Originally built in Scotch Plains in 1737 as the Stage House Inn, this building has been a hub of social, business and military circles since it first opened its doors. Today, it is one of New Jersey’s best-loved taverns and a fun destination for dinner under the stars.
Home Staging and Interior Design
The process of staging a home involves preparing the property for sale by enhancing its aesthetic appeal to potential buyers. It is a technique that can be used to help sell your home more quickly and for a higher price.
There are many advantages to staging a house, and professionals can offer a wide range of services. Professional stagers use their expertise to make sure your home stands out from the competition and appeals to as many potential buyers as possible.
Home staging costs can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and layout of the home, the type of furniture, geographic location and the home’s occupation status (e.g., owner versus tenant).
If you have the time and money, you can do your own home staging to save on professional fees. You can paint the walls and change the furniture in some rooms, for example. You can also add decor items to your home like artwork, flowers and throw blankets.
Some homeowners also borrow furniture and decor from friends or family members, or purchase secondhand items to spruce up their home before staging it for photos. However, renting items can be expensive and may not always be necessary.
Your Real Estate Agent: Most agents are willing to assist their clients in preparing their homes for staging before photographing them, listing them or starting to market them. Some even share their personal collection of home decor to spruce up their clients’ properties.
Cost-effective Tips for Staging Your Home
One of the most important aspects of a home’s overall presentation is how it looks through a camera. A well-staged home can have a cleaner, more appealing look and help your property stand out in the midst of countless other listings.
You can save a lot of money by making changes to your home’s appearance before it goes on the market. For instance, painting the front door and replacing your mailbox can give your home an inviting, bright and clean look. Other options for curb appeal include adding colorful flowers, pressure washing your driveway or sidewalk and updating the lighting.
DIY: You can do a little bit of home staging yourself, but it’s usually a good idea to hire a professional to handle the more complex work. They’ll know what to remove and how to arrange your furniture in a way that will appeal to the most potential buyers.
The 2017 Profile of Home Staging from the National Association of Realtors found that 31% of potential buyers increased their offer on a home because it was staged.
A staged home can be worth anywhere from $2,685 to $13,425 more than a similar property that was not staged.