Investing in a franchise offers the allure of entrepreneurship backed by a proven business model. However, not all franchises are created equal. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to evaluate potential opportunities carefully. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding what makes a good franchise, with a particular focus on the home staging industry and Showhomes franchise opportunities.

1. Alignment with Personal Goals and Passions

A successful franchise aligns with your personal and professional aspirations. Whether you’re seeking financial independence, a creative outlet, or a balanced lifestyle, ensure the franchise’s offerings resonate with your interests and values. For instance, Showhomes appeals to those passionate about interior design and real estate, offering a creative and flexible business model.

2. Proven Business Model and Brand Strength

A reputable franchise boasts a tested business model and a strong brand presence. Showhomes, established in 1986, has transformed over 24,000 homes, selling properties valued at over $18 billion. Their nationwide network and diverse service offerings underscore their market credibility and operational success.

3. Comprehensive Training and Support

Robust training and ongoing support are vital for franchisee success. Showhomes provides an extensive 6-8 week online curriculum through Showhomes University, coupled with hands-on training and certification. Post-launch, franchisees benefit from a 52-week ramp-up program, including mentorship, performance groups, and continuous operational support.

4. Diverse Revenue Streams

Franchises offering multiple revenue streams can enhance profitability and business resilience. Showhomes offers various services, including traditional home staging, occupied home makeovers, short-term rental design, and partnerships with national home builders, catering to a broad client base and market demands.

5. Transparent Financials and Reasonable Fees

Understanding the financial commitments involved is crucial. A good franchise provides clear information on initial investment, royalty fees, and potential earnings. Showhomes’ Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) outlines all financial aspects, ensuring transparency and helping prospective franchisees assess the investment’s viability.

6. Positive Franchisee Feedback

Engaging with current and former franchisees offers valuable insights into the franchise’s operations and support. Showhomes has a network of satisfied franchisees who can share their experiences, providing a realistic perspective on the day-to-day operations and the franchisor’s responsiveness.

7. Market Demand and Industry Growth

Investing in a franchise within a growing industry increases the likelihood of success. The home staging industry has seen significant growth, driven by the increasing importance of property presentation in real estate sales. Showhomes’ expansion and diverse service offerings position it well within this thriving market.

Conclusion

Choosing the right franchise involves thorough research and self-reflection. By considering factors such as personal alignment, brand strength, training and support, revenue diversity, financial transparency, franchisee feedback, and market demand, you can make an informed decision. Showhomes exemplifies a franchise that meets these criteria, offering a compelling opportunity for those interested in the home staging industry.

The post What Makes a Good Franchise: A Guide to Evaluating Opportunities in the Home Staging Industry appeared first on Showhomes Franchise.

The housing market has been volatile, with a combination of a housing shortage and high buyer demand. Whether your market is still seeing rapid sales or experiencing some softening, home staging remains crucial for getting the best price.

What Home Staging Does to Your Selling Price

Staging is the process of preparing a home to appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers. The right staging can push your property into a higher price point and make buyers fall in love the moment they step inside. It transforms empty spaces into welcoming, relatable environments where buyers can picture their lives unfolding.

Research shows that staged homes often sell for $40,000 above their list price, with an average of nine days fewer on the market than unstaged homes. According to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), investing just 1.3% of the home’s value in staging can yield a return of up to 7.1% over list price.

Why Buyers Bid Higher for Staged Homes

Why is staging so effective? Staging combines design expertise, market research, and strategic furniture placement to make a home feel like a buyer’s dream. Staged homes appeal to buyers’ emotions, enhancing both architectural features and functional spaces. By showcasing a home’s potential, staging enables buyers to imagine their life there and encourages higher bids.

Staging Shows Your Home’s Best Features

Consider the difference: staging can transform an ordinary space into something extraordinary. It emphasizes the home’s unique features, from sleek furniture placement that highlights architectural lines to thoughtful décor that fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Through professional staging, homes often go from “one of many” to “one-of-a-kind.” Buyers will see beyond the current state of the home and visualize themselves living there.

Staging Reduces Seller Stress

Selling a home can be stressful. Deciding on the right furniture arrangements, color schemes, and décor items can feel overwhelming. Professional stagers alleviate this stress. They’re trained to make decisions that showcase the home’s strengths, reducing uncertainty and ensuring your home stands out.

