Staging homes in todays market is probably more important then it's ever been. You must have a competitive edge and often buyers need a visual to see themselves living in a home. "You've got that first few seconds to get them to say, "Wow, I can see myself living here." says, home stager Karalee Donlan, of Seattle. Though staging can be a somewhat costly endeavor, it typically pays for itself.
Not long ago, most home stagers focused their energy on upscale and vacant homes. Now staging occurs in homes of all price ranges and not only vacant homes. Stagers are even starting to stage outside the home as well. "It all starts at the curb," Schwarz said. "It's got to be staged on the outside."
"When the market was hot, oftentimes you'd hear, 'I don't have to do anything,' " said Henry Samonte, a John L. Scott agent in Seattle. "Well you don't hear it in this market. ... In this market, you better be the best of the best, or the best value. Your yard better be nice. You better not need paint."
