The Importance of Home Furniture Staging When Selling Your Property 

 This information comes from many years of personal experience both as an agent and investor that has flipped over 100 homes of which most of them were staged.  

Deciding on whether or not to stage

There are a lot of ways to prepare a house for sale including cosmetic investments, removing personal items, decluttering, etc.  This article specifically addresses staging versus a vacant home.  Here are a few of the ways staging can benefit you as a seller:

• Look far better in pictures which is your first impression with nearly every buyer which will attract a greater number of showings
• Gives a more comfortable and homey feeling
• Helps distract from any imperfections the home may have when selling.  No home is perfectly painted and this will help take the focus of blemishes. 
• Allows you to help buyers focus on the best features of your house

Can I really make more money by investing in staging?

Investopedia has some really good insights on the impact of staging versus vacant listings.

Affect on time on market

• Homes that have not been staged sat on the market for an average of 143 days
• Once a already listed home is staged, sold in 40 days
• Homes that were staged pre listing sold in just 23 days

Affect on sales price

• 23% of buyers’ agents said that home staging raised the dollar value offered by between 1% and 5% compared to a home that had not been staged.
• 18% of agents believe home staging increased 6% to 10%
• There are drawbacks in staging to consider as well
  • Costs is generally the biggest deterrent.  HomeAdvisor posts average staging is about $1608 and the range homeowners typically pay between $741 and $2644.  
  • Many times staging companies will also require a monthly payment as they are not able to use the items on other homes.  
  • You may need to move out and store your items to prepare for the staged items coming in.

A few other things to consider when staging:

Helps Potential Buyers Visualize Themselves in the Space 

One of the most important aspects of home furniture staging is that it helps potential buyers visualize themselves in the space. By creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, you can help buyers imagine themselves living in the home and make an emotional connection with the property. 

Makes the Property Look More Appealing 

Another important benefit of home furniture staging is that it makes the property look more appealing. By arranging furniture in a way that showcases the home's best features, you can make it look more spacious, open, and welcoming. 

Helps Sell the Lifestyle, Not Just the Property 

Home furniture staging can also help sell the lifestyle, not just the property. By creating a space that feels warm and inviting, you can show potential buyers the kind of lifestyle they could have if they purchased the property.

Sets Your Property Apart from Others 

Finally, home furniture staging can set your property apart from others on the market. By creating a unique, personalized space, you can make your property stand out and attract more potential buyers.

Tips for Home Furniture Staging 

Now that you understand the importance of home furniture staging, here are some tips to help you get started: 

Declutter the Space 

Before you start staging your home with furniture, it's important to declutter the space. Remove any unnecessary items and personal belongings, such as family photos and memorabilia, to create a clean, neutral space that potential buyers can easily visualize themselves in. 

Highlight the Home's Best Features 

When staging your home with furniture, it's important to highlight the home's best features. For example, if your home has a beautiful fireplace, make sure it's the focal point of the room. Or, if your home has large windows with a beautiful view, arrange the furniture in a way that showcases the view. 

Use Neutral Colors and Styles 

When selecting furniture and decor for staging, it's important to use neutral colors and styles. This will help potential buyers focus on the space and not on the furniture. Neutral colors also make the space feel more open and welcoming. 

Don't Overcrowd the Space 

While it's important to create a warm, inviting space, it's also important not to overcrowd the space with furniture. Make sure there's enough room for potential buyers to move around and get a sense of the flow of the space. 

Hire a Professional Stager 

Finally, if you're not confident in your home furniture staging skills, consider hiring a professional stager. A professional can help you create a space that's both beautiful and functional, and that will attract potential buyers. 

Conclusion 

When it comes to selling your property, home furniture staging is one of the most important things you can do to make your home stand out, sell faster and for more money.  Totally worth the investment!