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Is it better to stage a home for sale or show it empty for a quicker sale?

Staging a home typically leads to higher selling prices.

Research indicates that staged homes can sell for 1-20% more compared to similar homes left empty, as buyers perceive them as more appealing and move-in ready.

Psychological studies suggest that fully furnished homes allow potential buyers to visualize their lives within the space.

This emotional connection can significantly influence purchasing decisions, as a staged environment evokes feelings of comfort and belonging.

The National Association of Realtors found that 44% of real estate agents believe staging increases property value, sometimes by as much as 20%.

This suggests that staging not only enhances appeal but may also justify a higher asking price.

Homes that are staged tend to sell faster; over half of agents (53%) report that staged homes move off the market more quickly than their empty counterparts.

This is partly due to enhanced online listings that draw more attention.

Visual perception plays a crucial role in home staging.

Our brains respond more positively to well-decorated spaces, and studies indicate that we make judgments about a home’s value within just a few seconds of entering it.

Approximately 95% of buyers use online resources for home shopping, making attractive digital presentations vital.

Homes that are staged often photograph better, leading to increased interest from potential buyers.

The cost of staging varies significantly, with averages ranging from $631 to over $2,300, depending on the extent of staging needed and geographical location.

While staging requires upfront investment, the return can be substantial.

Contrary to popular belief, vacant homes can often linger on the market longer.

In competitive markets, an empty home may be perceived as less desirable, leading to staleness and price drops over time.

The concept of "soft staging" involves minimalistic decor like rugs and vases to create warmth without the expense of full furniture rental.

This method keeps costs lower while still enhancing visual appeal.

In some markets, staged homes can sell up to 72% faster.

For example, during a specific study in Omaha, Nebraska, vacant homes with furniture were significantly more attractive to buyers, leading to a $15,000 average differential in selling price.

Not staging can lead buyers to focus on the home’s deficiencies.

Empty rooms may make flaws more visible and highlight the lack of potential uses for each space, negatively affecting buyers' perceptions.

The science of cognitive load suggests that well-staged homes reduce decision-making fatigue for buyers, as they do not need to visualize the layout or consider potential renovations.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology indicated that homes with professional staging yield an immediate sense of welcoming, which directly correlates to higher buyer engagement in both viewing and offers.

Home staging can be seen as a form of branding, influencing how buyers perceive the overall value of a property.

Strategically placed decor can enhance the perceived quality, creating a brand narrative around the home.

The average buyer spends less than 6 months searching for a home, making immediate visual impact critical.

Staging effectively addresses this urgency in the decision-making process.

Some studies suggest that buyers may subconsciously react to the "neatness" of a staged home, associating clutter-free spaces with better maintenance, which can lead to more favorable offers.

The concept of "anchoring" in behavioral economics applies to real estate.

The initial staging and presentation of a home set a mental reference point for buyers, affecting their subsequent judgments on value.

Approximately a third of buyers have difficulty visualizing spaces in an empty home, as indicated by National Association of Realtors findings.

This aversion can result in missed opportunities for sellers.

Data shows that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend of virtual tours and online listings surged, further emphasizing the importance of staging for digital appeal.

Well-staged homes fared better during this period of remote transactions.

The efficacy of home staging is increasingly documented in peer-reviewed literature, demonstrating its role in consumer behavior.

This body of research continues to grow, supporting the strategic application of staging in real estate marketing.

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