Tamar: Hi Sabrina, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me today. As you know, my husband and I are really into flipping houses here in Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads area. We’ve been hearing a lot about home staging, and I wanted to get your expert take on it. So, let’s dive in—what exactly is the process of staging a home?

Sabrina: Hi Tamar, thanks for having me! I’m always excited to talk about staging. The process starts with a detailed consultation where I walk through the property, taking note of its strengths and areas that could use some enhancement. From there, we develop a staging plan tailored to the home’s style and the potential buyers we’re trying to attract. This can involve anything from rearranging existing furniture to bringing in new pieces, artwork, and décor that really showcase the space. The goal is to create a cohesive, inviting environment that helps buyers instantly fall in love with the property.

Tamar: That sounds like a lot of work! But I can see how it would make a big difference. Now, as someone who’s always balancing budgets, I’ve got to ask—what’s the investment like for staging? What kind of price range should I expect?

Sabrina: Great question, and I totally get the budget concerns. Staging costs can vary depending on the size of the home and the level of staging required. For example, if we’re staging a vacant property, which requires bringing in everything from furniture to accessories, you might be looking at an investment of anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. For homes that are already furnished but need some tweaks, the costs can be lower—perhaps in the $1,000 to $3,000 range. It’s important to remember that staging is an investment that typically pays for itself, and then some, when it comes to the final sale price.

Tamar: Speaking of returns, how does staging benefit a home that’s being flipped? I’m curious about the tangible advantages, especially when it comes to selling quickly and at a higher price.

Sabrina: Staging is a game changer, especially for flips. When you stage a home, you’re creating a vision for buyers. They can see how each space functions and flows, which is particularly important for properties that have been recently renovated. Staging helps highlight all the upgrades you’ve made and ensures that your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. In terms of benefits, staged homes generally sell faster—73% faster in our area, in fact—and often for 5% to 20% over the asking price. For a flipper, that can mean a significant increase in profit.

Tamar: Wow, that’s impressive! So, just to be clear, how much more could I potentially get for a staged home versus leaving it empty?

Sabrina: While every market and property is different, on average, a staged home can sell for about 10% more than a non-staged, empty home. So, for a property you’re listing at $300,000, that could mean an extra $30,000—or more—in your pocket. Buyers are willing to pay a premium when they feel an emotional connection to a home, and staging is what creates that connection.

Tamar: That’s amazing, Sabrina. You’ve definitely convinced me of the value of staging, especially for our flips. I’m really excited to see what we can do together on our next project. Thanks so much for sharing your insights!

Sabrina: My pleasure, Tamar! I’m looking forward to helping you and your husband transform your next flip into a stunning, sold-out success. Whenever you’re ready to stage, just give me a call!