Definition: Luxury, varies from dictionary to dictionary, to highlight a couple:
- Great comfort: expensive high-quality surroundings & the comfort they provide
- Pleasurable self-indulgent activity: an activity that gives great pleasure,
especially one only rarely indulged in
CSP International™ is always changing the face of staging! CSP students know today’s buyers are looking for luxury! No matter the price point of property, professional stagers can increase their success ratio and business share by adding a higher level of luxury to the staging work they provide. Research supports the fact that people buy aspirationally; emotions connect on a platform of want vs. need. Their decision to buy is supported intellectually but the emotional connection must be visceral.
The word luxury as it pertains to real estate has taken on a whole new meaning too, particularly over the past few years. Trendsetters agree, what used to pass for luxury is now commonplace for many. Features which were once exclusive only to the high-priced real estate market, have now become expected in lower price markets (that’s aspiration at work).
The emerging higher end trends like home cinemas, gyms; and tech controlled everything –from security, window coverings, stereo and television equipment to drawing the water for your bath, are percolating down to suburbia.
As style and tastes change so does the expectation levels of buyers; the change of expectation is evident at every price point. Buyers want more, want to do less work when they move and are willing to pay more money for move in ready property.
The evolution (or revolution) of decorating TV programs has certainly helped grow and expand the mindset as well as the expectation level of the “average” homebuyer. Even as high-tech gadgets become more common place, today’s consumers are still looking for space, functionality, ease of living, peace & tranquility.
Common mistakes I consistently see across the industry is the use of lower quality products, accessories, bedding, incorrect placement of color, incorrect size and scale for art and accessories, acceptance of POGE (principle of good enough) and still to the uninitiated the belief that staging is decorating! CSP® staging training is based on a proprietary, proven 8-7-6-5™ process which involves various emotional connection points using color mapping, décor layers, size, scale, correct placement and by anticipating and marketing to, the targeted buyer, then engaging all the senses of those prospective buyers. The results are outstanding work, results, and photographs.
I remain steadfast in my belief, if a buyer is looking at art and not the fireplace there is a problem.
There is no better time than right now to take the plunge if you are interested in starting a home staging business or training a team member to be your in-house stager at your brokerage. Contact me, Christine Rae today to learn more! Or request our information booklet to become a home stager and start your real estate staging business with staging certification from CSP International™!
