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The winter season presents a unique opportunity to showcase homes at their coziest and most inviting. With a sophisticated approach to holiday home staging, properties can stand out amidst other listings. Here's how Sizzle Home Staging suggests crafting spaces that sing in the winter months.  1. Crafting a Winter SanctuaryDuring the chilly months, a home should be a sanctuary of warmth and comfort. Layering textures, utilizing warm color palettes, and arranging furniture for intimate gatherings transform spaces into appealing retreats. This approach not only photographs beautifully, enhancing the property's online portfolio but also resonates deeply with buyers during showings. 2. Transitional Decor for Seamless SeasonsStaging a home for the holiday season with an eye for longevity is key. Properties should avoid holiday specific seasonal decor. Neutral tones, simple lines, and classic winter motifs create a universal appeal that ensures the home is poised for sale throughout the holiday season and beyond, optimizing its presence in online real estate listings and in person. Any holiday decorations should be removed immediately after it passes. Anything remaining in the home after the holidays screams “stale listing!” We select decor that remains stylish and relevant through the new year, ensuring that each property is always showcasing its best self. Our transitional decor strategy keeps the staging fresh and attractive, maintaining the listing's competitive edge. 3. Highlighting Homely FeaturesKey features such as fireplaces and built-in bookcases become central in our staging during winter. By accentuating these homely features, we highlight the property's capacity for comfort and hospitality, making it easy for buyers to envision celebrating their own holidays in the home. This strategic focus adds a narrative to the space that is irresistible to buyers looking for a home that promises warmth and memories. 4. Encouraging Continual MaintenanceWhile our staging expertise is focused indoors, we understand the importance of exterior presentation. We advise sellers on the necessity of keeping walkways clear and ensuring the home's entrance is both safe and welcoming. These maintenance tips help in preserving the home's curb appeal and ensuring it remains at the forefront of potential buyers' minds. If you're looking to stage your home to sell and want to ensure it captures the hearts of buyers, connect with Sizzle Home Staging. Visit our website to explore our portfolio and services, and let us help you achieve stellar results in the real estate market. Ashley StoutOwner & Staging Consultant at Sizzle Home Staging
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IntroductionThe housing market is currently navigating some complexities, with mortgage rates at their highest in 21 years and home resale rates at their lowest since 2010. In this environment, the role of home staging emerges as a valuable consideration for sellers. This article explores the benefits of staging your home in the current market, supported by expert opinions and recent data.  The Current State of the Housing MarketAccording to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.09% recently, the highest in over two decades [1]. Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin, stated, "The market is at a standstill... Sales volume is absolutely rock bottom" [2]. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, describes the situation as an "inventory crunch," with the number of homes for sale plummeting by 7.9% compared to a year earlier [3]. The Buyer-Seller StandoffBoth buyers and sellers are in a difficult position. "Buyers are on the fence and struggling with a lack of inventory and higher mortgage rates," says Bess Freedman, the CEO of real estate firm Brown Harris Stevens [1]. Kelman adds, "The people who need to sell won't do it because they don't want to give up their mortgage. The people who normally would buy can't afford it" [2]. Hale notes that this differential has led many homeowners to choose to stay in their homes instead of selling, contributing to low housing inventory [3]. The Role of Home StagingIn a market where every advantage counts, home staging can be the differentiator. Staging not only enhances the visual appeal of a property but also helps potential buyers visualize themselves living in the space. In a market described as "not champagne and caviar anymore" by Freedman [1], staging can add that extra sparkle to attract buyers. The Economic Forces at PlayHigh mortgage rates and home prices are putting "a real crimp" on the average homebuyer, according to Redfin's report [2]. Hale explains that listing prices have been buoyed by scarce inventory [3]. In such a scenario, a well-staged home can tip the scales in favor of a sale.  The Future OutlookExperts predict that the current market conditions are unlikely to change significantly in the coming months [1]. This makes the role of home staging even more critical as sellers look for ways to stand out in a crowded market. Hale adds that while inventory continues to be in short supply, there's an "unusual uptick in newly listed homes," signaling a potential return in seller activity [3]. ConclusionIn today's slow housing market, home staging is not just an option; it's a necessity. As Freedman aptly puts it, "Even in a crisis, there are opportunities" [1]. Home staging could very well be the opportunity sellers need to navigate through these challenging times successfully. Sources: Phil StoutOwner & Staging Consultant at Sizzle Home Staging In the world of home staging, each detail plays an important role, right from the selection of furniture to the color palette of the rooms. However, there's one aspect that often doesn't receive its due recognition - lighting. Today, we will shed some light on how to effectively use illumination to stage your property and attract potential buyers. Light Bulbs: The Key to Setting the MoodUnderstanding the subtleties of light color can make a world of difference in how your home is perceived. There are generally two types of light to consider: warm light and daylight bulbs. Warm light bulbs, often referred to as "soft white" with their yellow-orange hue, tend to evoke feelings of comfort and coziness. This makes them perfect for spaces like the living room, dining area, or bedrooms where you'd like to create an intimate, inviting ambiance. On the other hand, daylight bulbs produce a bright, white light that mimics natural sunlight. They are excellent for spaces where you need clear visibility, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or workspaces. They also work wonders in modern or minimalist-style homes, where the goal is to create a clean, fresh atmosphere.  