“Perception is reality,” and an important concept to political strategists like Lee Atwater who coined the phrase back in the 1980s.
Marketers know this as well and make bank on the fact that what we perceive, although perhaps not real, is what we believe.
So, it should come as no surprise then that in a recent study of 4,200 staged homes, more than 85 percent of them sold for at least 6 percent to as much as 25 percent more than homes that weren’t staged.
Now, we might take those statistics with a grain of salt, considering they came from a home staging industry study, the methodology of which is apparently a closely-guarded secret.
Reach back to a 2017-member survey by NAR (they haven’t released an updated survey) and we find that only one-third of buyers’ agents claim that they could attribute an increase in dollar value offered to staging. They figured it was between one and five percent more than homes that weren’t staged.
Fewer than one-third of listing agents felt that staging a home resulted in more money for the home but nearly 40 percent say that staged homes sell far faster than un-staged homes.
So, yes, it appears that staging does bring in more money for a home. Not a lot, but hey, all those pennies add up.
If you primarily list lower-cost homes, staging costs are most likely not in your or your clients’ budgets. That’s why we’ve collected these cheap home staging ideas you can use to get your listing staged without breaking the bank.
Who is your most likely buyer?
Get clear on the audience for your listing. The downtown penthouse condo buyer’s needs and wants are vastly different from those of the family-home buyer.
Staging a home is a lot easier once you have a clear picture of the likely buyer. But there are some things that appeal to most buyers, so work on these first, staging rooms to make them appear larger, brighter and lighter.
We’re sure you’ll agree that storage, for instance, is many a buyer’s hot button.
Convince clients to add a light in the pantry; have them clear out closets and cupboards to make them appear larger and urge them to install storage solutions in the garage.
Owners of homes that will attract families can be staged in a number of ways to appeal to buyers, from cleaning up the play equipment in the backyard to sprucing up the laundry room.
Cheap home staging ideas
Especially if you’ll be assisting in the staging or doing it yourself, the need to save money is quite real. Urge your clients to take care of the bigger, more expensive items, such as:
- Fresh paint in rooms that require it
- Slipcovers for nasty furniture
- New hardware for kitchen and bathroom cupboards
- Faucets, if required
Hit thrift stores and yard sales
When building your inventory of materials for your cheap home staging ideas, the best place to start is by canvassing your family and friends. Make a list of items that they’re storing and don’t mind you borrowing. This includes everything from furniture to accessories.
Worth-it purchases include decorative throw pillows, mirrors, shower curtain and coordinating rug and towels, lamps (and lots of high-wattage bulbs).
If you need to shop, start with the least expensive outlets, such as Craigslist.org, Offer Up and Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore thrift shop.
Use those mirrors in dimly-lit rooms or dark hallways. They’ll help reflect what little light there is to make it look brighter.
Little things can add a dramatic touch. Adding an orchid, candles and special soaps can create a spa vibe in an otherwise boring bathroom. And, surprisingly, aside from the orchid (unless you want a fake one), you can buy high-end looking soaps and candles at the dollar stores.
If the home is vacant, you’ll have a bit more work to do, but you can still do it on the cheap. Use huge moving boxes covered with a fluffy comforter and pillows to create a bed (don’t forget to leave a note on the “bed” asking people not to sit on it!).
Staging your clients homes doesn’t have to cost you a fortune and it’s something they’ll remember you for long after the home is sold. Use these cheap home staging ideas and come up with some of your own – creativity is the key!
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