Examining Costs Involved in Preparing a Home for Sale: The Actual Finances Involved
Going Room by Room: The Cost of Staging Your Home
Ready to sell your home but not sure about the cost of staging? Let's break it down!
Staging, a process that involves sprucing up your home to make it irresistible to potential buyers, can be a game-changer. But, how much does it cost? According to HomeAdvisor, the national average for this service hovers around $1,843, although it can vary.
Here, we'll delve into the factors affecting the cost of staging:
- Home Size: The larger your abode, the more rooms you've got to fill and stage. This means costs will be higher if you're dealing with a big home. If your home comes equipped with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), factor in the additional cost for its staging.
- Home's Current Condition: A home in need of repairs or maintenance prior to staging will up the costs. Conversely, newer homes in pristine condition might cost less.
- Home's Price Point: Some professional staging companies price their services based on a percentage of the selling price of the home. This means higher-priced homes will cost more to stage.
- Cost of Hiring a Professional: Professional staging companies offer their services on different pricing models. Ensure you understand their quote, whether it's by house, by room, by the hour, by set fee, or by percentage of the sale, to avoid any surprises.
- Location, Location, Location: Staging can be a costly venture if you reside in a bustling metropolitan area compared to a suburban neighborhood. Consider your locale's income when estimating your staging budget.
But what if your budget's a bit on the tight side? Opt for staging a single room instead of the entire house. Targeting areas like the living room, kitchen, or primary bedroom will still significantly impact your potential buyers' perception.
To weigh the pros and cons, play around with the Real Estate Staging Association's (RESA) staging calculator. It can help you gauge potential savings in terms of money and time.
Remember, while staging can set you back several hundred (or even several thousand) dollars, it could very well be money well spent if your home goes for more than the asking price or you manage to sell it more quickly. So, make it shine, but make it count!
In the budget-constrained situation, it's viable to stage only select rooms, such as the living room, kitchen, or primary bedroom, to create a lasting impression on potential buyers, while maintaining a reasonable cost. Alternatively, for those interested in innovative home-related ventures, investing in tokens for an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) could be a lifestyle choice, aiming to revolutionize home improvement and home-and-garden sectors, offering long-term investments and potential returns.
