About the Expert
About the ExpertJohn Arend is a seasoned DFW Realtor and local franchisee for Showhomes, America’s largest home-staging provider. Since 1986, they’ve helped over 30,000 homeowners and Realtors sell occupied or vacant homes faster and for higher prices. Their team of interior designers, stagers, and professional service contractors can also help homeowners with updates and remodels to create a move-in ready home which appeals to the broadest range of buyers.
Q&A
Why is home staging important when selling my home?
Home staging brings a home to life and can be the key to creating an emotional connection in a potential buyer. First impressions matter most in real estate. And, since 95 percent of buyers start their search online, the photography of a professionally staged home will put your listing above the competition and draw higher value prospects. In fact, even in a hot real estate market — like we have right now — staged homes typically sold for more than $40,000 over list price in 2021 alone.
Can’t I simply rely on my Realtor to help me get my house ready for listing?
Yes, however, a Realtor’s expertise is in selling your home. A home stager’s expertise is in updating and styling your home so it’s “sell ready.” The goal of home staging is to create a believable, clean, attractive living space that buyers can envision themselves living in. It’s been estimated that only 10 percent of people shopping for a new home have the vision to see their belongings in another house. Home staging helps them make that leap.
I’ve been researching and reading about the Showhomes franchise. Why would I choose them versus another home-staging provider in the area?
For most people, the purchase or sale of a home represents the largest investment of a lifetime. This isn’t a time to do things halfway. Home services are Showhomes’ core business. They employ top professional designers to design a custom plan for each home. Nothing they do is cookie-cutter, but specific to your home and your market.
They also own their own furniture inventory, which they keep fresh and on-trend. They have a tried-and-true process that’s been perfected over more than 25 years and 30,000 homes. They can work efficiently and have your home staged to sell — from beginning to end — in a timely manner.
How much does it cost to stage a home, and is it worth it?
Occupied listings in good shape with appealing furniture may only need a Showhomes restyle, which is typically 1/3 the cost of a full home staging. With an average investment of around 0.5-1% of list price for full home-staging services, 75 percent of sellers saw a 7:1 return. For example, a $4,000 investment in staging your home typically returns offers of over $28,000 above unstaged listings. And Showhomes offers its clients 100% financing with no credit check until your home is sold.
