When selling a property, one of the key decisions you’ll face is whether or not to stage it. Staging involves arranging or styling the property, including furniture and decor, to make it more appealing to potential buyers. The idea is to showcase the home’s potential and allow buyers to envision themselves living in the space. But is it a good idea? Is it worth the cost? And does it work better for some types of properties than others?
This comprehensive guide will explore the benefits and drawbacks of staging, the various types of properties that benefit from it, and whether or not the costs justify the return on investment. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether staging your home is the right choice for your specific situation.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging is the practice of preparing a home for sale by enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. The goal is to create a space that is neutral, clean, and inviting while also highlighting the property’s best features. Staging can involve:
- Furniture arrangement: Setting up furniture in a way that maximizes the use of space and creates a flow that feels natural.
- Decor: Adding decor such as artwork, cushions, plants, and lighting to make the home feel more vibrant and welcoming.
- Repairs and touch-ups: Making small repairs to improve the appearance of the property, such as painting walls, fixing leaks, or replacing outdated fixtures.
- Decluttering: Removing personal items, excess furniture, and clutter to make the space feel larger and more inviting.
Professional stagers may also provide a design service, renting furniture and decor specifically tailored to the style and size of the property. Alternatively, sellers can stage the property themselves, relying on their furniture, decor, and creativity.
Benefits of Staging a Property
There are many benefits to staging a home when selling. For some sellers, staging can be the deciding factor between a quick sale and a property that lingers on the market. Some of the main advantages of staging a property include:
1. Makes the Property More Attractive to Buyers
A staged home creates an emotional connection with potential buyers. By showcasing a property’s best features and presenting it in the most appealing light, buyers can more easily envision themselves living in the space. Staging also allows you to highlight how rooms can be used, which can be particularly helpful in spaces with unusual layouts or awkward proportions.
For example, a dining room with no table can look like an empty, underused space. But by staging the room with a dining table, chairs, and simple decor, you show buyers how the space can be used, making it feel like a natural and functional area of the home.
2. Increases Perceived Value
Well-staged homes often appear more polished and professionally maintained. A properly staged home can help justify a higher asking price because it presents the property in its best possible condition. The home may look more spacious, modern, and move-in ready, which can increase its perceived value.
Studies have shown that staged homes tend to sell for more than non-staged homes. In fact, according to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), staged homes can sell for up to 10% more than non-staged homes. This could make staging a cost-effective investment, depending on your market and property type.
3. Helps Sell Faster
Homes that are staged tend to sell faster than those that are not. Buyers are more likely to be attracted to a home that looks well-maintained and thoughtfully presented. Properties that sit on the market too long can begin to develop a “stale” reputation, which makes them less attractive to new buyers. Staging can help avoid this issue by creating a sense of urgency and competition among buyers.
Homes that are professionally staged have been shown to spend 73% less time on the market compared to non-staged homes. This quicker sale timeline can be particularly important if you’re trying to sell quickly for personal or financial reasons.
4. Highlights the Home’s Potential
If your home has certain features that are difficult to see due to clutter or an outdated design, staging can help bring those features to the forefront. For example, if you have an awkwardly shaped living room or small bedrooms, staging can help highlight the potential of the space by choosing the right furniture and decor.
Staging allows the property to look its best and be presented in a way that highlights its strengths. It’s about showcasing the property’s potential, even if it requires some investment upfront.
5. Creates Better Listing Photos
In today’s digital age, buyers begin their home search online. The first impression buyers get of a property is often from photos, which makes professional-looking photos crucial. A staged home will photograph better than an empty or cluttered one, making it stand out in online listings. This can lead to more showings and increased interest in your property.
Drawbacks of Staging a Property
While there are many benefits to staging a property, it’s not always the right choice for every seller. The costs, time, and effort involved in staging should be carefully weighed against the potential return on investment. Here are some of the drawbacks:
1. It Can Be Expensive
The primary drawback of staging a home is the cost. Professional staging services can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the size of the property, the extent of the staging, and the duration of the rental. For larger homes or those with more rooms, staging costs can be quite high.
While staging can increase the perceived value of the property, it’s not guaranteed to lead to a significantly higher sale price. In some cases, the cost of staging may not be recouped in the final sale price, especially in a market where homes are selling quickly or if your property is already priced competitively.
2. Time-Consuming
Staging takes time, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional. If you choose to stage the property yourself, you’ll need to spend time decluttering, rearranging furniture, and shopping for decor items. If you hire a professional stager, you’ll need to coordinate schedules, discuss your vision, and possibly make changes during the process.
Additionally, the staging process may delay your listing if you’re aiming for a quick sale. This could be a problem if you’re working with a tight deadline or need to sell the property quickly.
3. May Not Be Necessary in All Markets
Staging is particularly effective in certain types of markets. For example, in competitive real estate markets with high buyer demand, staging may not be necessary. Buyers may be eager to purchase a home quickly, and staging could be seen as an unnecessary expense.
Similarly, in markets where homes are selling quickly or where there’s limited inventory, staging may not make as big of a difference. If you’re in a seller’s market, you may be able to sell your home without investing in staging.
4. Buyer Preferences May Vary
Staging may not always appeal to every buyer. While some buyers appreciate the effort and vision behind a staged home, others may prefer to see the property in its current, more authentic state. Some buyers may feel that the staging distracts from the true potential of the home or feel uncomfortable with a home that looks too “decorated” or impersonal.
Does Staging Work Better for Some Types of Properties?
Staging can be more effective for certain types of properties. Here’s how different types of homes may benefit from staging:
1. High-End Homes
Luxury homes benefit significantly from staging. These properties are often large, with multiple rooms that may be hard for buyers to imagine how they would use. Staging can help buyers visualize the full potential of the home, whether it’s a large living area, a formal dining room, or an empty guest room.
For luxury homes, staging can also create a lifestyle experience, emphasizing the grandeur of the property and the upscale features it offers. The higher price point often justifies the expense of staging.
2. Vacant Homes
Vacant homes are the most obvious candidates for staging. Without furniture and decor, vacant properties can appear cold, empty, and less inviting. Buyers may have trouble visualizing how they could use the space or how the rooms will feel once furnished.
Staging a vacant home helps make the property feel lived-in and allows buyers to see how each space can be used. It also makes the home look more appealing in listing photos, which can be critical in attracting buyers.
3. Homes with Odd Layouts
Homes with unusual layouts, small rooms, or awkward spaces benefit from staging. Buyers may have trouble envisioning how to use odd or unconventional spaces. Staging helps to showcase the potential of these areas, making them appear more functional and practical.
4. Older Homes
Older homes with outdated designs or features can benefit from staging, as it allows sellers to create a modern, cohesive look that makes the property feel fresh and up-to-date. Staging can mask signs of wear and tear and focus buyers’ attention on the home’s potential rather than its imperfections.
Staging can be a valuable tool for selling your home, but it’s not always necessary or cost-effective. The decision to stage depends on various factors, such as the type of property, the market conditions, and your personal selling goals. While it can help sell a home faster and for a higher price, the upfront costs and time commitment should be carefully considered.
If you’re selling a high-end home, a vacant property, or a home with an unusual layout, staging could be a smart investment. On the other hand, if you’re in a competitive seller’s market or your home is already priced competitively, staging may not provide a significant return on investment.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your unique circumstances. If you’re unsure whether staging is right for your property, consult with a real estate agent who can provide guidance based on your local market and property type.
