Be a Goldfish: Ted Lasso and Real Estate
Why Stage A Home in a Seller's Market?
COVID brought on a myriad of shortages for 2021. The shortage of homes for sale has caused the real estate market to just go a little crazy, to say the least. It’s definitely a sellers’ market with little inventory and over the top bidding wars. Many are scoffing at the idea of home staging in this market because they think buyers are desperate to find homes. While this is true, we have many examples and statistics as to why you may want to consider the small investment in home staging before listing your home in today’s market. There may be money left on the table if you don’t…
The shortage of inventory is causing record multiple offers above asking price on homes. But just because it’s a seller’s market, does that mean any home will sell for multiple offers above asking price? The short answer - no. If a home has not been updated in over a decade, do not expect it to compete in today’s “crazy over listing price” market. Yes, it may sell but it won’t bring in top dollar due to the sheer fact the buyer will calculate in all those updates that need to be done.
In today’s market, your first step toward curb appeal is your online presence.
Pictures say a thousand words and in the real estate world it is the buyers’ first impression of any home. If your pictures don’t “wow” the client, it’s unlikely they will schedule a showing. If your pictures show years of neglect on updates, then you won’t see that high offer on day one. The buyer will simply move on to another home online.
Home sold in 2 days after staging!
Home staging allows the buyer to visualize themselves in the home.
According to the new 2021 survey from the National Association of Realtors®, eighty-two percent (82%) of buyer’s agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. If the buyer feels like it’s home, their desire for the house will drive their offer. This report also revealed that staging increased the sum buyers were willing to spend for a property. Twenty-three percent (23%) of buyers' agents said that home staging raised the dollar value offered between 1% and 5%, compared to similar homes on the market that hadn't been staged. Coincidentally, the same percentage of seller’s agents (23%) stated they received between 1% and 5% higher offers on home that had been staged. Let’s do the math on that, shall we:
Amounts are approximate depending on area you reside, size of home, and value of home. Home consultations are a service that provides you with a list of needed updates/repairs that the homeowner should consider. Full service staging is bringing in furniture for a vacant home. Both avenues give a nice return on investment.
So based on the math, you don’t lose money. You make back your investment plus gain an extra profit - the amount depends on your list price, and whether the home has been properly prepared.
Real estate agents have good reason to stage too
Don’t sacrifice your proven, repeatable systems even in this strong sellers’ market. That includes professional photography AND staging. This sellers’ market will not last forever, and it’s important to show how you differentiate yourself and your listings from other Real Estate Agents.
Don’t forget that a home that sells for more also increases YOUR commission, in addition to adding to the equity in your sellers’ home.
If you are a homeowner and/or realtor in the Northern Virginia area, take a look at this video that Owner, Leigh Newport, made in February. She makes great points to support the reasons behind staging in a sellers’ market.
It stands to say that the small investment in home staging can bring in a nice return on investment (ROI). In the past we’ve always referred to home staging being less than your first price reduction. In today’s market, you’ve got to consider the amount of money you are leaving at the table by NOT staging. Go ahead - be the best house on the block!
Interested in more tips and advice about home staging? Porch.com has a great Q&A article from home stagers around the country (including our very own Leigh Newport!). Check it out here: Real Estate Photography, Home & Virtual Staging Q & A: Tips & Advice
If you need help being the best, book an online appointment with us and allow us to shine a spotlight on your home!
Best Curb Appeal Ideas for Any Budget
First impressions never get a second chance! According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 93% of home buyers use online websites to search for their ideal new home. This means photography play a huge role in whether or not a buyer likes the home. And what is the first photo in a listing? Generally, it’s the exterior of the home. We have created a list of the best curb appeal ideas for any budget to ensure your home is picture perfect and generates a profitable first impression!
CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN
One of the first steps to a great first impression is cleaning the outside of the house. This can be done very simply with a good pressure wash. If you don’t own a pressure washer, you can easily rent one or hire a professional. Not only does the siding need to be cleaned all the way around the home but also the front porch area, deck and any walkways around the home. And don’t forget to clean those windows. And while you are at it, remove those screens altogether!
PLANT SOME COLOR
Plant some nice colorful flowers in your flower beds, front porch containers and/or window boxes. If it isn’t springtime, there are some great options that can last through tougher conditions like pansies and fresh greenery. To show off those new beautiful flowers and to present a clean landscape, we would also suggest a nice new layer of mulch in your beds around the front of the home.
PAINT
As we have mentioned before, paint is money in a can! Consider sprucing up the front of the home by painting your front door, trim and/or shutters. This presents a clean finished look to the house and tells the buyer you take pride in the appearance of our home.
SHOW OFF YOUR ADDRESS
Make sure your house numbers are clearly visible and easy to read. This may seem silly but when a buyer is looking for your home you don’t want them to accidentally pass you buy because they simply can’t see your house numbers. If your numbers are in good condition, consider cleaning and/or giving them a spray paint to make them stand out. Otherwise, consider purchasing a new set of numbers to install.
