I’ve helped clients buy and sell many houses in the opening half of 2021. Along the way, we’ve looked at about a million homes, in person and online. The one thing that’s figured prominently in every home that’s gotten our full attention? Professional staging.

Are there limits to what home staging can do?

If a home is in a neighborhood my clients don’t find desirable, no amount of staging is going to change that. But when a home is well-staged, it is catapulted head and shoulders above other houses in the same neighborhood—even when the number of homes buyers have to choose from is extremely limited.

Does staging make a statement about a home?

Yes it does, and the staging doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even if it were, I wouldn’t allow a client to be so swayed by good staging that they chose the wrong house on the merits of staging alone. But that situation doesn’t come up very often. Nine times out of 10, the best-presented homes are the best houses. They inspect well and they appraise well.

You’re saying staged homes are better houses than unstaged homes

They often are. Not 100% of the time, of course, but it’s definitely a thing. When homeowners have maintained their property, they tend to be proud of it. They want to show off their home by doing the things that draw attention to its best features. One time I showed a house that had dog poop on the floor. The back yard contained lots more of the same. Another time I showed a house that looked like teenagers had ransacked every room. The bathroom sink featured a hair clog and standing water. Sure, dog poop can be picked up. Rooms can be tidied. Drains can be cleared. But these conditions send an ominous message. They say “I have not taken care of this valuable asset. I have deferred maintenance. I have let the little things you can’t see turn into the big things you’ll have to deal with later.”

What if I don’t have the budget for professional staging?

This is an easy one. The foundation of all staging is cleanliness. Extreme cleanliness. Sparkling tubs. Grout so clean you could eat off it. Scrubbed floors. Gleaming windows. No evidence that the stovetop or microwave has ever been used. Ditto with the refrigerator. Spotless cabinets and drawers. These things make a huge difference and really are the next best thing to staging.

I don’t know any stagers

You came to the right place. I’ve worked with several wonderful stagers offering services that range from budget-friendly to super-luxurious. Call me for some great recommendations!

Christy Rosen Clement is a Pricing Strategy Advisor®, Seller Representative Specialist®, Military Relocation Professional® and REALTOR® at Palermo Real Estate Professionals in South Tampa