Staging Helps Buyers Envision the Home

The key to successful staging is helping buyers envision their own lives in the space. Whether it’s placing a family-sized dining table in the right spot or creating inviting living room setups, staging helps buyers mentally move in. The transformation from an empty house to a vibrant home makes it easier for them to see the possibilities.

Who Should You Hire?

While some homeowners may consider staging their homes themselves, it’s not always easy to replicate the impact a professional stager can provide. Many stagers are members of professional associations like RESA, ensuring they have the right skills and knowledge to add value to your home.

The post Is Staging a House Worth the Cost? How Staging Can Boost Your Home’s Value appeared first on Showhomes Franchise.

It’s a hot seller’s market, says, oh, just about everyone: Housing inventory is down, prices are up, and even modest abodes ignite bidding wars within days (or hours) of going up on listing sites.

But what if, amid this frenzy, you have a perfectly respectable house that just won’t sell?

It happens. Certain homes will almost seem cursed in that they sit and sit. And these real estate wallflowers can really mess with a home seller, both logistically (if they’re hoping to move soon) and emotionally.

After all, most people love their homes and assume someone else will, too. So when no offers come a-calling, it can plunge sellers into a spiral of questions, from “What’s wrong with my house?” to “Will I ever get to leave?”

Denial, anger, embarrassment—all these emotions and more fill a home seller’s long days as they wait for their real estate agent to text or call with good news. Curious to hear more about what it’s like to be stuck in selling limbo, we spoke to some home sellers who struggled to land a buyer. (Spoiler: All of their homes did sell eventually, although that doesn’t make their pain feel any less real.)

Let these stories serve as a hard lesson about the need to temper expectations in a hot market. And, in case you list your home with high hopes yet hear nothing but crickets, we also have some advice on how to deal with it and what you can do to turn this state of real estate paralysis around into something positive.

When a house just won’t sell: What’s wrong?

Nancy Stern lived in a former commercial building on Long Island, NY, that had been lovingly renovated into a unique living space. It had even been featured in a magazine or two.

Yet despite its design pedigree, when she decided to list the home two years ago, the house sat for months, and her frustration grew.

“There were houses [selling] that were so ugly—on a tenth of our property at our price point,” she laments. “I hated when people asked, ‘So, did your house sell yet?’”

Finally, after several months on the market and a price reduction, her house got an offer below the list price—which she grudgingly accepted. And now that her home-selling saga is over, Stern has some perspective on how her expectations were off-base.

“My mistake was thinking people moving from the city would appreciate a home that was architecturally interesting,” she says. “But unless you have a Colonial or standard new construction, many prospective buyers can’t imagine living there.”

How a slow sale can put your whole life on hold

Jessica Clark, a gluten-free eating expert in Lincoln, NB, had a similar experience late in 2020, only it was intensified by the fact that she’d already made an offer on a new house. She needed to sell her old home to finance her purchase.

“We had a contingent acceptance on our dream home,” she says. Told they were in a seller’s market, she and her husband were optimistic about their prospects and had the home shown like crazy. But there were no offers.

It was a painful time, she says: “We felt defeated and so worried.”

Despite hearing of homes selling within days, her house sat for well over a month—which felt like an eternity with their dream home hanging in the balance. Finally, one buyer lowballed them an offer. Having heard plenty of stories of homes selling for over asking price, Clark admits that this felt like a blow to the ego.

“It wasn’t the best,” she admits. “But we felt forced to accept.”

‘I was close to giving up’

Buying and selling properties at the same time is just one of many predicaments that can ratchet up the pressure sellers feel to unload their home quickly. Matthew Hart, an automotive expert near New York City, was going through a divorce when he put his home on the market in 2019.

The hopes were high for a quick and profitable sale, given that the sunny, cute-as-a-button Colonial was in a desirable neighborhood. At first, all seemed well as a gaggle of buyers called to schedule a tour.

“We had over 40 people come to look at the house but had no luck,” Hart says.

The reason, he surmises, is that although the home was in good shape, his disclosures alerted buyers to an oil tank buried in the backyard. He and his wife had known it was there when they bought the place, but it had never caused any problems. They knew that was a negative, so they priced the home appropriately. But it made no difference. No one put in bids.

Matt refers to it as one of the hardest moments he’s ever faced.

“Bills were piling up, and I was close to giving up and turning the house over to the bank,” he admits. “It felt as if I was stuck in another dimension, and things would never, ever get better.”

