Quantifying the Value of Home Staging
Nowhere are first impressions more important than in the intricate dance of selling a home. Imagine you are a prospective buyer, stepping into a house for the first time. What’s your initial reaction? Is it an overwhelming sense of charm and possibility, or does the space feel lackluster and uninspiring? This is where the science (and magic) of home staging comes into play.
Home staging is more than just arranging furniture and adding a few decorative touches. It’s an artful process designed to showcase a property’s best features while minimizing its flaws. A combination of design and merchandising, staging treats your home as a product positioned to sell quickly and profitably. In today’s competitive real estate market–where buyers have myriad choices due to high inventory–the value of home staging cannot be overstated.
Survey Says…
According to the 2024 survey from the Home Staging Institute, staged homes spend significantly less time on the market compared to their un-staged counterparts. In fact, staged homes sold 73% faster, on average, than non-staged homes. This statistic alone speaks volumes about the impact of staging on buyer perception and ultimately, the bottom line.
But it’s not just about speed; it’s about profitability too. The same survey revealed that staged homes command higher selling prices than those left unadorned. On average, staged properties sold for 10% more than their un-staged counterparts. That’s a substantial return on investment for the relatively small cost of staging.
Another striking finding is that staged homes receive significantly more offers than un-staged homes. On average, staged properties attracted 50% more offers than their non-staged counterparts. This statistic underscores the importance of staging in generating buyer interest and driving competition
Why Staging Works
So, what exactly makes staged homes so irresistible to buyers? For starters, staging helps buyers envision themselves living in the space. By depersonalizing the home and creating a neutral, inviting environment, staging allows potential buyers to mentally move in and picture their own lives unfolding within the walls. According to the National Association of Realtors 81% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home
Or, in the case of a vacant home, creating an inviting, enticing environment instead of a cold, lifeless space. Moreover, staged homes exude a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. From strategically placed accent pieces to artfully arranged furniture layouts, staging communicates to buyers that the property has been meticulously cared for and is worthy of their investment. And those listing photos? Staging is the difference between attention-getting and “blah.”
In essence, home staging is about storytelling. It’s about crafting a narrative that resonates with buyers on an emotional level, compelling them to see the house not just as a structure, but as a potential home—a place where memories will be made and dreams will be realized. Home staging is a strategic investment with tangible returns. By enhancing a property’s appeal, speeding up the selling process, and boosting its selling price, staging has become an indispensable tool for sellers looking to stand out in today’s competitive real estate market. So, whether you’re a real estate professional or a homeowner looking to sell your home quickly and profitably, don’t underestimate the power of staging—it could be the key to unlocking your property’s full potential.
Why Impact?
Of course, not all staging is created equal. To truly reap the benefits, it’s essential to enlist the expertise of a professional staging company or designer. Our team of staging professionals possess the knowledge and experience to highlight a home’s strengths while downplaying its weaknesses, creating a cohesive, visually appealing environment that maximizes its potential. With a deep understanding of our real estate markets and local home buyers, we are uniquely positioned to help both real estate agents and homeowners maximize their homes’ potential.