LIGHT IT UP
If your porch lighting is outdated or rusted, replace it. Below are some very affordable options on Amazon. Before purchasing anything, make sure to pay attention to the size and shape of the base plate of your existing light fixture and buy accordingly. Another source of light that should be addressed are any lamp posts that may be in your front yard. Make sure the glass is clean, the bulb is bright and the paint is refreshed. Before addressing these lighting concerns, check with your HOA to make sure they do not have any stipulations as to what kind of light can be used on the exterior of the home or if they can repair lamp post if needed.
MAKE IT WELCOMING
Adding a new doormat is an easy way to make your home inviting. Buyers spend quite a few minutes standing on the front porch waiting for the realtor to get the lockbox to open for the key. For these few minutes the only thing the buyer has to do is study your front door. Seeing a clean entry with a clean welcoming door mat is appealing to any buyer. You may also want to consider another rug just inside the home for buyers to step onto when entering the home and a place to take off their shoes.
ADDRESS YOUR MAILBOX
If your mailbox has seen better days, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. If it’s beyond the paint cover-up, just replace it with a new one. Once again, you will need to check with your HOA if there are restrictions to what kind of mailbox can be used.
These quick updates can do wonders for your curb appeal. The goal is to draw buyers inside your home. Showing them you care enough about the outside tells them you care enough about the inside too. Remember, first impressions never get a second chance. Take that first step and book a home consultation online with us - we would love to shine the spotlight on your home and get it market ready!
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided
Fresh New Look, Same Great Service
We have been in the process for quite some time now perfecting a new fresh look. Introducing our new logo and website! This is a fresh new look but we are the same great service you have known and loved for the past 13 years. March 13th marked our 13th year in business so we thought what better way to celebrate turning a teenager than with a complete make over. (We are in the design business you know.)
Our new website gives you the ability to not only request a quick quote and book a consultation appointment, but it also allows you to view our beautiful portfolio of homes. This portfolio allows you to see our completed projects as well as give you inspiration for new ideas.
Home staging has become more of an expectation through the years and the standards are higher than they used to be. It has become more of a designer look than rented furniture to fill the space. We have consistently changed with the times and remain vigilant in keeping our inventory on trend – giving our clients a sophisticated, designed look.
So even though our look has changed a little bit, we are still the same great service you rely on when it comes time to sell your home. We are always here to HELP. If you are looking to sell soon, please feel free to book a consultation appointment online. We are mostly virtual right now due to COVID-19 quarantine but we hope to be back in homes soon. Also, if you are looking to freshen up your own space, we are here to help with our redesign services. Check out all our services here on our website.
Let us help you SHINE the spotlight on your home!
Staging Toolkit for Realtors
Real estate doesn't stop because of a global pandemic. Clients need to sell regardless based on circumstances prior to the coronavirus outbreak. Whether it's during this crazy time or just a normal day outside of coronavirus mania, we thought it might be handy to supply you with a basic staging toolkit for realtors that can help prepare a house for sell when professional staging is not an option. (Click on pictures below to purchase straight from Amazon)
The finishing touches really do count when transforming a house to a home. The same is considered when staging a home to sell. There are little things you as realtors can keep on hand to assist in staging a property and making that buyer feel like that house is home.
Door Mats
First impressions are a must. Buyers on average make up their mind if they like a house within the first 15 seconds of entering a home. Why not make the most of those first few seconds by placing new clean mats at both the exterior and interior entrance?
Towels
Who doesn't love a brand new towel?? White towels are a must. They scream crisp and clean and go with every type of decor. We like to place towels on every towel bar in every bathroom to soften it as most bathrooms come across as cold and empty. And don't rule out a good gray towel if your bathroom has a lot of white in the hard surfaces. This will bring a pop of color to the bathroom but still keep it neutral..
Shower Curtains
Shower curtains also add to the softening of a bathroom. White shower curtains, again, shout crisp and clean and they go with all decor. We've also recommended a fun ombre one as well to bring in that ever-so-popular gray.
Bedding
White bedding gives a bed that hotel feel. Are you sensing our crisp and clean theme?? It's simple, neutral and creates a wonderful focal point for professional photos. Gray is also a great neutral backdrop if the room is light in color. Used together, you can fold one at bottom to create a nice layering of textiles that feel like luxury and comfort. And don't forget that white bed skirt if needed!
Lamps
Lighting is key to showing a home. Not only do we suggest using the highest wattage, non-energy efficient light bulb you can, but we also suggest layering lighting with lamps in darker areas. This will help buyers see the house better at night and on darker, cloudier days. Here's some great lamps to keep on hand that will never lose trend and will work with almost every style.
We hope this staging toolkit for realtors will be helpful to add some light touches to your properties. We are always available if you need to call in the big guns - we are still staging vacant homes using all the necessary precautions to keep your client and ourselves safe from COVID-19. Feel free to give us a call (703-552-4545) or book a virtual home consultation online and we will be happy to partner with you to SHINE a SPOTLIGHT on your home.
*Disclaimer: This page contains Amazon affiliate links which means Staged by Design® may earn commission if you use links provided