If you are a successful Alaska real estate agent, then you already know that staging sells homes. But when listings are staged on-trend, they help build your potential homebuyers’ dreams.
Based on the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR’s) 2019 Profile of Home Staging, we believe the way you stage can increase your closings (and help you close faster, too). Why? Because nearly three-quarters of homebuyers already have an idea of what they want in their ideal home before they start the buying process.
The reality is, with so many homes to choose from (and such easy access to them), if a buyer can’t visualize living in your property from the get-go, there’s no incentive to pursue it any further. This is especially true in Alaska with so many out-of-state buyers and a much shorter selling season.
40 percent of buyers’ agents say home staging affects most buyers’ opinions. Importantly, they are willing to offer an average of 5 percent more for a well-staged home.
53 percent of agents agreed that good staging decreases time on the market, too.
83 percent say staging makes it easier to visualize a property as their future home.
So, really, your only question should be how you stage, not whether you should.
Well, you may have noticed a number of retro trends making a comeback over the last few years. As we end another decade, so too the cogs of interior design continue to turn.
Four Decades of Decor: These Retro Trends Are IN for 2020
We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the revival of clean, sleek lines found in midcentury modern style over the last few years. However, you may notice a shift in a variety of directions from here:
The 1920s & ‘30s Art Deco Revival
Seems the more ornate designs found in the Art Deco period are popping up in furniture everywhere - bold colors, standout geometric patterns, or strong materials.
A Pop of 1970s Nostalgia
The rich textures (like velvet and velour), bold colors (deep greens and bright florals), and big ‘70s floral prints are appearing on fabrics from furniture to wallpaper.
A Nod to the 1980s Mixed Metals and Natural Elements
The use of mixed metals and resurfacing of natural elements like bamboo, wicker, and ratan nod to the best of the ‘80s, too.
The Retro Footprint: Layouts on Homebuyers’ 2020 Wishlists
Not only should you focus on interior design trends, but what areas of the home are making a resurgence as well. That way, you can focus your design on those spaces especially. Here are three spaces Southern Living thinks homebuyers are renewing their interests in...
Luxurious Laundry Rooms
Adding themed wallpaper and incorporating wicker baskets in your storage solutions can get buyers excited about their least-favorite tasks.
Seating Areas in the Master Bath
With the rise in the popularity of self-care, evolve your listing’s bath into a spa-like retreat by creating a perch in front of a mirror for the beauty routine or a catch-all next to the tub for candles, towels, and books.
The Return of Formal Dining Areas
Homeowners are reportedly planning to treat the dining room as a gallery - making them "wow" spaces. Incorporate a large statement piece to help buyers visualize entertaining in their new formal dining space.
Staging On-Trend May Not Matter If Your Listing Gallery Isn’t Good
A few knock-out pieces from your local estate sales could be all you need. There are even options for agents who have limited warehouse space, shopping time, and/or marketing budget. For instance, did you know we offer virtual staging, as well?
Of course, none of this matters if the pictures themselves are subpar. NAR says that 63 percent of their survey respondents always recommend professional listing photos. Why? Because there’s no point in investing in staging if your target audience can’t see the images clearly. Or if the chosen angle leaves a lot to be desired. Or… you get the point.
That’s where we come in. The pros at DMD have shot just about every type of property in Alaska using a wide variety of tools and techniques - including drone photography and virtual tours.
To find out more about how DMD can capture your Alaska listings in a way that speaks to current home design trends, reach out!