Finally, after six months, a couple made an offer, which Matt and his wife gratefully accepted, even though it was under the asking price.

Home won’t sell? What to do

As helpless as home sellers might feel when their house sits without offers, there are things you can do. Ask your agent what time frame for a sale is realistic in your area, given your home’s condition. And if your home sale drags past that point, ask your agent what’s up. Is it priced too high? If you’ve had buyers take a tour, was there anything in particular that made them steer clear?

“The agent should get feedback from anyone viewing the property,” explains Tami Bonnell, co-chair of EXIT Realty Corporate International. Even if no buyers have toured the house yet, your agent can consult other agents and colleagues. With this intel, your agent can suggest ways to boost interest. Decluttering, rearranging furniture, staging, and even a bit of renovating can often nudge a home sale forward.

Yet if you’ve done all you can and are still playing this waiting game, you might need to pivot. Since you can’t change buyers’ minds, the better tactic at this point is to change your own. For starters, stop trying to keep up with the neighbors, even if they sold their home fast for top dollar.

“A hot market leads people to believe that, because the house down the street had a bidding war and fast sale, they will follow suit. When reality falls short, there’s a disappointment,” says Laurie Leinwand, a licensed professional counselor, of Three Steps Forward. “Your objective is to sell. Let go of the time frame. It will happen when it’s supposed to. If it takes a little longer, that’s OK.”

And if the thought “What if it never sells?” starts spiraling in your mind, know that you don’t need to buy into that worry and feed it.

“Shift from ‘what if’ to ‘what is,’” Leinwand says.

“Trust the right person will come along. It’s similar to dating. You just need one right person,” she adds.

The post Why Your Home Isn’t Selling in a Hot Market: Insights and Solutions appeared first on Showhomes Franchise.

Can’t I Simply Rely On My Realtor To Help Me Get My House Ready For Listing?
Yes, however, a Realtor’s expertise is in selling your home. A home stager’s expertise is in updating and styling your home so it’s “sell ready.” The goal of home staging is to create a believable, clean, attractive living space that buyers can envision themselves living in. It’s been estimated that only 10 percent of people shopping for a new home have the vision to see their belongings in another house. Home staging helps them make that leap by showcasing how furniture fits and offering ideas for room layouts.

I’ve Been Researching And Reading About The Home-Staging Provider In The Area. Why Would I Choose Them Versus Another Home-Staging Provider?
For most people, the purchase or sale of a home represents the largest investment of a lifetime. This isn’t a time to do things halfway. Home services are core business for top professionals, employing experienced designers who craft a custom plan for each home. Nothing they do is cookie-cutter, but specific to your home and your market. They have a tried-and-true process that’s been perfected over years of experience and countless homes staged. They can work efficiently and have your home staged to sell — from beginning to end — in a timely manner.

How Much Does It Cost To Stage A Home, And Is It Worth It?
Occupied listings in good shape with appealing furniture may only need a restyle, which is typically 1/3 the cost of a full home staging. With an average investment of around 0.5-1% of list price for full home-staging services, 75 percent of sellers saw a 7:1 return. For example, a $4,000 investment in staging your home typically returns offers of over $28,000 above unstaged listings. Many clients also find themselves in a bidding war, increasing the final sale price even further.

The post Why Is Home Staging Important When Selling My Home? appeared first on Showhomes Franchise.

Higher Demand

During the summer months, more homeowners list their houses for sale, but more people are also looking for properties. Furthermore, those looking for a property in the summer are frequently quite serious about moving quickly. Home buyers often miss out on a great property during the spring, so the summer is their second opportunity. That means you will most likely receive a competitive offer from a buyer anxious to move into a new home as soon as possible.

In addition to general demand, it’s important to look at your local market. In many areas, demand increases as families move before the school year starts, but some markets may see less activity. Researching your specific area’s real estate trends can help you set the right price and timing for listing.

Of course, just because the demand is high doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do any work. Quite the contrary – you still have to stage your home for sale and quite possibly take care of some home updates that have been demanding your attention for quite some time. One of the most important aspects of selling in the summer is ensuring that your home has great curb appeal and is properly staged for maximum buyer interest. Buyers often make snap judgments based on the first impressions your home gives, and staging can significantly increase the appeal. Summer is the perfect time to showcase outdoor spaces as well as interior spaces.

