“In the age of HGTV and home improvement television, potential buyers now expect to walk into a home that has been tastefully decorated, and are often willing to pay much more for a well staged property” says Jacqueline Inniger, owner and staging designer at 417 Staging and Redesign. A professional home stager has the resources to transform a home and highlight its assets while downplaying its flaws. “When you make a home transform into a clean, comforting, flowing space, buyers will fall in love with it and say, "This is it!"’

A former pediatric nurse, Jacqueline was introduced to the staging profession when she partnered with a stager to sell her house and thought it would be a fun job. There were hardly any other stagers in Springfield at the time, so she completed the most comprehensive and intensive home staging and redesign courses in North America, provided by the Home Staging Resource organization. “I have always had a very keen eye for colors, fabrics, decor, and strategic placement of furniture that transforms a basic room into something wonderful. My passion for design has been lifelong, and I have been staging and decorating homes since 2005.”  

So why is staging so important? Staging can be difficult for most homeowners because it’s hard to see the flaws in your own home. Owners also may not have access to updated furnishings and real estate agents may not have the extra time to help their clients update their home’s look. A home that needs updating or some extra TLC might not be particularly appealing to a buyer. “Most buyers are unable to visualize a home to its fullest potential if it is poorly staged,” says Jacqueline. “The exceptions are flippers or investors who will likely hammer you for a low price. This is also why having a vacant home professionally staged is so important. Furniture and clever design will give buyers a frame of reference, and help them see a size, scale and purpose to each room. This helps build excitement about your property's potential, and ultimately helps your bottom line!”

Homes that have been redesigned by HSR Certified professionals sell on a conservative average for 10%+ more in a good market. “I can not stress enough how important it is to give every room a purpose and to have it be visually appealing so that buyers can see themselves living there,” says Jacqueline. When a potential buyer walks into a home, they typically decide if they want to buy it in the first 15 seconds. This is where staging becomes a game-changer, because it makes it possible to appeal to a potential buyer’s senses from the moment they step through the door. From soothing neutrals, and interesting textures, to pleasant aromas, attractive lighting, and appropriate furniture for the space, staging helps a buyer see a house as their potential home. “My goal is to make selling your home easier and provide you with top dollar. It would be an honor to stage your home, and it can be fun!”

For Jacqueline, the most rewarding part is going from a blank slate to making it look beautiful and inviting – a place where people could imagine themselves living. She says, “It’s really magical, making it look like a home instead of just a house. I love to enter into a house and visualize how to transform it into a buyer's dream home! Working alongside the owner or seller to delve into their lifestyle, dreams and wishes for the space...that's when the magic happens!"

Whether you’re a homeowner, a real estate agent, or a new build construction company, 417 Staging and Redesign wants to help you sell your property at the highest value. From family homes to vacant properties, or model homes, Jacqueline can transform your space into a buyer’s dream home!

For more information, visit 417staging.com