Staging - Does it make a difference?

Staging Paramount as Homes Begin to Linger

Properties aren’t selling as quickly as they did just a year ago, making prelisting prep all the more important.

Home buyers, many of whom are stretching their budgets to the max, are clamoring for move-in-ready properties that don’t require extra repair expenses. Home staging can boost the move-in-ready appeal and sway buyers—even if the home isn’t in pristine condition, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2023 Profile of Home Staging.

“Buyers want to easily envision themselves within a new home, and home staging is a way to showcase the property in its best light,” says Jessica Lautz, NAR’s deputy chief economist and vice president of research.

Here are five highlights from the report:

• Forty-eight percent of seller’s agents say staging decreases a property’s time on the market.
• Twenty percent of buyer’s and seller’s agents say staging increases the dollar value of offers by 1% to 5% compared to similar homes that aren’t staged.
• Eighty-one percent of buyer’s agents say staging a home makes it easier for clients to visualize themselves living in a property.
• Fifty-five percent of all agents say buyers expect homes to emulate properties they see on TV shows.
• Agents say the most important rooms to stage are the living room, primary bedroom and kitchen.

10 To-Dos Before Listing

The home improvement items real estate agents say they most recommend to their clients before listing a property:

1. Declutter: 96%
2. Entire home cleaning: 88%
3. Remove pets during showings: 83%
4. Professional photos: 73%
5. Minor repairs: 72%
6. Carpet cleaning: 71%
7. Depersonalize home: 65%
8. Painting: 58%
9. Landscaping: 50%
10. Grouting: 30%

  Source: “2023 Profile of Home Staging,” National Association of REALTORS® | April 17, 2023 Staging By: Melissa Dittmann Tracey