The Value of Staging a Home: Why I think It’s a Game Changer for Hampton Roads Sellers
Hi, I’m Sabrina Watson, owner of Model Home Staging of Virginia. If you’re a homeowner in Virginia Beach or the broader Hampton Roads area, you’ve probably heard about the importance of staging your home when putting it on the market. But what does that really mean, and more importantly, does it really work?
Let me tell you, from personal experience and countless success stories, home staging isn’t just about making your home look pretty—it’s about making your home irresistible to buyers. It’s the secret weapon that can transform a “For Sale” sign into a “Sold” sign faster than you might think.
WHY STAGING MATTERS
In the Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads area, the real estate market is competitive. As of recent stats, homes that sit on the market for over 30 days often become stale in the eyes of buyers. According to the latest data, over 40% of homes in our region that aren’t staged linger on the market beyond this 30-day mark. That’s nearly half of the homes listed! These homes tend to receive lower offers, or worse, they might not receive any offers at all. That’s where home staging comes in.
Home staging is more than just arranging furniture; it’s about showcasing your home’s best features while downplaying any potential flaws. It helps buyers envision themselves living in your space. And when buyers can see themselves in a home, they’re far more likely to make an offer—and a good one at that.
WHAT ARE THE STATS
In the Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads area, home staging can significantly impact the sale price of a home. On average, staged homes in this region can sell for 3-5% more than unstaged homes (1, 4). Some sources suggest even higher increases, with estimates up to 10% more (2). Additionally, staged homes tend to sell faster, often reducing the time on the market by a substantial margin (2,3). This increase in sale price and reduction in selling time make home staging a valuable investment for sellers looking to maximize their returns.
STAGING SUCCESS STORIES IN OUR AREA
I’ve had the pleasure of working with numerous clients in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads who were struggling to sell their homes. One of my recent clients had a beautiful four-bedroom home in Chesapeake that had been on the market for over 45 days with very little interest. After staging, we received three offers in just two weeks, and the home sold above asking price! This is not an isolated case. The numbers speak for themselves: staged homes in our area sell 73% faster than non-staged homes, and often for more money.
WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER STAGING
If your home has been sitting on the market longer than you’d like, or if you’re just starting the selling process and want to get ahead of the game, consider staging. It’s an investment that can save you time, stress, and potentially thousands of dollars.
I understand that selling a home can be a daunting process. You might be wondering if staging is worth the effort or if it will really make a difference. But based on my years of experience in the Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads market, I can confidently say that staging is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s about creating a space that feels like home to potential buyers and standing out in a crowded market.
Sources:
1. Broadsight Realty: Professional Staging with Broadsight Realty (https://www.broadsightrealty.com/professional-staging-with-broadsight-realty)
2. Impressive Home Staging (https://impressivehomestaging.com)
3. Stage with Bruno (https://stagewithbruno.com)
4. Staged 2 Sell Virginia (https://staged2sellvirginia.com)
LET’S GET STARTED
If you’re ready to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, I’d love to help. At Model Home Staging of Virginia, we offer personalized staging services that highlight your home’s unique strengths and make it shine in the eyes of buyers.
Let’s turn your home into one that sells. Contact me today to schedule your initial consultation, and let’s start the journey to SOLD together.
Warm regards,
Sabrina Watson
Model Home Staging of Virginia
