To Stage or Not to Stage

05 October 2019 / By Peter Ashbaugh

Staging gives buyers a taste of how they could live in a property

Check out these before and after photos from a condo that needed a light refresh after a tenant had lived in the property for several years. The staging made a real difference for how buyers experienced the unit.

A well-staged home should maximize the property's strengths and minimize its flaws.

Matt and I are often surprised at the difficulty buyers have with imagining room arrangements or modifications. A well-staged home removes the guesswork and concerns buyers have about a property. Staging, done well, tells a story to accentuate a property’s strengths while downplaying quirks, which translates to better offers.

The majority of our sellers, who want multiple offers and to be delighted with the sale’s price, choose to stage their property at a cost of $4-8K, depending on the size of the property. We have several relationships with stagers for varying price-points and design styles that will attract the ideal buyer.

Our professional sense is that staged properties earn $25-50K extra and sell more quickly, making it a solid investment. Staged properties photograph better and are more inviting during open houses and private showings.

About The Author

Peter Ashbaugh

Peter loves design and fierce negotiation. His clients count on him for his tell-it-like-it-is approach to business and life.