The ROI of Home Staging: Why It’s Worth the Investment

Ever wondered why some homes fly off the market faster than you can say “open house” while others linger longer than that leftover casserole in the back of your fridge? The secret sauce might just be home staging. At Spade and Archer, we’re firm believers that staging is not just a luxury—it’s a strategic investment with substantial returns. Don’t believe us? Let’s dive into the numbers and a few real-life tales that’ll have you convinced.

Show Me the Money!

First, let’s talk cold, hard stats. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a staged home sells for an average of 5 to 15% more than a non-staged one. If that’s not enough to make you consider sprucing up your space, how about this: homes staged by professionals sell 73% faster. Yes, you read that right. Staging not only adds to your bottom line but also reduces the time your home sits on the market, languishing like a rejected dating profile.

Real-Life Example: The Tale of the Beige Bungalow

Take the case of the "Beige Bungalow." This charming yet color-challenged home was on the market for six months with barely a nibble. The owners decided to call in Spade and Archer, and boy, did we work our magic. With a dash of color, a sprinkle of modern furniture, and a pinch of stylish decor, the home was transformed from bland to grand. Result? An offer 20% above the asking price within two weeks. The moral of the story: even a little bit of staging can turn your home into a buyer’s dream.

Cost vs. Return: The Balancing Act

Now, you might be thinking, “Sure, this sounds great, but what’s it going to cost me?” Home staging isn’t free, but it’s not as steep as you might fear. On average, staging costs 1-2% of the home’s sale price. Considering the potential return, this is a small price to pay. Think of it like this: would you rather spend a penny to make a dime, or save that penny and watch potential buyers walk away?

The Psychology of Staging

There’s also a psychological component at play here. Buyers often lack the imagination to see the potential in an empty or cluttered space. Staging helps them envision the lifestyle they could have if they lived in your home. It’s like the difference between watching a cooking show and actually tasting the dish. Staging allows buyers to “taste” what living in your home could be like—and once they get a taste, they’re more likely to bite.

Spade and Archer’s Secret Sauce

At Spade and Archer, we’ve honed the art of staging to perfection. We know which colors, styles, and layouts resonate most with buyers. Our staging isn’t just about making your home look good; it’s about making it irresistible. Like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, our approach wakes up the senses and leaves buyers feeling warm and ready to make an offer.

Final Thoughts

So, is home staging worth the investment? Absolutely. Whether you’re selling a modest condo or a sprawling estate, staging can significantly boost your home’s appeal and value. Remember, it’s not just about making your home look pretty (although that’s a nice bonus); it’s about maximizing your return on investment. With Spade and Archer, you’re not just staging a home; you’re setting the stage for a successful sale.

Ready to see the magic for yourself? Give us a call. After all, your dream sale is just a stage away.

Got a stale Listing? Time to refresh with Spade and Archer

How to Give Your Stale Listing a Fresh New Look

Ah, the dreaded "Days on Market" stat. If your listing's been lingering like last week’s leftovers, it's time to shake things up. These poor properties are what we lovingly call “Stale Donuts.” They’ve lost their sweet appeal and now scream “yesterday’s news.” But don’t fret, sugar – we’ve got the recipe to turn that old donut into a fresh, hot seller. Here’s our 10-Step Plan to relisting a Stale Donut with a bit of sass and southern charm.

Step #1: Pull the Plug

Let’s face it, honey – if your listing’s been out there longer than a fruitcake at Christmas, it’s time for a reboot. Hanging on because you think the perfect buyer’s just around the corner? Bless your heart. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Time to kill the old listing and start fresh.

Step #2: Move Out, Sweetie

If your house has been on the market for ages, it's either priced too high or looks like Aunt Edna’s attic. Pack your bags and skedaddle. Whether you find a cozy Airbnb or camp out in the backyard, clearing out gives you a clean slate to work with. Trust me, you’re more of a roadblock than you realize.

Step #3: Call in the Big Guns – A Home Stager

A home stager is your new best friend. They’re like that brutally honest friend who tells you when your outfit looks awful. They'll say, “Darlin’, that bathroom has got to go,” and you might feel a twinge, but listen to them. They know what makes buyers swoon. Their advice is golden, so take notes and get ready to hustle.

Step #4: Get to Work

You’ve got your to-do list, now roll up those sleeves. Whether you’re hiring pros or DIY-ing it, there’s work to be done. Painting, landscaping, decluttering – get it all done. Coordinate with your team, set deadlines, and stay organized. This is your big chance to shine.

