Professional or DIY staging?

If you have a knack for interior design, you may want to consider DIY staging when selling your home. In today’s real estate market, staged homes typically generate higher offers than non-staged homes. Homebuyers have a difficult time visualizing their “stuff” in an empty house. They can, however, imagine themselves being happy in a home with such an inviting environment. So, you know you should be staging. The question is- professional or DIY staging?

Tips for DIY Staging

DIY staging can save you thousands of dollars. If you decide to stage your own home, visit several model homes, open houses, or visit “homes for sale” on the internet to get an idea of how staged homes look.

When doing DIY, you will likely need to secure a storage unit for temporarily storing extras the potential home buyer does not need to view.

If you’re uncertain about staging your home, consider starting by just staging the living room. Then ask your realtor and a few trusted friends to take a hard look at the living room and tell you whether it looks professionally staged.

Clear the Clutter

Remove the clutter from each room. Either pack items for storage, toss them, or give them to charity. Take away any collections, hobby paraphernalia, framed family portraits on walls or tables, and all personal items.

Prospective buyers won’t see “what was” but “what is” bespeaks of generous storage. Storage is a must-have for most home buyers. They will open closets, drawers, etc.

Natural lighting is another must-have for home lookers. This is true for professional or DIY staging. Tie the drapes back, open shades, or blinds. Also, turn on lamps for an open house. 

Arrange Living Room Furniture Conversational Style

Conversational furniture arrangement in the living room is desirable these days. Don’t position the furniture for viewing the TV. Prospective homeowners won’t kick off their shoes, put their feet up, and watch a soap opera. They are in house-buying mode. Keep this in mind when deciding between professional or DIY staging.

Instead of placing living room furniture around the perimeter, move it out to the middle of the room. If you have a fireplace, group furniture in a semi-circle facing the fireplace. Otherwise, position your couch, loveseat, chairs, little tables, etc. in a U-shape.

Your potential home buyer will probably wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Focal Point Living Room

When you enter a room, the focal point is the feature in the room, which is most attention-grabbing. A fireplace makes a great focal point. A mantel with two crystal candle holders, white taper candles, and a white vase with fresh flowers is pleasing to the eye. Hang an oversized mirror in an unusual shape i.e., arch or triangle, above the fireplace.

Don’t have a fireplace? How about an armoire? The eye is drawn to large pieces of furniture. Hang fascinating art above and on either side for a dramatic focal point in your living room. Seasonal decorations make great accessory pieces.

Take Note:

You have such a strong connection to your home; you can’t see it objectively. A DIY staging typically attracts people on your same wavelength.  Alternatively, a professional home stager sees your home through impartial eyes of experience. They know what appeals to the majority. Professionals will stage your home so that prospective homebuyers can visualize themselves living in it. When deciding between professional or DIY staging, keep this in mind.

Why Hire a Professional Home Stager?

Professional home stagers are well versed on lighting, décor, and color. Their end goal is to aid potential buyers in forming an emotional attachment that will encourage them to make an offer on your home. Contemporary buyers shop online before touring homes for sale. Professional home stagers typically market your home via a virtual online tour that shows your home in its best light.

Professional home staging will cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 more or less. A well-staged home can result in a bidding war on your home, which is the ideal scenario. You’ll get a higher price even after paying the stager.

DIY Staging VS. Professional Home Staging?

There is no right or wrong answer. Do what feels right to you. If you decide not to stage it at all, there is a certain demographic that prefers touring empty homes. Be mindful that staging does not sell homes, but according to real estate influencers, staging helps sell a home quicker and for money.

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