If you’ve ever considered selling property, you’ve likely thought of home staging. Unlike renovations, which alter or improve structural or fixed cosmetic components of a home, home staging is a décor-based strategy used to attract buyers and help homes or condos sell faster. For the most part, alterations are temporary and are more of an advertising tactic and not necessarily a value-add improvement. Staging helps minimize clutter, modernize interiors and demonstrate the functionality of your space.

Benefits of staging Chicago homes for sale

According to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), homes which are staged before going on the market sell 73 percent faster, on average, compared to unstaged homes. In 2013, RESA surveyed 170 properties valued at $300,000 to $499,000 that were staged, finding homes were sold in 22 days on market compared to the un-staged homes that sold on average in 125 days on market. One of the reasons staged homes might sell faster is because buyers feel more confident initially, spending less time visualizing the property as their own. Over 80 percent of buyers said staging is more likely to help them envision the property as a future home. Forty-six percent said they are more willing to walk through a home viewed online that’s been photographed after staging.

Staging has become increasingly popular in the last decade or so, mostly to help listings stand out and/or appeal to the widest number of buyers, particularly when it comes to unoccupied homes. With a blank canvas, it’s difficult for buyers to fully visualize and comprehend a home’s potential. Vacant properties can benefit from professional staging (which includes furniture rental), but it’s not always a necessity. Your Realtor should advise on the best course of action as it relates to marketing your home, including whether or not professional Chicago home staging is worth your while.

Generally, professional Chicago home staging costs between $500 to $5,000 depending on square footage. The median amount spent on staging is $675, according to a study from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

How to DIY home staging

Many sellers who already have furniture in place often employ small but significant changes to boost their home’s appeal without the heavy cost. Consider the following stress-free tips to help stage your home and increase the odds of a quick sale:

  1. Float the furniture

“Floating” furniture is a common tactic used by professional home stagers where sofas, chairs and similar furnishings are pulled away from the walls. This helps group items together to showcase the room’s purpose (i.e. a sitting area) while alleviating traffic flow to make spaces appear lighter. It also helps with dividing one large living and dining room – a common feature of open concept condos in Chicago – into two distinct and functional spaces. Finally, floating creates a sense of coziness while highlighting the room’s focal point, often the fireplace or a striking art piece.

  1. Depersonalize

Few buyers enter a resale property expecting it to look like a brand-new model home. However, over-showcasing your personal trinkets and mementos can work against you when trying to help buyers fall in love with your space. Remove any large personal photos and opt for a classic painting or wall ornament instead. Bear in mind, your design style might not appeal to everyone, especially if you tend to prefer bright or loud colors. Hit your nearest HomeGoods or Target and invest in some fresh accent pillows, neutral throw blankets, wicker storage baskets and modern table lamps. These small alterations can have a much bigger impact on your home’s appeal than you think.

  1. Get organized

Aside from making your home appear smaller and giving the impression it wasn’t well cared for, clutter has the tendency to deter buyers whose primary concern is ample storage. If you can’t manage to find a hideaway for your tax paperwork, winter jackets or holiday decorations, how are potential buyers going to organize theirs? Make sure any clutter is stored in its proper place – even if that means doing a major clear out and sending old items to the donation bin ahead of list date. Attempting to stuff everything in the closet last minute is never a good idea since most buyers will want to scope out the insides before seriously considering an offer. If closet space is cramped, use smart storage accessories like shoe racks that slide under the bed or wire shelves for organizing cleaning supplies underneath the sink to get your home in order before potential buyers walk through.

With the busy real estate season well underway, it’s time to get serious about selling your Chicago condo with the right methods to both maximize your return on investment and minimize any headaches. For more tips on staging condos in Chicago or to learn more about Z Chicago’s home listing services, contact us today.