your property largely depends on your budget, preferences, and the condition of your home. There’s no fixed rule, as costs can vary based on several factors.
Experts generally recommend investing around 1% of your home's market value in staging. For example, if your home is worth $300,000, you might consider spending approximately $3,000 to refresh the décor. However, costs could be higher if your home is older and hasn’t been updated in some time.
Keep in mind that if you hire a professional, their fees are an additional cost beyond this 1% investment.
What to know before hiring a real estate staging specialist
While many tasks can be done on your own, you may choose to hire a professional to save time and ensure a flawless result. However, it's important to understand that home staging is not a regulated profession, and there are no formal requirements or official certifications. Anyone can claim to be an expert.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, here are some steps to ensure you hire the right professional:
- Ask if they have received formal training in home staging and if they hold any certifications from recognized schools or organizations.
- Request a portfolio of their previous work.
- Inquire about the investments made by past clients and the results they achieved.
- Ensure a written contract is in place, especially if subcontractors are involved.
- Check if the contractor holds a licence from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec if any renovations are needed.
- Always ask for proof of payment for services rendered.
A good professional will aim to use as much of your existing furniture and decor as possible, keeping additional costs to a minimum.
Are you looking to sell your property?
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