In recent years, the concept of staging homes has gained popularity as a method for sellers to present their properties in the best possible light to potential buyers. One of the primary reasons for staging is to expedite the sale of a home by helping buyers envision themselves living in the space. 

‍But do staged homes actually sell faster than non-staged homes? The answer is a resounding yes, according to a number of studies and real estate experts.

One of the most comprehensive studies on home staging is the National Association of Realtors' 2021 Profile of Home Staging. The report found that staged homes, on average, sell faster than non-staged homes. Some of the specific findings include: 

• According to 31% of sellers' agents, staging greatly decreased the amount of time that the property was on the market
• Another 22% of sellers’ agents also saw a slight decrease in the time on the market due to staging of the home

Similarly, the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP) conducted a study that revealed that homes that are not staged take 3 to 30 times longer to sell than properties that have been staged. Luxury properties that are not staged have an even higher margin, with the potential to remain on the market for 10 to 30 times longer than their staged counterparts. 

What’s more, the 2021 Profile of Home Staging also reveals that staged properties sell for more money than non-staged ones:

• 23% of buyers’ agents reported a 1-5% increase in the dollar value of the home after staging
• 15% of buyers' agents reported that staging led to a 6-10% bump in the sale price of the home
• 6% of buyers’ agents reported an 11-15% increase in the home sale price after staging
• 3% of buyers' agents stated that staging caused a 16-20% uptick in the sale price of the home
• Only 2% of buyers' agents saw a greater than 20% increase in the home's sale price after staging.

Why Do Staged Homes Sell Faster and For More Money?

The reason that staged homes sell faster and for more money than non-staged homes is simple: buyers are more likely to be impressed by a home that looks move-in ready and well-maintained. 

A staged home will have furniture that is properly placed, artwork that is hung in the right location, and a color palette that is pleasing to the eye. Staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize themselves living in the home and can help them see the potential of the property.

‍Staged homes also have a competitive edge when it comes to online listing photos. They are able to create a cohesive and visually pleasing image that is more likely to attract buyers. An empty or poorly decorated home, on the other hand, may appear uninviting and unappealing to buyers.

Moreover, when a home is staged, the professional stager will work to highlight the best features of the property. This can include showcasing large windows, a fireplace, or a spacious backyard. By focusing on the positive aspects of the home, the stager can make it more appealing to potential buyers and increase their emotional connection to the property. 

Additionally, by highlighting the best features, the stager can also draw attention away from any potential drawbacks the home may have. This can make the home appear more desirable and increase the chances of it selling quickly and for a higher price.

‍Another advantage of staging is that it can help to make a home appear more spacious, which is particularly important for smaller homes or homes with small rooms. A professional stager will be able to use furniture and décor to make a home appear larger and more open, which can be a major selling point for buyers.

Lastly, when a home is staged, it gives the impression of being well-maintained and thoughtfully prepared for sale. This can create a positive perception of the property in the minds of potential buyers and make them more likely to see it as a valuable investment. By presenting the property in its best light, staging can elevate the perceived value of the home, making it more attractive to buyers and potentially leading to a higher sale price.

To summarize, here are 6 reasons why staged homes may sell faster and for more money than non-staged homes:

1. Staged homes create a better first impression.
2. They also can help buyers envision themselves in the space, thus increasing their emotional connection to the property.
3. Staging can make small spaces appear larger.
4. Professional stagers can highlight the home's best features.
5. Staging a property can help it stand out in a crowded market.
6. Staged homes can increase the perceived value by giving the impression that the property is well-maintained. 

‍It is important to note that staging is not a one-size-fits-all solution and that the right approach will vary depending on the home and the target market. For example, a home that is being sold to a young family will require a different approach than a home that is being sold to retirees. A professional stager will be able to determine the best approach for a specific home and target market.

Which rooms should you stage for a quick home sale?

The rooms that you should focus on when staging a home to sell quickly are the living room, dining room, kitchen, and primary bedroom, as these areas have the biggest impact on potential buyers.

• Living Room: To make an excellent first impression, the living room should be staged as it's typically the first room that buyers see when they enter the home. 
• Dining Room: The dining room is another important space to stage, as it can showcase the potential for entertaining and family gatherings. 
• Kitchen: The kitchen is the heart of the home, and for many buyers, it's one of the most important rooms. It's crucial to showcase its functionality and style. 
• Primary Bedroom: The primary bedroom is the homeowner's private retreat, and it's essential to stage it in a way that highlights its potential as a relaxing and comfortable space.

