WHAT IS PROPERTY STAGING?

Here at REMAGINATION our aim is to help you prepare & present your property for sale so that it:

  • is buyer ready – your property is prepared to the highest standard so that your target buyers will easily see the accentuated highlights and we will minimise the flaws
  • spends less time on the market – our proven techniques will help your property become a marketing commodity that has the edge over your competition
  • ultimately helps you secure more equity in the agreed sale price

As a home owner you are no doubt emotionally attached to your space that you have lived in, adapted and transformed to suit your personality. There is nothing more personal than where we live. One of the most important elements that we have to focus on is depersonalising your property, which will enable your target buyers to emotionally connect (and fall in love) with your property and immediately see themselves living there. 

Do you know your buyers?
  • Buyers are busy – 87% of all home buyers use the internet to begin their property search and draw up a selective ‘must see’ list of potential properties to view (1). Properties are being eliminated from this list based on their photographic presentation on the Internet. Professionally staged properties present exceptionally well and generate immediate interest.
  • Buyers are demanding – the majority of buyers today want to purchase a property that has ‘the move in condition appeal’ with 63% of buyers willing to pay more money for a property that is ‘move in ready’(2).
  • Buyers buy a dream – and want their dreams to be met. Today’s buyers are paying a lot and are expecting a lot in return with 87% of people confirming that property presentation makes a difference in most sales(3).
  • Buyer’s goggles – When it comes to an offer, buyers will focus on the flaws of the property and put an offer in accordingly. Properties that are staged effectively are perceived as well-maintained and offer the prospective buyers the peace of mind that no immediate financial outlay is required.

Is it worth it?
A simple fact – the longer your property sits on the market the more likely it is to receive offers that are heavily reduced. At no point will the price of a property that sits for a long period of time on the market increase.

A recent RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) survey found:
  • In 2007 occupied properties that were on the market for an average of 106 days as unstaged properties, had not sold
  • Those same properties were taken off the market, staged, re-listed and sold on average after 44 days - 46.6% less time on market(4)
  • In 2008 occupied properties that were on the market for an average of 57 days as unstaged properties, had not sold
  • Those same properties were taken off the market, staged, re-listed and sold on average after 6 days - 89% less time on market(4)

Why should I invest in staging my property?
REMAGINATION endeavours to use a client’s existing furniture /accessories as much as possible; however
there are some occasions when it is necessary to invest money to stage your property successfully. On average you will invest far less money staging your property for sale than you would otherwise lose in a price reduction. As a home owner you can save a lot of money by undertaking aspects of the staging process yourself for example the cleaning, addressing minor repairs, packing (decluttering) etc. REMAGINATION will guide you through that process.

What are the benefits to the seller?
  • A staged property will help promote a speedy sale; which means less ongoing prep for open viewings and less intrusions from the general public into your personal space
  • Staged properties realise on average of between 6.4% and 10% increase over the listed price helping you gain maxim equity(5)
  • Effectively staged properties will attract more buyers – more buyers mean more demand, more demand means more offers!
  • All the decluttering, cleaning and sorting will be undertaken prior to the property going on the market which means less to organise, move with and plan when the property is sold
  • Staged properties present significantly better than unstaged properties and whoever shows your property will love doing so

REFERENCES:
^  Christine Rae, CSP™ President
(1) NAR (National Association of Realtors) Profile of Home buyers and Sellers 2008
(2) 2005 and 2006 Maritz Research staging polls
(3) April 28, 2006 AOL Money & Finance poll
(4) RESA (Real Estate Staging Association) Statistical Report March 2009
(5) Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation Survey (2004)