Better Prices

When there is a greater demand for properties, your chances of obtaining a better price improve. Your possibility of increasing the price can also be more aggressive than during the winter months. Then, there is a low demand for homes, making it harder to gain a little extra. In addition, during the summer, you have the advantage of more real estate data. Because more properties are selling during this period, it is easier to make a comparison.

However, you can always boost the value of a property by hiring professional home stagers. They can make your home look more beautiful, modern, or luxurious. That will help you sell your home faster and for a higher price whenever you need it.

More Showings

During the summer, you have more daylight. As a result, you have more time to show off your home during the day. Your home will also look its best with lots of natural light. As you probably know, proper lighting can make a small room look bigger and brighter than it is. Furthermore, while the sun is still out, buyers can see how much light there is in the yard or garden. Not to add that, if you have already moved out of the house, you have a significant advantage. Unlike in the winter, you do not need to leave the lights and heating on while you have showings. Moreover, buyers like to spend time out of their houses during summer, so they are more likely to attend an open house.

Energy Efficiency and Features

With the heat of summer, buyers are often attracted to homes with energy-efficient features such as air conditioning systems, energy-saving windows, and well-maintained insulation. These features can be a significant selling point in hot weather.

Easy Moving

Another reason to sell your home this summer is that it’s much easier to relocate during the warm seasons. After all, nobody wants to handle and transport furniture in freezing temperatures. Therefore, almost all buyers will prefer to have a new property before the end of the summer. At the same time, you will also have to move if you sell your home. That implies you will have to leave quickly so your buyer can settle in as soon as possible. Fortunately, you can have a quick process if you hire movers who can provide you with the fastest way to move and pack to Florida. Moving around Florida, for example, can be done much easier and less stressful with the assistance of expert movers. They can pack and unpack your items, store them, or transport them safely whenever and wherever you need them. In the end, you can move quickly enough to enjoy the rest of the summer with their help.

Easy Buying

The best time to sell and buy at the same time is during the summer. There are enough properties for you to choose from and enough buyers for your home. And as we have mentioned before, you have more time to go house hunting, and others have more time to view your property. Simultaneously, you have more time to prepare your home for sale and find a buyer quickly so that you can focus on house hunting. Selling and buying at the same time can be a challenging yet rewarding process. Summer provides you with the flexibility to move at your own pace. However, it’s important to be aware of potential challenges such as market fluctuations or extended closing times. Ensure you have a reliable agent and financing options in place to handle both transactions smoothly.

Faster Closing

You understandably want to sell and move as soon as possible. However, the closure procedure is time-consuming. On average, a house sale takes 58 days in January, and closing times can increase in some situations. For example, when real estate markets strengthen or mortgage lenders receive a larger volume of loan applications. At the same time, if you close on a deal during the summer, let’s say in June, you may need just 42 days. Therefore, perfect timing is one of the best reasons to sell your home this summer.

School is Over

Even if it might not seem important, vacation time is much better for selling or buying a home. If you sell during school time, you might not have enough time to dedicate to showings. You will be split between your job, picking up and dropping off your kids to school, and helping with their homework. If you buy a house during the semester, it is tough to switch schools without risking your children falling behind. As a result, selling and getting settled into a new home before school starts is the best.

In Conclusion

With rising mortgage rates and property prices, this summer is an ideal time to sell, whether you want to upsize or downsize. However, it is not an easy decision, so we made this list of reasons to sell your home this summer. Read it carefully, put all the pros and cons on paper, and draw the line. That way, you can make the best decision for yourself and your family. If you decide to sell, hire professionals to help you stage your home and boost its value. By doing so, you won’t regret your decision.

The post Top Reasons to Sell Your Home This Summer appeared first on Showhomes Franchise.

Bake a batch of cookies before a showing. Ensure the place is spotless. And, of course, don’t forget about the “human element.”

Home staging companies, like Showhomes, have found that using real-life people — “home managers” — can help elevate a property’s appeal. While it’s essential to create a clean, inviting space, imagine if a home could feel even more inviting with a person who brings warmth and life to the atmosphere. Home managers live in the house, keeping it in pristine condition while also subtly influencing potential buyers with their presence.

“There is an energy in that home,” said Linda Saavedra, a franchise owner of Showhomes. “The temperature and smells are different. It really feels like home.”

