That's the most common objection sellers have to staging. What is ironic is that the answer is in the question itself...money!
Staging is not an expense, but rather an investment to get the most possible for your home, and as quickly as you can. There are two sides to this money equation: Selling Price, and Speed of Sale.
Selling Price is pretty self-explanatory. More is better!
To evaluate the expense of carrying the home while it's for sale is a little trickier. And it's especially daunting when you've already found your next home.
Here are a few expenses to consider:
- Mortgage pmt
- Insurance
- Taxes
- Utilities
- Yard services (lawn, landscaping, pool, plowing)
- General Maintenance (cleaning, repairs, etc.). It sure adds up fast!
Now that you have an understanding of the economics, consider the emotional toll selling your home places on you and your family. Do you really want to keep your home in show condition and be prepared to flee at a moment's notice for very long? This is where Speed of Sale comes into play.
Staging can help your house sell much faster than the competition, and for more money. Do yourself a favor, stage your home before you list it, and get it over with. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how a little money can go a long way!
I'm happy to report that here in Connecticut, most of my clients come to me on their own, having heard about staging on TLC and HGTV and wanting help in selling their home. It's wonderful to work with clients who understand what staging is!
Susan Smith
Rooms That Work
Your home, only better.
www.roomsthatwork.com
Terry, I sure hope the sunshine state gets on board...if CT can do it, so can FL! Keep on preachin'!
Roy - wow, what a great testimonial! Let the stager be the "heavy" and join your selling team...you sure are smart!
I tell folks just to spend money wisely, and show them the areas that if they spend one dollar that they will get most or all of the dollar back in the sale of the home.
Dwayne West-"Your Atlanta Real Estate
professionals"
It's an investment, not spending ;) I love you list out the expenses, which most sellers don't take into account for. They just keep thinking money going out.
Cheers,
Cindy
I agree I'm thinking we should come up with a sheet that shows actural numbers. This would be a great tip sheet for sellers.
Becky
Dwayne - they key word you used was "wisdom" - it all comes down to seeing the big picture and doing what makes financial sense!
Cindy - Absolutely...the money is a two-way thing...pay out a little to get more back. Btw - I love your blog series you've done regarding common seller objections...very enlightening!
Becky - I actually have a spreadsheet I use where I can input actual numbers for the seller and show them the potential...I'll dig it up an post it tonight (I'm on the wrong computer today!).
Charlene - I agree...there is a huge educational opportunity, which will get easier over time. And yes, there are always some who will not get that it's an investment...but we'll be busy enough helping those who do get it!
Susan,
Great information and I would add a pre-sale home inspection along with staging is a can't miss one, two punch to a quick and easy home sale. It is amazing how many home sellers "don't get it". As any smart business person knows, you must spend money to make money. The term is referred to as ROI, return on investment.
When someone decides to move, they generally don't stop and think about all the expenses involved in the process. From my perspective it boggles my mind that home buyers have put almost no thought or research into hiring a home inspector. Often the mortgage rate and the home and location are their priorities. When they finally reach the point of needing to hire an inspector, they often choose by price. By making a decision based on low cost they often make a bad investment and as result get a poor return.
Your point with staging a home is no different. Invest in selling your house and you will yield a good and quick return. Simple, but the concept escapes most people.