Other areas of the home that can be beneficial to stage include:

• Children's Bedroom: A staged children's bedroom can demonstrate that the home is family-friendly and can help buyers envision how they could decorate the room for their own children.
• Outdoor Spaces: Staging outdoor spaces such as the patio or backyard can showcase the potential for entertaining and relaxation. It's important to make these spaces look inviting and functional.
• Home Office: With the increase in remote work and e-learning, a staged home office can demonstrate the potential for working from home and/or e-learning. It's important to make this space look organized and productive.
• Bathroom: Staging additional bathrooms can help buyers see the potential for a comfortable lifestyle in the home. It's important to make sure the bathrooms are clean and well-lit.
• Game Room: A staged game room can demonstrate the potential for fun and entertainment. It's important to make this space look inviting and organized.

By showcasing these areas, potential buyers can have a better understanding of how the home can accommodate their needs and lifestyle. With a well-staged home, buyers can see themselves living in the space, and this can lead to a quicker sale at a better price.

DIY Home Staging Tips

DIY home staging can be a cost-effective way to make your home more appealing to potential buyers if you don’t have the budget for professional staging services. Here are some tips for staging your home yourself:

1. Declutter and depersonalize: The first step in staging your home is to declutter and remove personal items such as family photos and personal collections. This will help buyers to envision themselves in the space and not be distracted by your personal belongings.
2. Clean and organize: A clean and organized home will make a great first impression. Make sure to deep clean your home, including the bathrooms and kitchen, and organize closets and drawers.
3. Fix and repair: Take care of any repairs that are needed, such as fixing leaky faucets, and touch up any paint that is chipped or faded.
4. Maximize the lighting: Good lighting can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light, and consider adding lamps or light fixtures if needed.
5. Rearrange furniture: Move your furniture around to create a more open and inviting space. Consider removing any unnecessary furniture to make the rooms appear larger.
6. Create focal points: Create focal points in each room to draw the eye and make the space more interesting. This can be a fireplace, a statement piece of art, or a beautiful view.
7. Add a few touches of color: Add some color to your home with fresh flowers, plants, or colorful throw pillows. This will give your home a more inviting and warm feel.
8. Improve curb appeal: The first impression of your home starts with the curb appeal. Make sure to keep the lawn trimmed and the bushes and trees well-groomed. Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door, or replace it if it's looking worn.

By following these DIY home staging tips, you can make your home more attractive to potential buyers without breaking the bank. Remember that staging is not about making your home look like a showroom, but it's about showcasing your home's best features and making it more appealing to buyers.

Can Virtual Staging Help You Sell a House Faster?

‍Yes, virtual staging can help you sell a house faster because it allows for a more efficient staging process. Additionally, it can enhance the property's online presence by creating visually appealing and engaging virtual representations of the property.

Virtual staging uses computer software to add furniture, décor, and other design elements to empty rooms in a home, providing buyers with a sense of how the space could be used and decorated. One of the benefits of virtual staging is that it allows for a faster turnaround time, as images of the virtually staged property can be produced in under a day. This enables you to list your property for sale quickly. In contrast, traditional staging can take several weeks or even months, during which time your property remains unoccupied.

‍Virtual staging can also help you sell a house faster because it allows buyers to see the potential of a space even if it is currently empty. It can be especially useful for vacant properties, or properties that are difficult to stage due to the owner's personal belongings still being in the property.

Moreover, virtual staging can boost your online presence and generate more interest in your property. With it, you can create visually appealing and engaging virtual tours of the property that can be shared on various online platforms such as social media, and real estate websites.

‍Additionally, virtual staging can help to create a sense of warmth and livability in empty spaces, which can be particularly useful when marketing a property online, where buyers may only have access to pictures and virtual tours of the property.

‍The great thing about virtual staging is that it can offer all the advantages of traditional staging without high upfront costs and with less time invested.

FAQs

Does a staged house sell faster?

Yes, 53% of sellers’ agents found that home staging decreased the amount of time the property spent on the market. 

Do staged homes sell for more?

Yes, they do. According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in 2021, 23% of buyers' agents reported that staged homes typically sell for 1-5% more. 

How much faster do staged homes sell?

Staged homes sell 3-30x faster than non-staged ones, according to the 2020 survey by the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP).

Try Virtual Staging Today!

Virtual staging is a powerful tool that can help you sell your property faster and for more money. This is particularly useful in situations where traditional staging may not be possible or cost-effective.

By investing in virtual staging, you can increase your property's appeal to potential buyers and potentially command a higher price for your home.

‍IAHSP suggests that the potential price reduction from not staging your property could be up to 5 to 20 times greater than the cost of staging. To avoid this costly mistake, try our virtual staging service.