Bedroom with pastel bedding and wooden table beside it with clock and plant

Staging Benefits When Selling a Property

Published On: February 15th, 2020

Sellers’ market conditions persist in cities across the country, as inventory continues to fall short of demand. Under these kinds of conditions, sellers typically enjoy competing offers from buyers.

But that doesn’t mean sellers should skimp on staging. By staging your house, whether it’s a duplex, triplex, fourplex or single-family home, you can increase the chance for a quick sale and a full-price offer. And those are good things!

What Is Home Staging?

Home staging is when you take proactive steps to make your house more appealing to the majority of buyers. “Majority” is the key word here. Some people will dislike a certain property no matter what kind of staging is done. Taste is subjective, after all. But there are certain steps you can take to make your property “stand out” and appeal to the majority of potential buyers. And that’s precisely what home staging benefits are all about.

The staging process can include such things as:

  • Landscaping the yard, when applicable
  • Painting the inside and/or outside of the house
  • Replacing outdated fixtures with modern ones
  • Arranging, adding, or removing furniture to maximize space
  • De-cluttering the entire house
  • Cleaning the house thoroughly from top to bottom

In some cases, these kinds of actions might be unnecessary or even cost-prohibitive. For example, a new or recently updated home with modern fixtures won’t require any new knobs, sink handles, or light fixtures. But an older home with outdated fixtures might need extra attention (unless the fixtures are antiques that add charm).

What’s the Point of Staging a Duplex, Triplex or Fourplex?

Now you know what home staging is and what it involves. But what’s the point? What can you get out of it, as a seller?

As a seller, your mission is to sell your duplex, triplex or fourplex as quickly as possible, and for the best possible price. Staging can help you achieve these goals, and in several ways. It creates aesthetic value, which helps to support your asking price. It presents an investment property in the best possible light, which will make buyers more inclined to make an offer, and it helps buyers visualize the potential of the unit.

Above all, effective home staging helps you set your property apart from others that are listed for sale in the area. This is especially important in a crowded market with many similar properties for sale.

When buyers look at a well-staged home, they tend to say things like:

  • “I got a great vibe from that house.”
  • “I didn’t want to leave.”
  • “I could see a lot of tenants choosing to rent here.”
  • “The owners have taken good care of that property.”
  • “It seems nicer than the other homes we’ve looked at.”

This is the kind of mindset that can lead to an offer.

Home staging allows you to create a favorable impression in the mind of potential buyers. And these kinds of impressions tend to “accumulate” as the buyer moves through the property. So if you stack enough of them in your favor, you’ll have a much better chance of landing a strong offer. And that’s your primary goal as a seller.

What About Staging a Vacant Unit?

When you’re selling a multifamily property (a duplex, triplex or fourplex) that has vacant units, it may be a good idea to hire a professional stager who can bring in temporary furniture. Alternatively, you can bring in furniture and stage the space yourself with:

  • Beds (including new bedding)
  • Dressers, desks and end tables
  • Wall art
  • Additional kitchen appliances
  • Rugs
  • A sofa set
  • A dining table

For most sellers, the best course of action is to hire a professional home stager in a situation like this. Properties that have been professionally staged sell, on average, for about 17 percent more than those that haven’t.

Your primary goal is to show prospective buyers that tenants would love living in the home. By staging one empty unit, you can help invite offers.

If you need help or ideas, don’t hesitate to contact us today.  Selling a home or multi-family property does not have to be overwhelming, Debbie Marino is here to help. If you live anywhere in Silicon Valley, click here to set up a free, no-obligation strategy call.