The art of home staging: Transforming houses into irresistible homes that sell fast
This living room was beautifully imagined and staged by Maverick Design.
Remember when selling a house was just about slapping a "For Sale" sign in the yard and waiting for the offers to roll in?
Well, those days are as gone as shag carpeting and avocado-colored appliances. Welcome to the era of home staging, where your humble abode gets the Hollywood treatment before its big debut on the market.
According to an article in Texas REALTOR® magazine by Joe Olivieri, staging isn't just about making your place look pretty; it's about giving potential buyers a vision of their future lives. It's like Tinder for houses, but instead of swiping right, buyers are making offers.
So, what's the big deal with staging?
Karen Ramirez, owner of Dream Haus Staging, puts it perfectly: "A well-staged home can work wonders in the selling process. Home staging is all about creating an environment that prospective buyers can envision themselves living in."
In other words, it's not just about decluttering your space (though that's part of it). It's about reimagining your space to help those lurkers on Zillow to stop scrolling and start imagining themselves in your home.
If you’ve ever been in space like this and wondered why you could imagine yourself living there, staging is the answer. Photo courtesy: Dream Haus Staging
The Numbers Don't Lie
If you're thinking this all sounds like a lot of work with not much payoff, think again. The article cites some pretty impressive stats from the NAR 2023 Profile of Home Staging:
58% of buyers's agents said staging affects most buyers most of the time.
81% said it made it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home.
20% said it increased offers by 1-5% compared to similar, unstaged homes.
In other words, staging isn't just about making your house look good; it's about making your bank account look good too.
The Staging Process: More Than Just Throw Pillows
Now, you might be thinking, "I've got this. I'll just throw some fancy pillows on the couch and call it a day." However, the experts cited in the article claim that there's a lot more to it than that.
Annette Baker, a Harlingen-based agent and stager, shared a story about staging a home for a single father and his two adult sons. Their decor was "very streamlined"—code for "they had a sectional, a table, and a TV." Baker's solution? "I wanted to give the home some softness," she says. "I brought in plants and lamps, some bedspreads, and props."
In other words, staging is about creating a feeling, not just a look. It's about helping potential buyers see themselves living in the space, not just looking at it.
Can’t you just imagine yourself in this beautiful kitchen from Drees Custom Homes?
The Media Magic of Staging
As a new real estate media professional, I've seen firsthand how staging can transform not just a space but also the entire marketing package for a property.
The carefully curated spaces create a narrative that we can capture and convey to potential buyers through our visual storytelling. It's like the difference between shooting a movie on a bare stage versus a fully decorated set—the end result is simply more compelling.
Moreover, staged homes tend to perform better across all marketing channels. From social media posts to virtual tours, staged properties consistently garner more engagement and interest. This means more eyes on your listing and - potentially more offers on the table.
The Cost of Staging: Worth Every Penny?
Now, I know what you're thinking. "This all sounds great, but what's it going to cost me?" Well, according to Baker, one rule of thumb for staging an entire house is 0.5% to 1% of the sale price.
Before you start clutching your wallet (or your pearls), consider this: Ramirez points out that "a professionally staged home often sells faster and at a higher price." So while staging might seem like an extra expense, it could actually be an investment that pays off with a quicker sale and a higher offer.
How inviting is this primary suite from Grand Homes!?
The Bottom Line
In today's competitive real estate market, staging isn't just a nice-to-have; it's becoming a must-have. As Ramirez puts it, "In today's competitive real estate market, home staging can be the key factor in achieving a successful sale."
So, whether you're selling a cozy starter home or a luxurious mansion, consider giving it the star treatment before it hits the market. After all, in the world of real estate, first impressions aren't just important—they're everything.
At Blackhall Media Group, we're always excited to work with staged properties. The combination of professional staging and our media expertise can create a powerful marketing package that sets your listing apart. It's a collaboration that truly showcases the best of what real estate marketing can offer in today's competitive market.
This blog post is based on an article by Joe Olivieri in Texas REALTOR® magazine and information provided by Karen Ramirez, owner of Dream Haus Staging. All information and quotes are attributed to this original source.
