The term Home Staging was coined for the first time in the United States by the American Barbara Schwarz in 1970.
In essence, it consists of applying a series of techniques to a property with the aim of preparing it, optimizing it visually and revaluing it to rent it or sell it at a better price and / or more quickly.
Home Staging is actually quite a different term from decoration. Although it uses the same principles, the objective is not to personalize the home and adapt it to the taste or style of its owners, but precisely the opposite. What is sought is depersonalization, creating neutral and pleasant environments that can adapt to as many people as possible.
That is why it is important to understand that Home Staging treats the home as a product and thinks of it as an object of supply and demand, eliminating all sentimentality associated with the experiences that its owners have lived in it.
Home Staging is used for all types of homes: own, inherited, bank houses, apartments bought to rent… The only exception in which this technique cannot be applied is in those homes that need comprehensive reform, since Home Staging improves what exists but does not hide or mask the defects. If there are, they must be repaired before applying the 5 Home Staging techniques.
As a possible solution to cases in which the property is undergoing a total reform, if the owner does not want to undertake the heavy expenditure on works that may suppose, at least a virtual Home Staging can be useful. In it, based on renders or 3D infographics, the potential buyer can get an idea of how the house will be once renovated. This is also valid for empty flats, in case you don’t want to spend anything on furnishing them.
The Home Staging will not have the desired effects in those properties whose price is well above the market. The application of their techniques will undoubtedly improve its appearance, but it will not achieve an extraordinary increase in visits or close the sale. For these cases, the home needs to offer an additional design bonus (both in the type of reform or materials used and in the type of furniture chosen), which is beyond the scope of Home Staging itself.
There are many Home Staging techniques, but they all go through the following 5 phases, which are essential:
As mentioned, Home Staging does not mask defects, so if you have something to fix, do it before applying the rest of the techniques.
A leaky faucet, a chip in the wall, a blind that won’t close, or a door that won’t fit – these are small repairs that need to be taken care of before moving on.
This is obvious but extremely important. A dirty house, with dust on the tables, a cobweb in a corner or with dirty bathroom tile joints, makes a bad impression and turns anyone off.
No matter how clean the house is, an unmade bed, children’s toys in the middle of the room, dishes on the counter without picking up or clothes thrown on the chair instead of stored in the closet, will distract the visitor and their attention on these points, forgetting about the rest.
The photos of the grandchildren’s communion, the crucifix on the bed, the painting of the great-grandmother on the wall, or a plate from the parents’ honeymoon are all too personal touches that should be removed. Remember that Home Staging techniques seek that the buyer or tenant can feel it as their home.
This phase is about getting the most out of the house or improving its visual aspect, adding some accessories. For example, bedding, cushions, curtains, rugs, a sofa cover if the upholstery is old, a very old-fashioned tablecloth that covers that table…
Sometimes you will also need to buy a new piece of furniture, such as lamps or dining chairs. And in others you can recycle what you already have, adding slight changes. These may include pulls in the kitchen or cupboards, neutral paint for the nightstands or headboard, etc.