You only get one chance to make a first impression. That’s true when you meet someone in person, and it’s true when you present a home for sale. That’s why staging can make a big difference when it comes to selling your home quickly, and for the top dollar. In a recent research study on home staging, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) revealed the following:

• 40% of buyers’ agents cited that home staging had an effect on most buyers’ view of the home

• 83% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.

• The most common rooms that were staged included the living room (93%), kitchen (84%), master bedroom (78%), and the dining room (72%).

• 22% of sellers’ agents reported an increase of 1-5% in dollar value offered by buyers, 17% reported an increase of 6-10%, 5% reported an increase of 11-15% and 2% reported an increase of 16-20%. In fact, no sellers' agents reported a negative impact from home staging.

Staging can be as simple as basic decluttering and cleaning, or it can involve completely emptying a house, painting, and refurnishing it. I’ve had clients at both ends of that spectrum. Basically, the objective is to render the space as neutral as possible, so prospective buyers can see themselves in it.

The most common reason why sellers do not want to stage is that it’s an upfront cost. It’s understandable to not want to, or not be able to, invest thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars before putting a house on the market, but consider how much money you’re potentially leaving on the table if you don’t.

Luckily, I’m able to offer a solution. The Compass Concierge program can help by covering upfront upfront costs of select services that can increase your home’s selling price. From deep-cleaning to cosmetic renovations, we’ll work together to elevate your home’s value and create a tailored plan to maximize its potential on the market. Then, at the time of the property's closing, the amount covered is paid back to Compass out of escrow.

Services include:

• Staging

• Deep-cleaning

• Cosmetic renovations

• Decluttering

• Landscaping

• Painting

• Pest control

• Custom closets

Now there’s Concierge Capital, which allows you to pay for services directly via debit card or ACH. No invoices, no vendor approval. You can spend the money however you like, even beyond staging. For example, if you had to relocate or board pets while your home is on the market, you could use Concierge Capital to pay for that.

Has the cost of staging held you back from putting your house on the market? Contact me, and we can set up a plan.