Q: Is it better to stage a house or have it empty?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s always better to stage a home than to leave it empty. Staged homes don&rsquo;t only sell faster than vacant homes&mdash;they also sell for a higher price. A <a href="https://www.homestagingresources.com/category/home-staging-statistics/">2018 survey</a> of more than 4,200 professionally staged homes found that most staged homes sold for 6% to 25% more than their unstaged counterparts. </p></div>

Question 1

How do I stage my home myself?

Accepted Answer

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To stage your home yourself, clean your home thoroughly to sell, leaving it gleaming like a five-star hotel. Less is best—always clear away clutter and anything personal so buyers can focus on the beauty of the rooms. Prospective buyers will check the closets, so investing in a storage space may be necessary.

Move furniture around, mix fabrics and decor, and de-cramp the room by removing any unnecessary furniture. A fresh coat of paint always helps, as do natural features like plants.

Question 2

Does a fireplace add value to a home?

Accepted Answer

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When built right, fireplaces increase the value of your home. Fireplaces are both functional and aesthetically pleasing; home buyers will usually respond to the charm fireplaces can add. The only scenarios that could lead to a fireplace depreciating a property are the following: if it’s in need of constant or immediate repair, is unusable, or isn’t up to code.

Question 3

Can I stage my home myself?

Accepted Answer

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DIY staging is possible, but professional services enhance buyer appeal with expertly chosen furniture, layouts, and colors.

Question 4

Is it better to stage a house or have it empty?

Accepted Answer

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It’s always better to stage a home than to leave it empty. Staged homes don’t only sell faster than vacant homes—they also sell for a higher price. A 2018 survey of more than 4,200 professionally staged homes found that most staged homes sold for 6% to 25% more than their unstaged counterparts.

Question 5

Does staging a home really work?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, staging a home really works and can help your home sell faster, potentially for a higher price than if you did not use a home staging service. According to the National Association of Realtors, 48% of seller’s agents reported home staging decreased a home’s time on the market.

Plus, 20% of buyer’s and seller’s agents claimed home staging increased home sale prices by 1% to 5%. Although decluttering and cleaning help a home sell, staging can take your home’s curb appeal to the next level, helping to expedite the process and increase your profit.