Why Staging Matters
Staging can make a powerful impact, helping buyers fall in love with a home and leading to faster, higher offers. Here's how:
1. Creates an Emotional Connection
Staging turns a property into a warm, move-in-ready home that buyers can imagine themselves living in. Stylish, up-to-date décor—especially in living areas, primary bedrooms, kitchens, and dining spaces—helps make a lasting impression. When buyers feel emotionally connected, they’re more likely to make strong offers and stay committed throughout the transaction. According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2021 Profile of Home Staging, 82% of buyer agents said staging made it easier for clients to picture the property as their future home.
2. Enhances Perceived Value
Staging highlights a home’s best features while minimizing any shortcomings. The process typically includes de-cluttering, depersonalizing, painting in neutral tones, removing dated window coverings, and rearranging or replacing furniture to open up the space. These simple changes can dramatically boost how spacious, modern, and valuable the home appears. In fact, NAR's report found that over 25% of buyers were more willing to overlook flaws in a staged home.
3. Brings Life to Vacant Homes
Empty homes can feel cold and uninspiring. Staging fills that void with tasteful furnishings and décor, helping buyers visualize how they’d live in the space. It also adds warmth and dimension, making rooms appear larger and more inviting.
4. Maximizes Online Appeal
First impressions now happen online—and they matter. According to NAR, 99% of millennial buyers start their home search on the internet. Professionally staged homes photograph better, generate more interest, and can lead to more showings and offers—even in a competitive market.
5. Delivers a Strong Return on Investment
Staging is often more cost-effective than the first price reduction. According to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), investing just 1% of the home’s value in staging typically yields a 5% to 15% return over the asking price. The International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP) reports that staged homes sell 3 to 30 times faster and for up to 20% more than un-staged homes. On the flip side, sellers who skip staging often face price reductions five to 20 times higher than the cost of staging in most cases.
As I always say, to get top dollar, you sometimes have to invest a little first.
Staging is a smart, strategic investment—and it often pays off far more than it costs.
