Is it worth staging an 80k ARV Flip?

Question

We are a couple days away from completing renovations on our first flip. It is a  1200 sqft, 3 bed / 1.5 bath SFH with an ARV of 80k.

Is it worth paying to stage a house like this? If so what would you expect to pay for this service on a house this size?

Randy F. · Answer

I think it depends upon average time on market and amount of listed inventory in the area. If comparable homes are moving quickly, inventory is low, and/or your upgrades are above listed comps, there may not be a need for staging. IMO, its the higher end homes with a smaller buyer pool that need the extra oomph.

Stan Butler · Answer

I haven't yet found the need to stage a house.  We flipped about 6 houses last year between $125k and $350k and none were on the market more than 30 days.  It might have made a difference back in the 2007-2009 timeframe when it was a heavy buyers market and you needed to differentiate your houses.  Nowadays, we just renovate our homes nicer than anything for sale in the neighborhood and price it at the same level or slightly lower.  Buyers can easily spot the value proposition and it hasnt been tough to sell.

Donald Hendricks · Answer

Staging services from what I found in my area want 5% of final sales price.  Rent-A-Center wants about $150.00 a month for a living room & bedroom set.  If your idea of decorating involves a man cave, you may want to go with the staging service.

Christopher Boggs · Answer

Donald Hendricks - Have you found that someplace like rent-a-center is cheaper than paying for the staging company's furniture? Obviously you would loose the staging company's input, but if there is enough cost savings I am sure we can figure it out.

Donald Hendricks · Answer

A large majority of people can not envision a space that is empty. Doesn't have to be 100% live in ready, but something to give them the idea of what could be.  Rent to own stores are a good source of furniture that your can return when you are through with it.