So how does it work? Home managers, who typically live in luxury properties, are tasked with maintaining the property, keeping it clutter-free, and remaining prepared to leave on short notice for a showing. While they live in the space, they ensure every corner stays immaculate — with everything organized and positioned to the highest standards. Clothes are organized by color, towels are perfectly folded, and even small details like the alignment of furniture and the positioning of books are handled with precision.

There is a notable increase in the perceived value of a staged home versus a vacant property. A well-staged home can be sold for more, as it offers an inviting environment that allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.

Showhomes also assists people in major life transitions — such as divorcees or empty-nesters — by providing the opportunity to stay in a fully staged home. This arrangement not only allows these individuals to begin a new chapter but also helps make the property more marketable.

But it raises important questions about the concept of “home.” Is a mansion truly a home if you’re living as a “ghost” in a perfectly staged space? This unique form of home staging invites reflection on what makes a home feel truly lived in, versus merely looking perfect.

The post Staging Home Ideas – Human Props! appeared first on Showhomes Franchise.

Selling your home is more than just listing it; it’s about showcasing its potential. Buyers need to envision themselves living in your space, and that’s where home staging comes in. By presenting your home in its best light, you can attract more buyers and potentially secure a higher sale price.

What Is Home Staging?

Home staging involves preparing your property for sale by temporarily furnishing and decorating it to make it more appealing to prospective buyers. This process helps buyers visualize the home’s potential and can lead to quicker and more profitable sales.

How Much Does Home Staging Cost?

The cost of staging varies based on factors like location, home size, and the extent of staging needed. On average, sellers can expect to spend between $1,500 and $2,000. However, costs can range from $500 for minimal staging to over $5,000 for extensive services. It’s advisable to consult with your real estate agent to determine the best approach for your home and budget.

Benefits of Staging Your Home

• Faster Sales: Staged homes often sell faster than unstaged ones. According to the National Association of Realtors, 30% of sellers’ agents reported a decrease in time on the market when the home was staged.
  
• Higher Offers: Staging can lead to higher offers. A study by the Real Estate Staging Association found that staged homes can sell for up to 15% more than non-staged homes.
  
• Better Online Presence: In today’s digital age, online listings are crucial. Staged homes tend to have more appealing photos, attracting more online views and potential buyers.
  
• Emotional Connection: Staging helps create an environment where buyers can envision themselves living, leading to stronger emotional connections and potentially quicker decisions.
  

Is Staging Worth It for You?

While staging requires an investment, the potential return can be significant. Over 65% of realtors believe that staging helps a house sell for more money, with many reporting increases ranging from 1% to 10% over the asking price. Additionally, staged homes can spend up to 73% less time on the market compared to unstaged homes.

Alternatives to Traditional Staging

If traditional staging isn’t within your budget, consider these alternatives:

• DIY Staging: Use your existing furniture and decor to create a neutral, appealing environment.
  
• Virtual Staging: Employ digital tools to stage photos of your home, providing a cost-effective solution for online listings.
  
• Focus on Key Areas: Prioritize staging the most important rooms, such as the living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom, to maximize impact.
  

Conclusion

Home staging is a valuable tool in the selling process. By investing in staging, you can enhance your home’s appeal, attract more buyers, and potentially secure a higher sale price. Consult with your real estate agent to determine the best staging strategy for your home.

The post Is Home Staging Worth It? appeared first on Showhomes Franchise.

Earthy Tones & Warm Neutrals

This fall, embrace a palette of warm, earthy hues like terracotta, mustard, rust, and deep greens. These colors evoke a sense of comfort and timeless elegance, appealing to buyers seeking a cozy, grounded environment.

Floral Walls with a Modern Twist

Floral patterns are making a comeback, but with a contemporary edge. Opt for abstract floral designs in vibrant colors to add a touch of sophistication and cheerfulness to your interiors.

Cozy Textures: Knits, Wovens & Bouclé

Incorporate tactile elements such as chunky knit throws, woven baskets, and bouclé fabrics. These materials add depth and warmth, inviting potential buyers to imagine themselves relaxing in your space.

Natural Materials & Biophilic Design

Integrate natural elements like wooden furniture, stone accents, and indoor plants to create a harmonious and calming atmosphere. Biophilic design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also promotes well-being.

Indoor Greenery & Herb Gardens

Bring the outdoors in by adding potted plants and creating mini herb gardens in kitchens. Plants like lavender, rosemary, and basil not only beautify your space but also infuse it with delightful scents.

