In the world of real estate, first impressions matter significantly. A property that feels lived-in and cluttered often fails to capture potential buyers' imaginations. This is where home staging companies come into play, transforming homes into desirable living spaces that highlight their best features. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of home staging, showcasing stunning transformations and discussing the impact of these changes on property sales. Through a variety of examples, we will illustrate how professional staging can make a considerable difference in how homes are perceived and valued in the competitive real estate market.
Home staging is a strategic marketing approach that prepares a property for sale by enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. It involves rearranging furniture, adding decorative elements, and sometimes even renovating certain areas to create a more inviting atmosphere. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes sell 73% faster than unstaged homes and can achieve a price increase of 1-5% compared to similar properties. This statistic highlights the importance of staging in the current real estate landscape, where buyers are looking for move-in-ready homes that reflect their lifestyle aspirations.
When a home staging company approaches the task, they typically follow a structured process to ensure maximum impact. First, they conduct an assessment of the property, identifying areas that require staging. Imagery, video and notes on the property will be taken. From here a quote will be provided for the client to consider. If the quote is accepted, they staging company will begin the process of selecting the furnishings. They will start by selecting the furniture items to perfectly suit the property, brief and buyers demographic. From here they will select soft furnishings - cushion stories, linen sets and throws, to bring any colour and texture in to the scheme. Finally, the small detail items are added to the mix - kitchen, bathroom and living accessories - right down to photo frames, art and laundry items.
A quality staging supplier will do this in a bespoke, iterative process to ensure the perfect scheme is provided. Beware of supplier that just move furniture and accessories from one clients house to anothers....a compromise that no one should make.
To illustrate the power of staging, let’s examine a real-world example. A major Auckland apartment developer had built a series of 7 multi-million dollar Penthouses in a development in the Eastern Bays. Despite actively marketing these throughout construction, no sales had been made. The Look was engaged around a month after completion, furnishing the prime penthouse with an array of high-quality and bespoke furnishings, sourced especially for this project. Within a week of this staging scheme being installed, the first sale had been completed, with conditional offers on 2 others.
Impact on Perception and Value
The apartment's transformation in this case study had a significant effect on the sale process. The transition from what was seen as an empty shell, to one where buyers could see themselves living, with glass of wine in hand, significantly impacted the overall perception of the property. After staging, the apartment was visually appealing and communicated a lifestyle many buyers aspire to. Buyers often form emotional connections to well-staged homes, making them more likely to make an offer. Almost all real estate agents agree that home staging helps properties sell for a higher price but also assists in achieving a quicker sale. This highlights the tangible benefits of professional staging services in the New Zealand property market
Staging for Broad Appeal and Targeted Buyers
Home staging is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s about striking a balance between broad appeal and targeting the right buyers. While the goal is to attract the largest possible pool of potential buyers, staging can also be tailored to highlight features that resonate with specific buyer demographics.
For example, staging might emphasise functionality and space in a family-friendly neighbourhood, with practical layouts and warm, inviting decor. In contrast, staging for a high-end property may focus on luxury and sophistication, using premium furniture and statement pieces to appeal to affluent buyers. A well-executed staging strategy ensures that a home feels aspirational yet accessible, helping buyers envision themselves living there while maximising the property's market potential.
In conclusion, the transformations achieved by home staging companies are nothing short of remarkable. By highlighting a home's best features and creating an inviting atmosphere, staging can significantly impact how potential buyers perceive a property. The statistics speak for themselves—staged homes sell faster and often at higher prices. As the real estate market continues to evolve, the importance of professional staging will only grow. Homeowners looking to sell would be wise to invest in staging services, not only to enhance the visual appeal of their homes but also to maximize their selling potential. With the right staging, any home can transform from "before" to "after," ready to impress and attract buyers.
