Real estate markets are cyclical. There are buyer’s markets, seller’s markets, up-markets and down-markets…each stage of the cycle offers different benefits and drawbacks depending on which side of the table you’re sitting on.
Many American markets are currently experiencing hot sales trends making them bonafide “seller’s markets,” but what does that mean for you? The real question is, does staging matter when your home practically sells itself?
The Facts About Seller’s Markets
Seller’s markets can be a real boon for homeowners looking to cash out on a good investment. For example, in Charlotte, a booming seller’s market, there are a number of statistics to consider. Prices are up over 5% year-over-year, inventory of homes-for-sale are down by nearly 25%, and homes are spending 15% fewer days on the market before selling. Seller’s markets mean home sellers have most of the power, but they don’t necessarily mean that “houses are selling themselves.”
Staging in a Seller’s Market
So, down to the nitty gritty. Is it worth it to stage your home in a seller’s market? In a word: yes. The kind of home that needs to be staged in a buyer’s market is the same kind of home that needs to be staged in a seller’s market. There is a very narrow slice of the home market that can’t benefit from proper staging, even in a hot market. Vacant homes, outdated homes, and homes in ultra-hot neighborhoods are prime candidates for staging.
But why stage when seller’s call the shots? Here are a few reasons.
- Homes staged by an Accredited Staging Professionals sell for an average of 17% more than non-staged properties. And that’s true across all markets! Staged properties command a premium price – it’s an investment that always gives you exponential ROI.
- Over 49% of Realtors say they’ve personally seen buyers affected by staging. Even in a hot market, buyers have to be able to imagine themselves living in a home. Staging helps.
- Seller’s markets raise prices, but with premium home prices come premium expectations. Buyers want to feel like they’re getting ‘value’ for their money relative to any other homes on the market, and staged homes add perceived value that’s impossible to ignore.
- The competition is staging, even in a hot market. Over 34% of seller’s agents say they stage every home they market in some way or another.
In a nutshell, a seller’s market doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stage your home. Of course, if you’re receiving knock-on-the-door offers before you even list your house, maybe you’re in that 1% segment that doesn’t need any help selling! Odds are, though, you’ll get a higher price and sell your home faster if you choose to stage.
Need help? Creative Home Stagers has you covered. We’re the experts in professional home staging with options to suit any marketing budget. Give us a call at 704.315.5802 to get started.