Seasonal Lighting & Ambiance

As days shorten, enhance your home’s ambiance with warm lighting. Use dimmable lamps, candles, and strategically placed mirrors to brighten rooms and create a welcoming glow.

Statement Walls & Accent Pieces

Consider adding accent walls in rich tones or incorporating bold art pieces to create focal points. These elements can add personality and make your home stand out in a competitive market.

Clean Lines & Minimalist Approach

While embracing warmth, maintain a clutter-free environment. A minimalist approach with clean lines and open spaces allows buyers to envision their own belongings in your home.

The post Fall Home Décor Trends That Will Impress Buyers appeared first on Showhomes Franchise.

The Importance of Staging

Staging a home involves strategically arranging furniture and decor to enhance its appeal. Buyers often find it easier to envision themselves living in a home that is thoughtfully staged rather than in an empty or cluttered space. A well-staged home can make a lasting impression and increase the likelihood of a sale at a favorable price.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Home Stagers

Home staging is not just for high-end properties; it has become standard practice for homes across various price ranges. Utilizing professional home stagers can be advantageous, especially if you lack the time or expertise to stage your home effectively.

While staging may seem like an additional expense, the return on investment can be substantial. Let’s explore some key benefits of hiring professional home stagers:

#1 Faster Time to Sell

In today’s digital age, online presence is crucial. Staged homes often look more appealing in photos and in person, attracting more potential buyers and leading to quicker sales. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, homes that are staged sell up to 73% faster than those that are not staged. 

#2 Higher Sale Price

Staged homes tend to sell for more money. The Real Estate Staging Association reports that staged homes can sell for up to 15% more than non-staged homes. Investing in staging can result in a significant return, often exceeding the initial cost.

#3 Professional Expertise

Professional stagers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. They understand current design trends and know how to highlight a home’s strengths while minimizing its weaknesses. Their expertise can transform your home into a buyer’s dream, increasing its marketability.

#4 Unbiased Perspective

It can be challenging to depersonalize your home, but professional stagers can provide an objective viewpoint. They can help remove personal items and make design choices that appeal to a broad range of buyers, allowing them to envision the space as their own.

#5 Access to Resources

Experienced stagers often have connections with reliable contractors and access to quality furnishings. They can coordinate repairs, updates, and rentals to ensure your home is presented in the best possible light.

#6 Enhanced Online Appeal

With the majority of homebuyers starting their search online, having high-quality photos of a staged home can make a significant difference. Staged homes are more likely to stand out in listings, attracting more interest and potential offers.

🚚 Moving to Your New Home

If you’re selling your home, you may already have a new place in Coral Gables or elsewhere. Managing the logistics of moving can be overwhelming. Consider hiring a reputable local moving company to handle the process from start to finish. With professionals managing the move, you can focus on settling into your new home.

✅ In Conclusion

Staging your home is a critical step in the home-selling process. While it can be time-consuming and challenging, the benefits often outweigh the costs. Professional home stagers can help your home sell faster and at a higher price, all while alleviating the stress associated with preparing your home for sale.

The post Essential Benefits of Hiring Professional Home Stagers appeared first on Showhomes Franchise.

Did we say “scared”? Prepping your home for getting the best offer possible means removing every shred of your personality from rooms, walls, floors, and ceilings so potential buyers can imagine themselves in your place. Stagers favor neutral walls, simple layouts, and minimal artwork. (No purple living rooms or gallery walls allowed!)

“There’s a big difference between designing for someone’s tastes and remerchandising a home to appeal to as many people as possible,” says Kathy Burke of Sensational Home Staging in Danville, CA. Getting it right is a critical and enigmatic art. Don’t panic! We got some stagers to reveal their secrets to help you navigate the process.

1. Don’t take it personally

We know you love the way you set up your living room. That eclectic collection of wicker baskets from all your European travels stacked up in the corner? It’s the perfect detail for you—but not for your stager. Not even close.

So here’s the thing: When they tell you what to change (and they absolutely will), don’t be offended. It doesn’t mean they think your style is awful. Not necessarily, anyway.

“It’s not about whether I like something or not,” Burke says. “It’s about how we’re going to present it. I know what photographs well and what looks dated.”

Her favorite clients are the ones who know tough feedback is coming and don’t care: “I walk in and they say, ‘You can’t hurt my feelings. Do whatever you want.’”

Need help finding a good stager? Ask your agent for names. (Don’t have an agent yet? Here’s how to find a real estate agent in your area.)

