Do Houses Sell Better Staged or Empty?

Homeowners preparing to sell their property often face a common question: should the house be presented as a vacant space or should it be professionally staged? Home staging involves redecorating, arranging furniture, and cleaning to present the home in its most favorable light, enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. This decision carries financial and logistical implications for sellers, impacting how potential buyers perceive the property.

The Case for Staging

Staging enhances a property’s visual appeal and creates an emotional connection with prospective buyers. Arranging furniture and decor helps buyers envision themselves living in the space, fostering comfort and belonging. This presentation highlights the home’s strengths and minimizes less appealing features, guiding the buyer’s focus toward positive attributes.

Staged homes can make rooms appear larger, brighter, and more functional through strategic furniture placement and lighting. This visual enhancement is important for online listings, as staged homes photograph better and attract more interest. Studies indicate staged homes often sell faster and for potentially higher prices, with some reports suggesting an increase in sale price between 1% and 20% and a reduction in market time by as much as 73%. This acceleration can also translate to financial savings by reducing carrying costs like mortgage payments and utilities.

The Case for Selling Empty

Selling a home empty offers advantages related to cost avoidance and logistical simplicity. Sellers bypass home staging expenses, including professional fees, furniture rental, and moving costs. These savings range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the staging scope.

An empty property serves as a “blank canvas” for buyers, allowing them to imagine their own belongings and style without existing decor. This simplifies showings, as there is no need to coordinate around a seller’s schedule or maintain a pristine environment for every viewing. Realtors find scheduling easier with vacant homes, leading to more frequent showings. An empty home allows buyers to focus on the property’s structure and layout.

Key Factors in the Decision

The choice between staging and selling empty depends on property and market conditions. The local real estate market plays a role; in a competitive or cooling market, staging provides a distinct advantage by making a property stand out and attracting more buyer interest. Conversely, in a strong seller’s market, staging might be less impactful.

Property type also influences the decision; luxury homes or new construction often benefit from professional staging to showcase their appeal. The home’s condition and age are also considerations; staging can mask minor imperfections in older properties, while an updated home with a modern aesthetic may require less intervention. The seller’s timeline and budget are practical determinants. While staging can lead to a quicker, more profitable sale, it requires an upfront financial investment, with average costs around $1,800, ranging from approximately $780 to $2,924. Furniture rental alone can add $500 to $600 per room monthly.

What Professional Staging Entails

Engaging a professional home stager optimizes a property’s market appeal. The process begins with an initial consultation, where the stager assesses the home and provides recommendations. This consultation costs between $150 and $600. Following assessment, the stager develops a detailed plan.

Professional staging involves decluttering and depersonalizing the space. This involves removing personal items, excess furniture, and unique decor to create a neutral environment appealing to a broader range of tastes. Stagers select and arrange furniture and accessories, often from their own inventory or rental services, to define each room’s purpose and enhance its size and flow. They also offer guidance on lighting, paint colors, and minor repairs to elevate the home’s aesthetic and create a welcoming atmosphere for buyers.