I think the simple answer is STAGING IS ALWAYS necessary. According to Wikipedia … Home staging is the act of preparing a private residence for sale in the real estate marketplace. The goal of staging is to make a home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property more swiftly and for more money. Staging techniques focus on improving a property’s appeal by transforming it into a welcoming, attractive product that anyone might want. People usually use arts, painting, accessories, lights, greenery and carpet to stage the home, to give potential buyers a more attractive first impression of the property. [1]
Staging can be as simple as decluttering or arranging items on shelves and in closets, but most sellers commonly think of it as bringing in furnishings, art, and decor. Generally, I find that serious sellers are open to any and all suggested staging and typically trust my recommendations. For me, the transformation is thrilling. For sellers, it’s exhausting. My list usually involves doing all of the things on the “To Do” list from the last decade. May I suggest completing that list in two weeks is less painful than it seems when you have the proper motivation? A client recently called me a Project Manager and I took that to heart.
Professional stagers are easy to find but the very best ones are a coveted contact and priceless relationship. I have stagers on my team who provide all levels of service from “changing things up” to full service furnishings, art, and decor. My goal is for the home to present so sharp and stylishly that even the seller wants to buy it!
Don’t let the process overwhelm you. Hire a great Realtor who can also be your Project Manager.