2. Toss your stuff, and disconnect emotionally

For many sellers, home staging will be the first time they realize they’re really, actually moving. Family pictures come down, the sofa goes into storage, and suddenly this place you called yours is looking less and less like you.

If you need to do some emotional processing, we understand: It’s hard to put your family home on the market. But don’t subject your stager to your stress. Detach. Chill out. Help the process, don’t hinder or fight it. Keep your eye on the prize: selling your home at the right price, to the right buyers, within the right time frame.

What does that really mean? Try removing as much of your stuff as possible before the stager comes. By tackling spring cleaning you’ll not only accomplish some necessary decluttering before your move, but you’ll also get used to the idea that this is no longer your home.

“We need to make sure that they’re truly ready to sell their house,” says David Peterson of Synergy Staging based in Portland, OR. “That’s a big part of emotionally disconnecting.”

3. Move out (if you can)

Both Peterson and Burke find staging a home vastly easier when it’s vacant. If you can afford to move out when the home goes on the market, do it.

“It’s easier for them, it’s easier on their pets, and it’s easier on the buyer,” Burke says. “We can create one cohesive look and don’t have to blend anything.”

Occupied houses present more of a challenge (and take substantially more time): Stagers have to accommodate daily living, as well as risk the homeowner not preserving their layout (or any rented furniture).

Occupied homes can even cost more to stage. “It’s just a lot more work, timewise, when the owners are still living in the place,” Burke says.

4. Stay out of the picture(s)

Peterson aims to be the “last person in before the photographers. We want those pictures to look great.”

“Much of what I’m doing is to appeal to people through photographs,” Burke says. “I hope that photo will touch people and they’ll say, ‘That’s going on my short list.’”

But no one wants the buyers to be disappointed with the home’s real-life presentation after seeing photos online. So here’s a bonus: If you’re staying in the property, make sure to keep it in tiptop shape.

5. Get your money’s worth

Staging isn’t a last-minute addition before your home officially goes on the market. Stagers work far in advance and can’t always fit in last-minute work. Costs start around $1,250, depending on your state of residence, square footage, and what—if any—furniture you rent, according to the Real Estate Staging Association.

That might seem like a lot of money to spend on a home you’re about to sell, but both Burke and Peterson say staging is an investment with a very high return. “Anything we put in, we want to make sure you’re getting your money back,” Burke says.

6. Stay on schedule

Don’t dillydally on making the recommended changes for your stager, who can’t begin rearranging until you’ve finished renovating. Usually, the requested changes are small (new paint, fixing chipped tiles in the bathroom, etc.).

Not finishing small jobs on time can push the entire project back.

“If we get there and a place hasn’t been cleaned, or there’s still a painting crew, we can’t do our jobs. Then we have to charge them a fee, leave, and then reschedule,” Peterson says. “If we’re booked out several weeks, it really makes it hard.” And maybe even more expensive. So get moving.

Bonus Tip: Add Fresh Greenery for Appeal

While neutral decor is essential, adding a few plants can make your home feel more welcoming and fresh. A couple of low-maintenance houseplants can help buyers feel comfortable and draw attention to key areas of your home. Be sure to place them in well-lit spots to enhance the natural light in your space.

Clean Windows for Better Natural Light

Staging your home also includes optimizing your space for light. Clean windows are essential—they let natural light flood the room, which can make the space feel larger and more inviting. Ensure your windows are streak-free, and any heavy curtains are replaced with light, airy alternatives that let light in.

Summary of Recommendations:

1. Bonus Tip on Adding Fresh Greenery: Adding plants can make a home feel more welcoming and tie into a neutral, minimal aesthetic.
   
2. Clean Windows for Better Natural Light: Clean windows enhance the feel of space by maximizing natural light, making rooms seem larger and brighter.
   
3. Expand Emotional Disconnect Advice: Advice from leading staging experts emphasizing a more thorough emotional detachment process.
   
4. Clarify Staging Costs: Mention the cost variability of staging based on region and square footage to provide realistic expectations.
   
5. Stay Out of the Picture(s): Emphasize keeping the home pristine for photographers and introducing the idea of the “photographer’s eye” for selling better online.
   

These topics were sourced from leading home staging sites and expert advice in the real estate staging field, where maintaining a neutral environment, presenting the home in its best light, and being prepared for professional photography were highlighted as crucial steps for better sales outcomes.

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