Divas 100 report

DOES STAGING A HOME FOR SALE REALLY MAKE FINANCIAL SENSE? PROFESSIONAL HOME STAGING MID-NORTH COAST, NSW.

 DESiGNiNG Divas periodically review homes they have staged for sale to provide Real Estate agents and vendors with up-to-date information which reflects current market trends in relation to days on market for home sales on the mid-north coast of NSW. As well as monitoring the effectiveness and value of staging a home for sale.

“We are always promoting home staging as a positive financial investment’” says Michelle Burton, Director at DESiGNiNG Divas.  “By analysing our most recent staging projects we review our mantra of:  ‘A professionally staged home will [on average] sell quicker and for a higher price compared to a poorly presented home or an empty property’. ”

So what did the last 100 properties staged by DESiGNiNG Divas reveal.

87% sold within the 6 weeks contract time. [62% sold within 21 days.] On average these homes sold (deposits taken/contracts signed) in 29 days.

Compared to the average sale time for properties in the area during 2022/23 was 60 days* – Domain – see below for details and the link to Domain stats).

78 of the hundred homes sold within the price predicted guide, or above, 33 sold markedly above the reserve price; 8 sales setting a ‘Street record’.   9 of the staged homes sold at less than 5% of the advertised price. 

  • Of the 13 properties not sold within 6 weeks –  7 eventually sold (these homes were between $1.1m  and $1.7m); 6 were taken ‘off market’

The properties that were taken ‘off market’ 4 have been rented and the owners are waiting for the market conditions to meet their price expectations before selling. Even though no short term sales were secured for these properties the agents/vendors now have professionally taken photographs which showcase the home to any potential buyer.  One house we staged took 11 months to sell… but it finally got a record Street price and the delay was a hold up by the eventual  buyer who struggled to sell their own home to enable the purchase.

  • 12 homes staged went to auction – 5 sold before auction, 2 sold on auction day and 2 sold within two weeks of auction, 2 sold within 70 days, 1 taken off market. 

Home staging properties for sale on the mid-north coast –  more stats from the Divas 100 report.

  • We staged 95 houses, units or villas; 5 apartments. 
  • Homes ranged from a 6 bedroom ‘mansion’ to a one bedroom unit. From first time buyer homes to apartments and homes in retirement living complexes. We staged homes in CBD locations, suburbs and subdivision as well as rural properties. DESiGNiNG Divas and successful real estate agents believe all properties deserve to be presented in the best possible way to create a wonderful first impression.  
  • 62 properties were vacant properties (ie no-one living in them during the sales process) – 20 new builds; 42 older homes (2 were nearly a 100 years old). 
  • 38 occupied homes (ie owners living in the property during the sales process) or un-occupied(often deceased estates). In these properties DESiGNiNG Divas will often integrate some of the existing furniture and supplement with complementary furniture and furnishings from the Divas stock. That’s why we have such comprehensive and varied stock inventory as when the Divas style we aim to reflect the architecture and character of the home. We certainly don’t believe in a ‘one style fits all’ when it comes to staging a home for sale. 
  • 63 properties staged in Port Macquarie/Hastings – postcode 2444;
  • 37 outside postcode 2444 on the mid-north coast, NSW. DESiGNiNG Divas stage properties as far south as Forster/Tuncurry and to the north to South West Rocks.  To the west – Wauchope and Kendall. 

Of course there is no guarantee that staging a house to showcase a home for sale will result in a quicker sale at a higher price BUT…the current stats above from the Divas 100 report certainly  provide a balanced evidence-based overview to support the financial benefits of staging a home for sale. 

Average time on market for properties in Port Macquarie NSW 2444 from the Domain website (8/6/23)

Houses in Port Macquarie – average days on market 60 days

2 bedroom house average time on market 46 days |3 bedroom house average time on market 46 days |4 bedroom house average time on market 56 days |5 bedroom house average days on market 79 days

Units in Port Macquarie – average days on the market 60 days

1 bedroom unit 67 days   | 2 bedroom unit 51 days  |3 bedroom unit 63 days.

* https://www.domain.com.au/suburb-profile/port-macquarie-nsw-2444 (8.6.23) 

But don’t just take our word for it.

Home staging Port Macquarie, mid-north coast, NSW 2444. Agency: First National

“ I have used Michelle and her team numerous times to stage properties. The team at Designing Divas nail it every time. They use top quality quality furnishings, and they manage to tie everything together in the most artful way.  Every property they have styled for me looks amazing and photographs beautifully. This creates lots of interest, and the end result is the best possible sales price. The last property Designing Divas styled for me resulted in 5 offers [the home sold in 10 days]. I could not recommend Michelle and her team any more highly! ”  Dorene Field, Sales Agent, First National, Port Macquarie 2444

Home staging, Port Macquarie, mid-north coast, NSW 2444. Agency: hem Property

“ I have been using Designing Divas for around 3 years to improve the saleability of my clients properties.Time and time again we have proven to our clients that for a small investment not only are their properties sold faster, the sale prices are significantly higher. Michelle and Nicole are great to work worth.“ Andrew Meldrum, Licensed Real Estate Agent, Hem Property, Port Macquarie 2444

Home staging Telegraph Point, mid-north coast, NSW 2441. Vendor

“ … I’m speechless. Your level of professionalism [Michelle & the Divas] is nothing but top shelf. The heart that is shown in your work is not only creative but has a wow factor that takes the breath away. I have placed my heart and soul into this place and you have seamlessly emanated that in every room. My deepest respect and thanks for achieving a remarkable outcome. ”  Charmian, Vendor 

Home staging, South West Rocks, mid-north coast, NSW 2431. Agency: Harcourts 

“ Amazing staging done by DESigning Divas! I am so appreciative and know that it helped getting a fantastic and quick result in this current market. Thank you to Michelle and her team!  ” Vanessa Gal, Agent, Harcourts, The Rocks, NSW 2431

Home staging, Harrington, mid-north coast, NSW 2427. Agency: Laing + Simmons

“After selling this magnificent waterfront home on the first open inspection I am in awe of the power of home staging. Over my 42 years as a licensed Real Estate Agent, this is my first use of a staging company and it certainly will not be my last! I would like to thank Michelle at  DESiGNiNG Divas  in Port Macquarie for their help in marketing the home as they are true professionals and it helped me achieve a wonderful result for the owners! I can highly recommend the team at DESiGNiNG Divas to give you that edge in promoting an empty home! “ Geoff Holdsworth, Licensed Real Estate Agent, Laing + Simmons Manning Valley, NSW 2427

Home staging, Port Macquarie, mid-north coast, NSW 2444.  Agency: McGrath 

” I think that home staging can definitely help a sale price, as presentation directly influences price. So the better presented a home is will only encourage a higher sale price. I think DESiGNiNG Divas is all over it when it comes to pre-presentation for property sales and would highly recommend their service if a potential vendor is looking at maximising their home sale price. Their “on trend” styling makes them the perfect choice when staging your property for sale… our two recent properties they styled achieving “Street Records”. We love working with Designing Divas, thank you!  “ Damian + Holly King, Sales Agents, McGrath Estate Agents, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444

For further information, or to arrange a DESiGNiNG Divas ‘Home staging for sale’  presentation contact Michelle Burton  michelle@designingdivas.com.au  or call 0413 398 908 

 

“ The best house feels like a home. ”