Recently I read an article featured in the K-W Review by Linda White titled “Home Staging Myths”. It was a great article that touched on 3 of the most common objections Home Stagers encounter from clients and potential clients. I’m going to share it here with you to shed some light and truth on the most common staging myths out there.

Home Staging Myths

It’s time to post the For Sale sign on the front lawn, but not before you fork out a ton of money to hire a home stager who will tell you to paint your home a boring shade of beige and remove all family photos.

Not so fast. Those are among the myths associated with home staging — often described as the “art” of preparing a home for sale by making it appear bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer and more welcoming to prospective buyers.

Thanks to the proliferation of home staging shows, magazine articles and quickie courses, “everyone is an expert on home staging”, says Luanne Kanerva, owner of katu design in Toronto. She helps bust some common staging myths.

Myth: Staging costs too much money

Reality: “Staging doesn’t have to cost a lot of money but your home is likely the most valuable asset you own so you want to make the most of it,” Kanerva says. “Depending on the condition of your home and decor, you could spend a little or a lot. A good stager will be able to tell you the most cost-efficient ways to have your home appeal to the broadest range of buyers.”

The cost of a consultation is commensurate with the size of the house and typically rangers from $200 to $500, says Christine Rae, president of Canadian Certified Staging Professionals and author of Home Staging for Dummies.

Myth: Staging looks fake and turns buyers off

Reality: “I hear many horror stories of rose petals strewn across beds and fabrics draped over every surface, but staging a house shouldn’t make it look fake – it should bring out the best features.” so homebuyers can imagine themselves living there, Kanerva says.

Myth: I have to paint the entire house a boring shade of beige

Reality: Neutral, modern colours don’t have to be beige and for the record, there are many nice shades of beige, Kanerva says. More worrisome are homeowners who don’t see the point of painting because the new owners will want to select their own colour palette, they reason.

But it’s in your best interest to paint. “Buyers won’t necessarily notice fresh paint but they will notice tired, scuffed old paint,” Kanerva explains.

___

One of my favourite parts of this article is when Luanne Kanerva says “everyone is an expert on home staging.” Because the industry is not regulated, it is not necessary to have formal training, insurance etc.  Many people do not understand the difference between decorating and staging, so someone who has a great decorating sense may think they can be a Home Stager; however without formal training they may not understand the fundamental principles of Home Staging. When choosing a Home Stager, it is important to hire someone who has had proper training, proper business insurance and someone who can show you their portfolio of past projects.

Please check out our portfolio at www.HomeSellingEdge.com/our-portfolio

Home Selling Edge is a professional property styling firm dedicated to creating beautiful living spaces. We offer the creative solutions you need whether you are planning to sell and are looking for an edge over the competition, or if you’re planning to stay and want your home to reflect your personal style. We provide our services to homes in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge & surrounding areas.