Home Staging Facts & Myths

FACTS

Sellers who spent $500 on staging recovered over 343% of the cost when they sold their home. (Homegain.com)
In controlled tests selling identical homes, professionally staged vs. those not staged, the non- staged houses sold in 102 days, while the staged houses sold in 45 days. (Real Estate Staging Association).
It is estimated that only 10% of home buyers can visualize the potential of a home. That means 90% are not going to be able to look past dirt, clutter, and imperfections.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR),the average staging investment is between 1 and 3% of the home's asking price, which generates a return of 8 to 10%.
Statistics gathered at stagedhomes.com site showed staged homes average 6 days for selling time on the market versus 48 days nationally. The average seller is getting anywhere from 6 percent to as high as 20 percent more in some markets. The key is if the market slows, a staged house will sell quicker for more money, and if the market remains hot, it will sell for even more money.
In a 2018 HSR Survey of over 4,200 homes, 85% of the staged homes sold for 6-25% more than the unstaged homes.

MYTHS

Myth: Decorated homes don’t need staging.
Fact: Even decorated homes need staging. With decorating, the focus is on the “stuff” and with home staging the focus is actually on the house and the features it has. Prospective buyers are unlikely to have the same taste as you. Wall colors and decor needs to be neutral in order to appeal to as many buyers possible. You want the buyer to be able to envision himself in your home -- not you.
Myth: Buyers can look past imperfections.
Fact: Today’s buyer is much more sophisticated as compared to in the past. With all the access to information on shows and DIY classes, the internet, design ideas, etc. buyers are just expecting more. If a seller isn’t willing to make changes, a buyer will quickly move to the next property that may be more move-in ready.
Myth: A vacant house looks bigger.
Fact: The truth is that a room always look larger with furniture in it, furniture to scale. It also gives a buyer a perspective of how their furniture will fit and look and how to arrange the space.
Myth: Home staging costs a lot.
Fact: The cost of staging can accommodate many budgets from a simple consultation to full house staging bringing in partial pieces or complete rooms.

Source nwi.com, Pourch.com ,About.com and Homestagingresources.com