**The Power of Home Staging: Why Sellers Should Invest Before Listing**

 

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything. In today’s competitive real estate market, sellers are always looking for ways to stand out—and one of the most effective strategies is home staging. While it may seem like an optional expense, staging a home before listing it can make a world of difference in both the sale price and the speed of the sale. Here’s why sellers should consider staging and how much more they stand to gain by doing so.

### What is Home Staging?

Home staging involves arranging furniture, decor, and other elements of a home to highlight its strengths and downplay any potential drawbacks. The goal is to create a welcoming and visually appealing space that allows prospective buyers to envision themselves living there. This can range from simple touches like adding fresh flowers or re-arranging furniture, to more extensive efforts like renting furniture and repainting walls to create a more neutral, contemporary look.

### The Financial Benefits of Staging a Home

While staging a home may seem like an unnecessary expense, it’s an investment that can yield significant returns. Studies consistently show that staged homes sell for more than unstaged homes. According to the *National Association of Realtors* (NAR), staged homes sell for an average of **17% more** than those that aren’t staged. This is a powerful incentive for sellers who want to maximize their profit.

Here’s a closer look at how staging affects the bottom line:

#### 1. **Higher Offers from Buyers**

Staging helps buyers emotionally connect with the home. When a property is beautifully staged, it allows potential buyers to easily visualize how they would live in the space. This emotional connection can drive more competitive offers, as buyers are often willing to pay more for a home that feels move-in ready and reflects their style and needs.

In a market where buyers have many options to choose from, staging can help your property stand out. Homes that look well-maintained and thoughtfully designed convey a sense of care and value, which often results in higher bids.

#### 2. **Quicker Sales**

Homes that are staged tend to sell **faster** than those that aren’t. According to the same NAR survey, 25% of sellers’ agents reported that staged homes sold 1-5% above asking price, while an additional 17% saw offers that were 6-10% higher. Not only are these homes selling for more, but they are selling **faster**—which is a huge advantage for sellers looking to close quickly and move on to their next property.

The average time a staged home spends on the market is also typically shorter than that of a non-staged home. Staging helps reduce buyer hesitation, leading to quicker decisions and fewer days spent on the market.

#### 3. **Appealing to a Wider Audience**

Not all buyers have the same vision for a home. While one person may have trouble seeing past outdated decor or clutter, another may overlook the space’s potential. Home staging neutralizes the space, presenting it in a way that appeals to a broad audience. By emphasizing clean lines, spaciousness, and timeless design elements, staging helps prospective buyers focus on the home’s features—not its shortcomings.

Additionally, staging allows a home to photograph well for online listings, which is crucial in a time when nearly 90% of buyers begin their home search online. Professional photos of a beautifully staged home can attract more online attention, driving more foot traffic to the property and increasing the chances of multiple offers.

### Staging Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

While full-scale home staging with rented furniture and accessories can be costly, there are more affordable ways to stage a home effectively. Sellers can start by decluttering and depersonalizing the space—removing family photos, personal items, and excess furniture. A fresh coat of neutral paint, new throw pillows, or updating light fixtures can make a dramatic difference without breaking the bank. In some cases, a stager may recommend rearranging the existing furniture to make the space flow more naturally.

For homes that need more substantial staging, sellers may want to consider hiring a professional stager or renting furniture to give the home a polished, magazine-worthy look. A professional stager knows how to maximize a room’s layout and choose accessories that will appeal to the widest range of buyers.

### Key Takeaways: Why Staging is Worth the Investment

1. **Staged homes sell for more** – On average, staged homes can fetch up to 17% more than non-staged properties.
2. **Staging leads to faster sales** – Homes that are staged often sell more quickly, reducing the amount of time the property sits on the market.
3. **Appeals to a broader audience** – Staging helps potential buyers see the home’s full potential, leading to a greater pool of interested buyers.
4. **Professional photos matter** – Well-staged homes photograph beautifully, giving you an edge in online listings.

In conclusion, home staging is one of the most cost-effective and impactful ways sellers can boost their home’s value and attract serious buyers. Whether you’re trying to sell quickly or get top dollar for your home, staging is an investment that can pay off in a big way. If you’re preparing to sell your home, consider staging as part of your strategy—it could be the difference between a sale that meets your expectations and one that exceeds them.