Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS HOME STAGING?
Home staging is the act of preparing homes for sale in the real estate marketplace.
Typically, home staging specifically refers to rearranging or renting furniture and decor to showcase the property in its best light. Highlighting harmonious traffic flow, architectural focal points and the illusion of maximum space. The goal of staging is to make the home more appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property more swiftly and for more money. Real estate agents should typically recommend staging to their clients as the #1 marketing tool to sell a house
WHY SHOULD I STAGE MY HOME?
Staging increases the perceived value of the home.
However, some sellers may not be aware of staging and how effective it can be. It’s often a realtors job to show homeowners how the home is worth a small investment in staging when it goes on the market. When staging is a part of your marketing plan, it reduces time on the market and maximizes profit. Don’t leave money on the table, dress your house for success!
WHAT CAN I DO TO GET MY HOME TO STAND OUT FROM THE COMPETITION?
Selling your property in today's real estate market requires a lot of hard work and dedication. You're in competition with existing and new construction.
Anything that will give you an edge over the competition should be a plus to you when you are trying to sell your home. Staging gives you that edge!
Leaving your home “as is” actually helps sell the competition
IS STAGING TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
STAGING IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE
Staging services can be considered an advertising fee (See IRS Publication 523) and these selling expenses include commissions, advertising fees*, legal fees and loan charges paid by the seller.
*Staging a home for re-sale is considered an Advertising fee. There are no time limits on the Advertising Fees related to the sale for the IRS. However, it is important to note that if a property does not sell and is taken off the market; expenses for that transaction are NOT deductible in the future. Check with your accountant for full details.
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p523/index.html
A Home Gain survey found that sellers who spent money on staging recouped 100% on their investment.
Staged properties will sell faster when compared with houses that have not been staged. From the date of listing, until the day of closing, home staging shortens this time frame in both a buyer's and seller's market.
WHEN SHOULD I CALL A PROFESSIONAL STAGER?
As soon as you decide to sell your home..
- Before the MLS photos are taken
- Before the "FOR SALE" sign goes up
- Before your first open house
- Before your first price reduction
The cost/investment in staging will always be cheaper than your first price reduction
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY HOUSE IS SOLD?
The Finished Touch Designs' pricing is all-inclusive of design, delivery, installation and pickup of the furniture once the home sells. Just give us a 2 week notice to pick up your project and we’ll take care of the rest.
Leaving your home AS IS actually helps sell the competition
Staging is a proven marketing strategy - According to the national association of realtors (nar):
- Buyers don't have spacial awareness. Statistics show 9 out of 10 potential buyers can't visualize a vacant house furnished & accessorized, therefore they can't envision themselves living there.. They will move on..not in
- You will get a good ROI .. A 1% - 3% investment on home staging yields an 8 - 10% return...which is a pretty good deal!
- Nearly a third (28%) of buyers are more willing to overlook property faults when the home is staged
- Over 81% of buyers find it easier to visualize the property as their future home when it's staged.
- Over 95% of real estate agents say that home staging has some effect on the buyer's view of the home
- A Survey conducted by Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corp. discovered that staged homes usually sold 6% above the asking price and spent less time on the market when compared to unstaged homes.
- Staged home will sell for 17% more on average than non-staged homes and 95% of staged homes sell in 11 days or less. That is statistically 87% faster than non-staged homes.
