Home Staging: Does It Really Make a Difference?

Century 21 Real Estate Center

Selling a home can be a challenging process, and homeowners often wonder if home staging is worth the investment. The simple answer is yes. Home staging can significantly impact the sale price and the speed at which a home sells. Let’s delve into how home staging makes a difference, backed by data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and explore the benefits of pairing staging with professional photography.

The Impact of Home Staging

Home staging involves preparing a property for sale by making it more appealing to potential buyers. This can include decluttering, rearranging furniture, adding decor, and even making minor repairs or updates. According to the NAR’s 2021 Profile of Home Staging, the impact of staging is substantial:

• Increased Sales Price: The NAR report indicates that 23% of buyers’ agents reported an increase of 1-5% in the dollar value offered by buyers for a staged home compared to similar homes that were not staged. Additionally, 18% of sellers’ agents reported an increase of 6-10% in the sale price of a staged home.
• Faster Sales: Homes that are staged typically sell faster than those that are not. The report found that 31% of sellers’ agents believe staging greatly decreases the amount of time a home spends on the market.

Why Staging Works

First Impressions Matter: A well-staged home creates a positive first impression, which is crucial since buyers often make up their minds within minutes of viewing a property. Staging highlights the home’s best features and allows buyers to visualize themselves living there.

Maximizes Space and Functionality: Staging helps to define spaces clearly and show off the potential uses of different rooms. This is particularly important for open-concept layouts or unusual room shapes, where it might not be immediately obvious how to arrange furniture.

Emotional Connection: Staging creates an inviting atmosphere that helps buyers form an emotional connection with the home. When buyers can imagine themselves living in a space, they are more likely to make an offer.

Pairing Staging with Professional Photography

The combination of home staging and professional photography is a powerful tool in real estate marketing. High-quality photos are essential for making a strong online impression, where most buyers begin their home search.

Benefits of Professional Photography:

• Enhanced Listings: Professionally staged and photographed homes stand out in online listings, attracting more views and showings.
• Top Dollar: Quality photos highlight the benefits of staging, making it easier for buyers to justify paying a premium price.
• Faster Sales: Homes with professional photos sell faster because they generate more interest and showings.

Consult a Real Estate Professional

To ensure that your home is putting its best foot forward, it’s essential to consult with a real estate professional. They can provide valuable insights into what buyers in your market are looking for and recommend staging strategies that will maximize your home’s appeal. A real estate professional can also connect you with experienced stagers and photographers, ensuring that your home is presented in the best possible light.

Home staging does make a difference. It can lead to higher sales prices and faster transactions by creating a positive first impression, maximizing space, and helping buyers form an emotional connection with the property. When paired with professional photography, staging can help you fetch top dollar for your home. To make the most of these benefits, consult a real estate professional who can guide you through the staging process and help your home stand out in the market.