FAQ About Home Staging: Everything You Should Know

You’ve likely heard that properly staging your home can significantly impact your success when selling, but what exactly is home staging, and is it worth the time and effort?

Here are a few FAQs to guide you as you prepare for your move:

What Is Home Staging?
Home staging involves arranging and decorating your property to showcase its best features and create an inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. This process can range from minor touch-ups to more extensive designs, tailored to fit your goals and budget.

How Does Home Staging Help Sell My House?
Research shows that effective staging can make a noticeable difference. A well-staged home attracts more buyer interest, often selling faster and potentially for a higher price than an unstaged property (see visual below).

Exploring Your Staging Options

Now that you understand the value of home staging, let’s explore your options. One of the most common approaches is leveraging your real estate agent’s expertise. Agents know what buyers are looking for because they’re constantly in showings and receive firsthand feedback. Their insight is invaluable in getting your home market-ready. Basic staging with an agent typically includes recommendations like:

• Decluttering and Depersonalizing: Removing personal photos and items to create a neutral space.
• Rearranging Furniture: Improving the flow of each room and making spaces feel larger.
• Adding Finishing Touches: Incorporating plants, repositioning artwork, or rearranging accessories to enhance visual appeal.

If your home needs more extensive attention, full-service staging is another option. This involves hiring a professional stager or staging company to assess your property, make recommendations, and handle the work for you. While this approach is more involved and costly, it often includes renting furniture and décor to create a fully transformed, buyer-ready space.

How Do You Choose the Right Option?

Not sure which option is best for you? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to decide on your own. Your real estate agent will guide you in selecting the level of staging that will have the greatest impact.

Here’s what they’ll consider to help you make the decision:

• Market Conditions: In a slower market, investing in staging can make your home appear move-in ready and attract hesitant buyers. In a faster market, minimal staging might be sufficient to sell your home quickly.
• Your Home’s Condition: If your home is vacant or has a unique layout, professional staging can help buyers visualize the space’s full potential.
• Your Budget: Staging costs vary, so your agent can provide an estimate based on your area. If your budget is tight or only minor updates are needed, your agent can share creative DIY staging tips to help your home shine.

Bottom Line

Staging your home effectively can significantly boost its appeal to buyers, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every home has unique needs. To determine the best staging approach, consult your real estate agent—they’re your most valuable resource in making your home stand out and sell for top dollar.