Among the many critical decisions that need to be made when selling a home, the “Should I stage my home or leave it empty?” question is one that concerns many homeowners. But there is no clear-cut answer. While there are advantages of staging a home as part of the plan for selling it, there are disadvantages, too. So, you have to weigh both, discuss it with your realtor, and decide accordingly.

Staging a Home — What Does It Mean?

Have you ever walked into a home for sale or an open house and observed a “perfect” interior? If you have, it was likely a staged home.

A staged home is one that is decorated and organized in a way that makes it more appealing and attractive for potential buyers. Home staging professionals help create a captivating look with beautiful upholstery, upgraded appliances, stunning curtains, and more. According to the 2019 Profile of Home Staging Report by the National Association of Realtors, the median dollar value spent on home staging is approximately $400.

Staged Homes Versus Empty Homes

Are you thinking, “Wow – staging a home is a costly affair”? If so, know that staging is proven to help potential buyers better assess the space in a home for sale.

The key differences between staged homes and empty homes are the ambiance and overall look and feel. Homes that are staged can make a home seem “worth buying” by potential buyers. According to a National Association of Realtors report, 81 percent of home buyers believe that home staging makes it convenient to visualize the property on sale as their future home.

Staging your home can also make economic sense—21 percent of sellers’ agents firmly believe that a staged home can increase the dollar value buyers are willing to offer by 1-5 percent.

On the other hand, empty homes make it easier for some home buyers to picture their belongings in the available space. Plus, decor that doesn’t mesh with a home buyer’s personal style and preferences can result in the buyer walking away without a second glance.

How Much More Can Staged Homes Sell For?

Research by the National Association of Realtors shows that for every $100 you invest in staging your home, your potential return is approximately $400. That’s almost a quadruple return for making some simple additions and enhancements. Also, this survey revealed that staged homes sell 6 percent above the actual selling price.

Here are the reasons why staging a home is a good idea:

• Staged homes sell faster as buyers find it easy to analyze the space based on their requirements.
• Staging can make the property listing pictures more appealing, especially on social media.
• Staging allows sellers to showcase the usefulness of oddly-shaped rooms.
• Empty homes often come across as cold and unwelcoming.
• Staging covers up minor issues in a home (e.g., cracked walls, carpet stains).
• An empty home gives the perception that the owner is desperate to sell it. Buyers may try to bargain because they think the homeowner is in a weak spot.

Disadvantages of Staging a Home

The two main disadvantages of staging a home are money and time.

It may take days or even weeks to set up a staged house. The removal of the staged items is also a time-consuming process.

Depending on how much staging you want or need to do, it can be well above the median $400 mentioned above. For instance, staging a large home can cost up to $1,000. And while you may want to continue to live with and use the appliances, furniture, and decor you already own, sometimes that may not be what’s needed to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

It all comes down to personal preference and your financial situation. Your best bet? Ask your realtor for input before making your decision.