What Can Staging Do For Sellers?
Here’s why I put so much stock into staging homes for sale.
I always recommend that my home sellers stage their homes. Here are a couple of key reasons why this practice is so beneficial:
1. It distracts from the home’s imperfections. Vacant homes don’t show well because there isn’t much else to draw a buyer’s eye besides the little flaws. Unattractive and outdated things will only stick out more. Additionally, empty rooms feel smaller. Staging allows buyers to visualize how to use a space and keeps them from focusing on the wrong details.
"The only homes I recommend sellers not to stage are the ones that already look staged when I walk in the door."
2. It allows buyers to connect with the home. When a home is staged, it enables buyers to visualize themselves living there. Even though everyone’s definition of home is different, very few people associate the word with visions of an empty house. Plus, staging can draw out an emotional response from buyers, and those with an emotional connection to a home are the ones most afraid to lose it, meaning they’re often willing to pay more to get it.
Since homes are selling quickly with multiple offers in today’s market, does it still make sense to stage your home? In most cases, yes. The homes I recommend sellers not to stage are the ones that already look staged when I walk in the door. Some people have an incredible passion for design and have carefully curated their art, accessories, and furnishings to be extremely appealing.
I will say, though, that homes like that account for less than 5% of the homes we sell—most homes do need staging, whether that be accentuating what a seller already has or fully furnishing a vacant home.
Again, I do recommend that all sellers take the time to stage their homes before they list. If you have any questions about how to stage your home, we can recommend a professional to help you get your property in tip-top condition. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone or email! We’d love to help you.