Staging a Duplex

It’s a well known fact: most homebuyers are unimaginative. You might not think that this applies to the savvy investors and potential owner-occupiers looking at your duplex, but even these individuals are subject to human nature.

While some people have a unique gift for seeing past clutter, filth, and poor decorating decisions, others will subconsciously lower the value that they put on the property when they observe the misuse of certain spaces.

But all that being said, the question still remains: is staging a duplex worth the investment?

We hate to say it, but the real answer to that question is: possibly.

While that might not be the answer that you were looking for, it’s the most accurate one that we can give. The decision to investing in staging should be based on a number of factors like the real estate market you’re facing, the list price of your property, and more.

Here are some of our opinions on when it might be time to stage your duplex.

The Many Forms of Staging

When some people use the word “staging” they’re referring specifically to the services provided by a professional home stager. In this article, we’ll be looking at a few different alternatives to that service as well as professional staging itself.

Some of the forms of duplex staging that we want to take time to consider are:

1. Professional Interior Design

2. Home Improvements

3. Cleaning & Organizing

4. Making Small Adjustments

Between these four completely different types of staging, you should be able to find the right balance that’s appropriate for your property.

Professional Interior Design

Making the investment in a professional home stager is likely the most drastic measure that you could take when selling your property. In some instances, this is well worth the investment for vacant properties or those that are owner-occupied and easily kept clean. Whether or not it should be considered is dependent on a number of factors.

In certain price points, for instance, it may be necessary to help potential buyers understand the lifestyle that a property could represent for them or their tenants.

Additionally, the real estate market should be considered. If you’re expecting an uphill battle to get the full worth of your property, staging might be good to consider. If you’re looking at a market that’s likely to allow you to get top dollar anyway, this may be an unnecessary step in the process.

Home Improvements

Making the investment in a professional home stager is likely the most drastic measure that you could take when selling your property. In some instances, this is well worth the investment for vacant properties or those that are owner-occupied and easily kept clean. Whether or not it should be considered is dependent on a number of factors.

In certain price points, for instance, it may be necessary to help potential buyers understand the lifestyle that a property could represent for them or their tenants.

Additionally, the real estate market should be considered. If you’re expecting an uphill battle to get the full worth of your property, staging might be good to consider. If you’re looking at a market that’s likely to allow you to get top dollar anyway, this may be an unnecessary step in the process.

Cleaning & Organizing

There’s no good substitute for having a clean unit. If you or your tenants live sloppily or with clutter piled up in every room, consider doing your best to ensure that the units in your property display as well as possible for showings.

If you’re an owner-occupier, take the time to do a deep cleaning in your unit – you won’t regret the impression that it leaves with potential buyers.

For any unit in your property that you don’t occupy yourself, you may want to consider hiring a professional house cleaning service. The fact of the matter is that while tenants can clean their own property, they have no motivation to do so. They’re not trying to sell the property, so they are unlikely to put the time into it that you would for your own spaces.

That said, most tenants will not refuse an offer to have their side professionally cleaned free of charge. The difference that this can make is absolutely incredible.

Making Small Adjustments

Not all home staging needs to be done by a professional. Consider how your property presents itself and how some simple changes might be enough to help change a buyer’s entire perspective.

Try to look at your property with fresh eyes to determine the first impression that’s made and the style that the home could be defined as. In most cases, it’s better to take down personal items that make too strong of a statement. Instead, focus on making spaces look warm, inviting, and as neutral as possible.

You’re trying to appeal to as many buyers as possible – not just the ones who think like you.

‍