Illuminating Style: Where natural daylight meets thoughtful interior lighting to create a harmonious, inviting living room that potential buyers can't resist. Lamps vs. Standing Lamps: Lighting Options GaloreLighting fixtures come in many forms, with each serving a different purpose. Lamps, both table and floor versions, are not just sources of light but also integral pieces of the room's decor. They can add character, contrast, or harmony to your space. Table lamps are great for task lighting - think reading corners or bedside tables. Standing lamps, on the other hand, can help illuminate larger areas and can even become focal points of the room, due to their stature and design. The Magic of Shears: Diffusing LightThe use of shears to diffuse light can be a game-changer. Sheer curtains are a fantastic way to soften the natural light coming into a room and evenly disperse it, creating a welcoming, airy feeling. They're perfect for spaces where you want to strike a balance between privacy and letting in plenty of light. Consistency is Key: Light Color UniformityTo create a flow in your staged home, consistency in light color is essential. A mix of warm and cool lights in the same area can create a confusing or disjointed look. So, make sure to use the same type of light bulb throughout each room for a harmonious feel. Brightness Matters: Lumens over WattsWhen it comes to brightness, don't be misled by the wattage of a light bulb. The key term to look for is "lumens", which directly indicates the amount of light produced by a bulb. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light. A quick guide to help you select the right brightness: for a cozy, relaxing space, aim for 1,500-3,000 lumens. For areas where a lot of tasks are done, like the kitchen or home office, opt for higher lumens, approximately 3,000-6,000. In conclusion, never underestimate the power of proper lighting when staging your home for sale. It can set the mood, highlight the best features of your property, and ultimately create a compelling visual narrative that speaks to potential buyers. Phil StoutOwner & Staging Consultant at Sizzle Home Staging We are thrilled to announce that Sizzle Home Staging has been featured as the "Partner Spotlight" in the May 2023 edition of DuPage Real Producers. This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in the home staging industry. DuPage Real Producers is a trusted publication renowned for showcasing exceptional individuals and businesses in the local real estate market. Being selected for this spotlight is a true honor, affirming our expertise and dedication to delivering outstanding staging services.  Source: DuPage Real Producers, May 2023 Publication At Sizzle Home Staging, we take pride in our ability to transform spaces into captivating showcases that captivate potential buyers. Our approach revolves around providing an exceptional staging experience from the initial quote to the staging pickup, setting us apart from the competition. We are grateful for this opportunity to share our story with our valued readers, customers, and prospective clients. It underscores our passion for creating inviting spaces that help homes stand out in the market. We invite you to discover the unique difference Sizzle Home Staging brings to the table. The full article can be found below! 
When selling a home, most people want to get the best possible price for their property, but they often overlook the benefits of staging. Staging involves making your home look its best by utilizing furniture, adding décor, and making other small changes. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense, the return on investment (ROI) for staging your home can be significant. So, if you're considering selling your home, it's important to understand the ROI which can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to invest in staging.
The primary benefit of staging your home is that it can help you sell your property faster. A well-staged home will attract more buyers, and buyers are more likely to make an offer on a home that looks great. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes spend an average of 23 days on the market compared to non-staged homes, which spend an average of 40 days. This means that you will spend less time with your home on the market, reducing expenses such as existing mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. Use the slider to compare the before and after photos of this Lake Forest home. Move the dot left to see the "before" photo and move it right to see the "after" photo.
Another significant advantage of staging is that it can help you get multiple offers to choose from. When more than one buyer is interested in your home, you can choose the offer with the best terms for you, such as financing, closing timeline, and other conditions. Multiple offers can also drive up the final sale price, resulting in a higher ROI for your home. According to NAR, 44% of buyers' agents stated that staging a home increased the dollar value offered by 1% to 20% compared to similar homes that were not staged.
