How Staged Turns Into Sold

Oct 10

One of the things I appreciate most about being part of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand is the incredible marketing power behind us. Our fabulous marketing team put together a pamphlet outlining the benefits of real estate home staging — the highlights of which I share below. As both a home stager and real estate advisor, I could not agree more with their findings!

Staging a home isn’t just about nice furniture, art and accessories: it’s about a faster sale, for more money. Here’s why spending on staging now can turn into more cash at the closing table:

The Science

Staging is not just decorating. It’s applied market research that can make a house feel like a buyer’s dream home. Staging combines architecture, aesthetics and furnishings to manifest what really makes a home attractive to buyers — its emotional appeal.

Staging uses the lines of furniture to enhance a home’s architecture, turn large rooms into cozy retreats, and make small rooms feel larger. It helps buyers emotionally connect and showcases an engaging, move-in-ready home by strategically propping it with on-trend furniture, art and accessories to make a memorable impression.

Once engaged, buyers will be more committed and willing to increase their offer — as statistics prove. Staging increases perceived value. It minimizes a home’s negatives, accentuates its positives, and plays up the home’s unique features, increasing its perceived value. FYI: More than a quarter of buyers are more willing to overlook faults if a home is staged.

The Costs

Home staging costs can vary, as the price depends on what services are requested — from reorganizing existing furniture, paying for color consultation services, decluttering and packing, staging a few key rooms or staging the entire home with rental furniture and accessories. (When you hire our founder, Caroline Parrish, as your listing agent, Comfort Is Created services are included!)

The Bottom Line