If you're thinking of selling your home in Wilton, CT, you may be wondering if it's worth the investment to stage it. The answer is a resounding "yes!" Here are three reasons why staging your Wilton CT real estate will help you sell it faster and for more money: photos of staged homes draw more buyers, staged homes sell for more than unstaged comparable sales, and staged homes sell faster.
But first - what is staging, anyway?
Staging is quite literally "setting the stage" in each room of your Wilton, CT real estate, so it stands out among the crowd of other Wilton homes for sale. It's arranging each room to show off its best features and make sure potential buyers can see the home's full potential.
1: Staged photos and videos attract more buyers
In today's digital world, the majority of buyers start their home search online. As of 2019, over 90% of buyers were using the web as part of their house hunting! And what are they looking at? Photos and video! In fact, in a study by the National Association of Realtors, over 80% of real estate agents who represented buyers said staged homes made it easier for their clients to view the home as their own future property.
When you stage your Wilton CT real estate, you're not just making it look attractive for potential buyers - you're also increasing the number of people who want to see your home in person by over 40%! That's because once potential buyers see photos or videos of staged Wilton homes for sale, they're much more likely to schedule a showing.
2: Staged homes bring in higher offers
In a 2021 report by the National Association of Realtors, real estate agents representing sellers noted that staged homes routinely sold for up to 5% higher than unstaged comparable sales. As such, if you don't stage your Wilton CT real estate, you could be leaving up to approximately $50,000 on the table.
While the market for Wilton homes for sale remains in favor of sellers, the median list price continues to be far higher than was seen before September 2020. Although the median has fallen from the $1,450,000 peak seen in the second half of 2021, it still remains near the $1,000,000 range, so you can expect a solid return on your investment if you bought your Wilton, CT real estate before October 2020. Even though homes are selling for more in general, it is a wise move to stage your Wilton CT real estate if you want to maximize your profits.
3: Staged homes sell fast
Not only do staged homes sell for more money, but they also sell faster! In the same report by the National Association of Realtors, over 20% of real estate agents said that staging a home slightly reduced the amount of time on the market.
Wilton homes for sale usually spend a median of under 100 days on the market, with large outliers seen in the summer and late fall of 2021. Since January 2022, the median has stayed at or below 100 days. While the sellers' agents only saw a slight decrease in time on the market, if you are in a hurry to sell your Wilton CT real estate, it's worth considering staging to help make sure your home sells as quickly as possible.
Tips for staging your Wilton, CT real estate
Hire a professional
Staging your home is an investment, and you want to be certain it’s worth the cost. While it is possible to stage Wilton homes for sale yourself, hiring a professional stager can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
A professional stager will have access to high-quality furniture and decor you may not be able to find or afford on your own. They will also have the experience and expertise to know how to arrange Wilton, CT real estate in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
If you're planning on staging your home for sale, consider hiring a professional stager to help you get the most out of your investment.
What rooms should be staged?
In the 2021 report mentioned previously, the living room, kitchen, master bedroom, and dining room were most commonly staged, followed by outdoor spaces and bathrooms.
To stage the living room in your Wilton, CT real estate, focus on creating a warm and inviting space where potential buyers can imagine themselves relaxing. Create a pleasing layout of furniture to encourage conversation and make sure there is plenty of seating. Pick a spot in the room to serve as a focal point, such as a fireplace, and use decor to draw the eye toward it.
The kitchen is another important room to stage in Wilton homes for sale, as it is one of the main reasons people buy or pass on a home. In addition to deep cleaning your kitchen, make sure there is plenty of counter space and that appliances are in good working order. Your kitchen should be staged to look clean, bright, and spacious. Include a small table and chairs to give the illusion of a breakfast nook or casual dining area, or ensure there is seating at the island if room allows.
The master bedroom should be an oasis – a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The bed should be made with fresh linens, and there should be plenty of pillows. Remove any clutter from dressers, nightstands, and floors. Soften the space with a throw blanket at the foot of the bed and some greenery in the room. Remove electronics and replace them with reading material.
The dining room is another important space to stage in Wilton, CT real estate, as it can be used for a variety of purposes. If you have a large dining room, consider using part of it as a home office, play area, or reading and study nook. Include a table and chairs in the staging to show how the space can be used.
Outdoor spaces should also be staged to show potential buyers how they can be used. If you have a deck or patio, make sure it is clean and free of debris. Include outdoor furniture to show how the space can be used for entertaining.
Finally, bathrooms in Wilton homes for sale should be sparkling clean with fresh towels and toiletries. Remove any personal items such as photos, half-empty toiletries, and medications. Add a few decorative touches, such as fresh flowers or scented candles, to give the space a relaxing atmosphere.
Staging your home for sale is an essential step in the selling process. By taking the time to stage your Wilton home, you can help ensure a quick and easy sale. If you're considering staging your home for sale, be sure to contact a professional stager in Wilton, CT to help you get started. They will have the experience and expertise necessary to make sure your home looks its best and sells quickly. Hiring a professional stager is an investment, but it is one that will pay off in the long run.
Listing Wilton homes for sale
When you're ready to sell your Wilton home, be sure to contact local agent Carissa McMahon. She would be happy to help you list your home and work with you every step of the way, from home prep to final sale.