Many people believe that staging is expensive, but the reality is that it rarely exceeds $5,000 for a multi-month staging agreement, and most projects are under $3,000. The cost of home staging can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the size of the home, the condition of the property, and the level of staging required.Compared to the advantages gained by staging your home, this is a small cost. Staging your home does not have to be a complicated or expensive process. Using an experienced home stager ensures you will receive a well thought and executed design plan for your home. Depending on availability, a home can be staged with less than a week's notice and is typically completed in a couple hours. If you are planning to sell your home, consider staging it to get the most out of your investment. If you're a real estate agent, you may be wondering how to sell this concept to your clients. In a previous blog post, we discussed how real estate agents can sell the benefits of home staging to their clients. Ashley StoutOwner & Staging Consultant at Sizzle Home Staging Statistics show that staging can significantly decrease the time a home spends on the market and increase the final sale price. Staging creates a more inviting and attractive atmosphere that helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the home. Here are some tactics that you can use to sell staging to your clients. Make staging part of the selling process.Don't treat staging as an afterthought. Integrate it into the process from the beginning. At the initial listing appointment, start a discussion with your clients about staging and the value it can bring to the selling process. Consider bringing a quote/proposal from a professional staging partner to provide your clients with a clear understanding of the costs and differentiate yourself from other real estate agents bidding for the same listing.  Contemporary living room and dining room staged by Sizzle Home in Chicago with classic design elements and a white, gray, and blue color scheme. Highlight the emotional impact of staging.Staging is not just about making a home look pretty; it's about creating an emotional connection with potential buyers when they walk in the home. By staging, you can help buyers imagine themselves living in the space and create a sense of urgency to make an offer. Discuss the benefits and ROI.Arm yourself with some data. According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), over half of sellers' agents believe that staging reduces the time a home spends on the market. In addition, 82% of buyers' agents agree that staging makes it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home. Staging can also increase the dollar value offered by buyers, as reported by 53% of sellers' agents and 48% of buyers' agents for comparable homes. By presenting these benefits, you can help your clients see why staging is a wise investment. Although staging requires an upfront investment, it can result in a significant return on investment (ROI) for your clients - through an increased sale price and mitigated carrying costs of the property (e.g., mortgage, taxes, utilities, insurance). As the NAR reports, the median ROI of staging is 10%. This potential ROI demonstrates that staging is not simply an expense, but a smart investment in their home's sale. Tell a staging success story.Using a first hand or even second hand story can be a more powerful tool than statistics and data alone. For instance, you might share an example such as, "a similar home in the neighborhood sat on the market, unoccupied, and without furnishings for 90 days. However, after being staged, it sold within the first week of showings." By providing such a story, you can help your clients better understand how staging can work for their own home. Consider payment options.Staging is typically paid for by sellers and coordinated with professional stagers. However, some sellers may object to the upfront cost of staging. To address this concern, you can present financing options that your brokerage provides for staging installations. For instance, Compass Concierge and Coldwell Banker's RealVitalize partnership with Angi are examples of staging financing options offered by brokerages. As a real estate agent, you can also ease these worries by offering to pay for a portion or all of the staging costs. If you choose to take this approach, it's important to have a discussion with the seller about reimbursement for this investment at closing. By taking these steps, you can differentiate yourself and your listing from the competition, help your clients to understand the value of staging, and set their home up for success on the market. Phil StoutOwner & Staging Consultant at Sizzle Home Staging As you prepare to sell your 3 bedroom house, it's important to make it look its best to attract potential buyers. One key element of staging is to consider the placement of the beds in each bedroom. Specifically, we recommend staging one of the 3 bedrooms with two twin beds. Why is this important? Let's dive into the reasons. First and foremost, staging a bedroom with two twin beds opens up the possibility of the house accommodating a family with three children. This is a demographic that can be easily overlooked, but it's an important one to consider. By staging the room in this way, you're showcasing the potential of the space to accommodate a larger family. This is a great selling point for families looking to upgrade from their current home, or for those who are planning on growing their family in the future.  Maximizing Space: Home Stager Ashley demonstrates the power of two twin beds in a three-bedroom home Additionally, it's important to think about the "what if" factor when staging a home - what if the buyer wants to have guests over frequently? What if they decide to have another child in the future? By staging the room with two twin beds, you're addressing these potential scenarios and making the home more attractive to a wider range of buyers. When someone is making a large investment like buying a home, they want to feel confident that the space will meet their needs for years to come. Staging a bedroom with two twin beds in a 3 bedroom house sends a message that this home has room to evolve with them over time. At Sizzle Home Staging, we specialize in showcasing a home's potential to potential buyers. Let us help you make the most of your home's potential - contact us today to learn more about our staging services. Ashley StoutOwner & Staging Consultant at Sizzle Home Staging |
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