Step #5: Stage It to Sell

Once the basics are sorted, it’s time to dazzle. Bring in the home stager to sprinkle their magic. They’ll transform your space into something out of a magazine, and it’s worth every penny. Remember, this isn’t about your taste – it’s about making buyers fall in love at first sight.

Step #6: Snap Some New Pics

Your house is now a star, so give it a red-carpet moment. Hire a professional photographer to capture it in all its glory. New photos, videos, and 3D tours will make your listing pop. A single property website can control the narrative and make your house the belle of the ball.

Step #7: Fresh Listing, Who Dis?

Create a new MLS number and wave goodbye to the old listing. Even past viewers will think it’s a brand new property. Fresh start, fresh vibes.

Step #8: Price Adjustment – Up or Down

It’s usually one of two things: price or presentation. If dropping the price feels like pulling teeth, consider bumping it up a notch instead. It might just hit a new search bracket and attract fresh eyes. A little tweak can make a big difference.

Step #9: Create a Buzz

Time to throw a virtual housewarming! Use social media and technology to generate excitement. Turn that stale donut into a trending topic. The faster you change the narrative, the quicker you'll sell.

Step #10: Close the Deal

Finally, it’s showtime. Organize those leads, schedule private showings, and watch the offers roll in. You got this!

Need Help with Your Stale Donut?

Ready to bring in the pros? Here’s how Spade and Archer can help turn your listing from drab to fab:

1. Get Instant Pricing – Know what you’re in for.

2. Schedule a Site Visit – Let us assess your property.

3. Book Your Installation – We’ll handle the setup.

4. Sell and Destage – Close the deal and clear out.

Refreshing a stale listing might seem daunting, but with our seamless process at Spade and Archer, it’s a piece of cake. Got a Stale Donut? Start with a quote, and let's get that home sold together!

How to Stage Your House Without Scaring Off Buyers

When it comes to prepping your property for the market, it's crucial to remember that your beloved home is now a product, ready to woo potential buyers. Congratulations, you're now a small business owner! Your mission? Design your product to attract the biggest crowd possible.

We often encounter sellers with heartfelt requests like, “I adore modern furniture and despise the color orange, so please stage the house my way.”

We smile, nod, and then gently remind them, “Of all the potential buyers, you, dear seller, are not one of them.” As home stagers in Portland, Oregon, or Seattle, Washington, our job is to design not for the seller, but for the buyer. We take into account the home’s location, size, and style to attract the largest demographic possible. If we cater to someone who no longer wants to live there, we’ll completely miss the mark.

Humans have two thinking processes: logical and emotional. When house hunting online, we use our logical brains: “It must have 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a backyard, be within my budget, and in a desirable location.” Once we spot a promising house, we head over to see it. That’s when the logical brain takes a back seat, and the emotional brain takes the wheel.

The emotional brain is quick to make decisions—it’s the part that yells, “Lion, run!” Meanwhile, the logical brain, slower but wiser, reassures, “Relax, it’s just a stuffed lion.” Both are useful, but understanding their roles helps us grasp how a buyer views a house.

Our logical brain can juggle up to five bits of information at a time (hence phone numbers being in easy-to-remember chunks). The emotional brain, however, focuses on one thing at a time. When buyers view your property, you want them imagining themselves living there. Anything that diverts their emotional attention—a religious symbol, a political poster, or even a quirky vice—distracts from this goal.

A client once shared a story about a giant bear skin rug in the primary bedroom of a house. Potential buyers were so fixated on the rug that they barely noticed the house itself. When I asked what she thought of the house, she admitted, “I don’t recall, none of us were paying attention at the time.” They didn't buy the house—or the rug.

Religious items, be it a crucifix, a Buddha, or a mezuzah, can pull emotional focus, regardless of the buyer's beliefs.

Political items, from sports banners to MAGA hats, or a book by Hillary Clinton, create an us-versus-them vibe. People have even gotten angry when asked to put these items away for showings, proving just how emotionally charged they are.

Emotional vices are easier to spot: drugs, sex, alcohol, nudity, tobacco, and guns should never be on display. Their presence can be distracting, but their absence never will be.

We also steer clear of staging with fur. In the Pacific Northwest, we have many vegans, vegetarians, and animal rights activists. Fur items, especially taxidermy, can be very evocative. No one ever says, “No faux fur or cow skin rug? I hate this place!” But they might see a taxidermied animal and think, “This place just isn’t for me.”

