Staging vs Empty House.

When it comes to selling a house, there are many decisions that homeowners have to make. One of the biggest decisions is whether to stage the home or leave it empty. Both options have their pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to the individual circumstances of the homeowner. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between staging and leaving a house empty and help you decide which option is best for you.

Staging a Home

Staging a home involves bringing in furniture, decor, and accessories to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. The goal is to create an environment that allows buyers to imagine themselves living in the home. Staging can range from simple touches like fresh flowers and accent pillows to fully furnished rooms that showcase the functionality of the space.

There are many pros to staging a home. First, it helps buyers visualize the potential of the space. When a home is staged, it's easier for potential buyers to see how their own furniture and belongings would fit in the space. Second, a staged home feels more like a lived-in space, which can make it more attractive to buyers. Finally, according to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell 73% faster than non-staged homes.

However, there are also cons to staging a home. Staging can be expensive, as it involves renting furniture, decor, and accessories. Additionally, staging a home can take time, especially if you're doing it yourself. Hiring a professional stager can speed up the process, but it will add to the cost. Finally, in some cases, a home may sell quickly even if it's not staged.

Pros of Staging:

1. Helps buyers visualize the potential of the space: When a home is staged, it's easier for potential buyers to see how their own furniture and belongings would fit in the space.

2. Makes the home feel warm and inviting: A staged home feels more like a lived-in space, which can make it more attractive to buyers.

3. Can lead to a faster sale: According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell 73% faster than non-staged homes.

Cons of Staging:

1. Can be expensive: Staging a home can be costly, as it involves renting furniture, decor, and accessories.

2. Can be time-consuming: Staging a home can take time, especially if you're doing it yourself. Hiring a professional stager can speed up the process, but it will add to the cost.

3. May not be necessary: In some cases, a home may sell quickly even if it's not staged.

Leaving a Home Empty

Leaving a home empty involves removing all furniture and decor from the space and presenting it as a blank canvas for potential buyers. This approach is often used when the homeowner has already moved out of the home or when they don't want to invest in staging.

There are also pros and cons to leaving a home empty. First, leaving a home empty is generally less expensive than staging, as it doesn't require renting furniture and accessories. Additionally, some buyers prefer to see an empty home, as it allows them to envision their own design and decor. Finally, an empty home can help buyers see the potential of the space, without being distracted by furniture and decor.

However, leaving a home empty can also have cons. An empty home can feel cold and uninviting, which can turn off potential buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, empty homes take longer to sell than staged homes. Finally, without furniture and decor, it may be harder for buyers to envision how the space can be used.

Pros of Leaving a Home Empty:

1. Can save money: Leaving a home empty is generally less expensive than staging, as it doesn't require renting furniture and accessories.

2. Can appeal to buyers who want a blank slate: Some buyers prefer to see an empty home, as it allows them to envision their own design and decor.

3. Can highlight the potential of the space: An empty home can help buyers see the potential of the space, without being distracted by furniture and decor.

Cons of Leaving a Home Empty:

1. Can feel cold and unwelcoming: An empty home can feel cold and uninviting, which can turn off potential buyers.

2. May be harder to sell: According to the National Association of Realtors, empty homes take longer to sell than staged homes.

3. May not showcase the functionality of the space: Without furniture and decor, it may be harder for buyers to envision how the space can be used.

So, Which Option is Best?

Ultimately, the decision to stage or leave a home empty depends on a variety of factors, including the style of the home, the target market, and the budget of the homeowner. In general, staging is a good option if you want to showcase the potential of the space and sell quickly, while leaving a home empty may be a better option if you want to save money and appeal to buyers who want a blank slate.

If you're unsure which option is best for your home, consider consulting with a real estate agent or professional stager for guidance. They can help you determine the best course of action based on your individual circumstances. Regardless of which option you choose, remember that the goal is to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers. With the right approach, you can sell your home quickly and for the best possible price.