If you’re preparing to list your gorgeous house for sale and wonder, why stage it, you’re certainly not alone in your indecision. Many people who take pride in ownership believe that the value of their property is easily seen. Yet realtors listing million dollar properties continue to recommend professional staging.
 

When we spend time living in a space, we grow emotionally attached to it. Not only does the property possess appealing features that we deeply appreciate, but we have dreams and form memories around those features which add to our perceived value. That’s why it’s easy to wonder, does staging work (and is it worth it)?
 

The challenge, as a seller, is to understand that the potential buyer makes an impression within minutes, if not seconds, and it has nothing to do with the value you perceive. The focus in preparing your property for sale is on understanding what the potential buyer wants (and needs) and in delivering that experience as immediately as possible.
 

Take this $1M+ property in Dewinton listed by one of my repeat realtor clients. It’s a gorgeous property on four acres located just ten minutes outside of Calgary. What’s not to love? It’s even got a sauna room!
 

Still, the realtors hired me to provide a staging consultation on the property. Why? They know that there’s only one chance to make a first impression. And that first impression usually starts with photos.
 

This example highlights the fact that, sometimes, your property doesn’t need much to prepare it to sell. But realtors know that little tweaks, with guidance from a professional stager, can create the tipping point that edges your property out against the competition.
 

Why stage your gorgeous home? Find out how your Calgary property can benefit from professional staging and discuss the results Set Your Stage clients have achieved. Schedule your personalized Home Staging Assessment by contacting Jen at Set Your Stage today.
 

So just how much does home staging cost in Calgary these days? It’s a common question that can sometimes come with an assumption that staging remains a bonus for people who can afford it. Depending on your particular property, it’s probably more affordable than you think.
 

People are still trying to figure out what to make of the real estate market in Calgary recently with the changing oil situation. Understandably, it adds a level of uncertainty and therefore stress to what can already be a stressful process of buying and selling property. Sellers want to get the most out of one of their largest investments, and buyers want to get the best for what they can afford.
 

I see professional staging as a way to help both the buyer and seller (and realtor) through this emotional process. That’s because showing your property in the best possible way that appeals to buyers usually gets your property sold faster and often for a higher price. It helps buyers immediately get a feel for what it would be like to live there (there’s no guess work) so they can imagine creating memories in what will become their new home. It helps realtors do their job more efficiently.
 

Now, back to the question of staging cost. It depends on the type of service you purchase.
 

If you have a vacant property that requires full furniture and accessory rental, it will cost you more. If you have a fully furnished property that is already in great shape and just needs some furniture moved in different layouts or a bit of colour added through accessories, it will cost you less. And, if you are a do it yourself kind of person who wants to receive a list of suggestions that you will follow through on yourself, it will cost you the least of all. There’s a lot of room for flexibility to customize the service to meet your individual needs and budget. You just have to ask.
 

Yes, staging costs are an up-front investment. But you get to choose what that looks like.
 

Why not find out how much your specific property staging will cost? Contact me, Jen Campbell at Set Your Stage, to schedule your no pressure, no obligation free personalized Home Staging Assessment in Calgary today. You’ve got nothing to lose and plenty to gain. Let me help reduce the stress of the selling process for you.
 

• Who Do Home Staging Companies Work For?
• Six Common Home Staging Mistakes
• Staging Checklists (includes general, bathroom & living room)
• Add Wow Factor
• Furniture Rentals
• Renovated Investment Properties
• Moving Tips

As you can tell, professional home stagers are more than decorators. They are marketers on your home selling team. And their job is to select and arrange furniture and accessories in a way that speaks to the potential buyer’s ideal lifestyle.
 

It’s about making a positive and lasting first impression that leads the buyer to say, “This feels like home. This is the one I want.” In fact, home staging continues to be recognized as delivering an excellent return on your investment.
 

So when organizing your home selling team, hiring a professional home stager makes perfect sense. In Calgary, Set Your Stage gets proven results for sellers. Read our testimonials, and, if you’ve found value in our top staging tips, contact Jennifer Campbell to arrange a personalized free Home Staging Assessment today.
 

According to the October update on housing stats from the Calgary Real Estate Board, total sales and average sale price are up from this time last year and, overall, properties remained on the market for fewer days. Add to that the findings in Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2015 that, “Calgary and Edmonton are again the top two markets, scoring well for investment, development, and housing.” The report goes on to state,
 

“Looking ahead, what are the likely best bets in Canadian real estate? Western Canada will remain the place to be, buoyed by strong performance in Calgary and Edmonton.”
 

So it appears that if you own property in Calgary, you continue to be in an ideal situation. I wrote about staging in Calgary’s hot real estate market several months ago. My thoughts and observations remain unchanged.
 

In terms of the best return on your investment, staging, cleaning, decluttering, a fresh coat of paint, adequate storage, and current flooring (hardwood or neutral carpet are your best bets) top the list. Even a small investment can make your property more desirable and memorable for potential buyers, making it stand out from the competition.
 

If you’re preparing to sell and wondering, is staging worth it?, reach out. Contact Jen at Set Your Stage today to schedule your free Home Staging Assessment. Stand out in Calgary’s strong real estate market!