As we enter a transitioning market, selling houses will be tougher. Choosing the right team to help prepare your property can make all the difference. Choose wisely, and happy staging!

Get your instant home staging price now by clicking here.

The Fun and Fabulous Four-Step Process

Working with Spade and Archer Design Agency: The Fun and Fabulous Four-Step Process

We’re all about making your experience with Spade and Archer Design Agency smoother than a freshly fluffed pillow. We were the first to introduce Guaranteed (Pay-At-Close) staging, Instant Scheduling, and the latest and greatest, Instant Pricing. We’re always dreaming up new ways to meet and exceed our clients’ expectations. Working with us might feel like a breath of fresh air compared to your previous stagers. Here’s a cheeky little guide to what our process looks like, in four easy and entertaining steps…

STEP 1: GET YOUR INSTANT PRICING
Every grand adventure starts with a little planning, and ours begins with an instant quote from our website. In just a few minutes, you'll know exactly what your project will cost and which pricing plan best suits your needs. We recommend running a few quotes—because who doesn’t love comparing options?

STEP 2: BOOK YOUR FREE SITE VISIT
Once you’ve got your instant price, the next move is to book your site visit. You can tackle this step and the next one—Step 3: Book Your Installation—at the same time and in less time than it takes to binge-watch a single episode of your favorite show. Our team will pop by your property, snap some pics, whip up floor plans, and compile a to-do list to make your house sell faster than hotcakes at a pancake breakfast.

STEP 3: BOOK YOUR INSTALLATION
This is where you get to use that fabulous discount code! Just give us your contract details, and we’ll handle the rest. We’ll whip up your contract and invoice, then email them straight to your inbox. You can sign and pay all at once, while simultaneously booking your site visit—look at you multitasking like a pro!

STEP 4: BOOK YOUR DESTAGE
Once your project is a wrap, booking your de-stage is a piece of cake. Just give us a 10-day heads-up before you want your staging removed, and we’ll swoop in to take everything away. Easy peasy!

And there you have it, folks! Four simple, speedy steps to working with Spade and Archer Design Agency. We make staging your home as fun as a game of hopscotch. Happy staging!

Unlock the Secret to Stress-Free Home Staging Quotes: Spade and Archer's Instant Pricing Magic!

Unlock the Secret to Stress-Free Home Staging Quotes:

Spade and Archer's Instant Pricing Magic!

Hey there, fellow homeowners, agents and real estate aficionados! Are you ready to dive into the wild world of home staging, but the mere thought of navigating through complicated pricing structures makes you break out in a cold sweat? Fear not, because Spade and Archer is here to sprinkle some magic dust on your staging woes with our Instant Home Staging Price – and yes, it's as easy as waving a wand (or clicking a button)!

Picture this: you're sitting on your couch, sipping your favorite beverage, and pondering the idea of staging your home to perfection. But then, the dread sets in. How much is this going to cost? Will I need to take out a second mortgage to afford it? Cue the dramatic music! Well, fear not, dear friends, because Spade and Archer has cracked the code to making pricing easier than reciting the alphabet backward after one too many margaritas.

With our Instant Home Staging Price, you can kiss those pricing nightmares goodbye faster than you can say "sold!" Simply hop onto our website, answer a few quick questions about your space, and voila – you'll have an exact price in less time than it takes to microwave a bag of popcorn. That's right, no more waiting around for days on end or playing phone tag with mysterious pricing gurus. We believe in transparency and efficiency, so you can get back to binge-watching your favorite Netflix series without skipping a beat.

But wait, there's more! Our Instant Home Staging Prices aren't just fast – if you choose the Guaranteed Home Staging Options, they're also backed by our legendary Guaranteed Home Staging promise. That's right, folks, we're so confident in our staging prowess that we're willing to put our money where our mouth is. If your home sells, you pay at closing. If it doesn't, you pay absolutely nada. It's like staging roulette, but without the risk of losing your shirt!

So whether you're in the rainy wonderland of Seattle or the hipster haven of Portland, Spade and Archer is your go-to guru for all things home staging. Say goodbye to pricing headaches and hello to staging success with just a few clicks of a button. It's time to stage like a boss and sell with confidence – because with Spade and Archer, the only surprises you'll encounter are the ones waiting for you in your new dream home!