The Power of Home Staging
In the world of real estate, first impressions are everything. When potential buyers walk into a home, they need to feel an emotional connection—something that triggers the thought, "This could be my home." For homes that are vacant, creating that connection can be more challenging. Staging an empty house becomes a vital strategy for real estate agents and homeowners looking to sell quickly and for a higher price.
While staging an empty house might seem like an extra expense or a daunting task, it’s one that pays off significantly in the long run. In fact, a well-staged home can sell faster and at a higher price than an unstaged or empty one. The goal of staging an empty house is simple: to turn a bare, impersonal space into something that feels warm, welcoming, and livable. Whether you’re staging for a sale, or simply want to attract more potential buyers, the process of turning an empty space into a market-ready home is worth the effort.
Why Stage an Empty House?
First Impressions Matter
In real estate, there’s no second chance to make a first impression. The moment a potential buyer walks into an empty home, they begin forming an opinion. If the house is empty, it’s easy for them to get distracted, overwhelmed by the sheer size of the rooms, or worse, turned off by the lack of character. Staging an empty house helps create an atmosphere that enhances the property’s features, highlighting its best qualities and downplaying any weaknesses. It provides buyers with a picture of how the house could look once furnished, turning a cold, impersonal space into a vibrant, cozy home.
Visualizing Space
An empty house often leaves buyers struggling to understand how the space will work in real life. Without furniture, it’s difficult for them to visualize how to make the most of a room. Staging an empty house helps buyers conceptualize the size and functionality of the space. When furniture is thoughtfully arranged, it helps to define different areas and show the full potential of each room. Buyers will also get a better sense of scale, which can make the space feel more inviting and usable.
Creating Emotional Appeal
One of the most powerful reasons for staging an empty house is the ability to create an emotional connection with potential buyers. Empty homes can feel cold, unwelcoming, and even sterile. By carefully choosing the right furnishings and decor, you can bring a home to life and make it feel warm and inviting. Adding personality through color, texture, and design gives the house a "lived-in" feeling that makes buyers envision themselves in the space.
Higher Sale Prices
Studies have shown that staged homes tend to sell faster and for more money than unstaged or vacant properties. According to the National Association of Realtors, over 80% of buyers find it easier to visualize a property as their future home when it’s staged. Moreover, homes that are professionally staged can sell for up to 20% more than unstaged homes. The appeal created by staging an empty house can lead to multiple offers, quicker negotiations, and better closing prices, making it a worthy investment for anyone looking to sell.
Key Steps to Staging an Empty House
Step 1: Clean and Repair
Before you even begin thinking about decor, you need to ensure that the house is spotless. Staging an empty house starts with making sure the property is in pristine condition. Clean every corner, repair minor imperfections, and touch up any scuffs or marks on the walls. A clean house will not only help buyers focus on the space itself but will also create an impression of a well-maintained property. Small repairs—such as fixing leaky faucets, replacing worn-out carpets, or painting chipped walls—will help increase the home’s overall appeal.
Step 2: Plan the Layout
The layout of each room plays a crucial role in how the space feels. When staging an empty house, it’s important to plan the furniture placement carefully. Ideally, the layout should highlight the room’s strengths and maximize its potential. For example, in a living room, arrange the furniture in a way that encourages conversation and shows the flow of the space. In bedrooms, consider how furniture placement can highlight the size of the room and the natural light. You don’t want the furniture to overwhelm the room; it should enhance the space’s natural features.
Step 3: Focus on Key Areas
Not every room in a house needs to be fully staged. While it might be tempting to stage every single room, focusing on the key areas can have a much greater impact. Staging an empty house works best when you concentrate on the spaces that potential buyers will spend the most time in. These include the living room, dining area, master bedroom, and kitchen. Staging these high-traffic areas gives buyers a clear picture of how the house functions, while allowing the other rooms to remain open and flexible. If necessary, stage only one or two bedrooms to help potential buyers envision how their own furniture will fit into the space.
Step 4: Add Accessories and Accents
Even without bulky furniture, staging an empty house can still feel stylish and welcoming by using accessories and accents. Rugs, lamps, artwork, and decorative pillows can add pops of color and warmth, turning a stark, impersonal space into one with character and charm. A few well-chosen items can go a long way in helping potential buyers feel like the home is livable and cozy. Consider adding items like vases, plants, and elegant lighting fixtures to create visual interest and elevate the atmosphere.
Step 5: Lighting is Key
Lighting can make or break a room. In an empty house, it’s even more important to strategically place lighting to highlight the home’s features. Staging an empty house requires careful attention to how natural light flows throughout the space, and the addition of lamps or other light sources can make the home feel brighter and more inviting. Make sure that each room is well-lit to emphasize its size and charm, and consider using warm-toned bulbs to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Types of Staging for an Empty House
Traditional Staging
Traditional staging involves filling the space with actual furniture and decor.
While it can be a more costly option due to rental fees and the need for
professional movers, traditional staging has the advantage of showing buyers exactly what the home will look like when furnished. Staging an empty house with real furniture creates a tangible, immersive experience that gives buyers a clear sense of scale, functionality, and livability.
Virtual Staging
In contrast, virtual staging is a more modern, cost-effective option for staging an empty house. This process involves digitally adding furniture, decor, and accessories to high-quality photos of the empty rooms. Virtual staging can be done quickly and at a fraction of the cost of traditional staging. It’s an ideal choice for homes that are hard to stage due to budget constraints or time limitations. However, it’s important to note that virtual staging only exists in photos, so buyers visiting the home in person won’t be able to see the staged furniture. The key benefit of virtual staging is that it can showcase a property’s potential without the need for physical furniture.
Pros and Cons of Virtual Staging vs. Traditional Staging
Pros of Virtual Staging:
● More affordable than traditional staging.
● Fast turnaround time (can be done in days rather than weeks).
● Ideal for homes on a budget or those located in remote areas.
Cons of Virtual Staging:
● Doesn’t give buyers a feel for how the space will look in person.
● Only useful for online listings or photos.
● Virtual staging might be seen as misleading if not done accurately.
Pros of Traditional Staging:
● Provides a real-life experience for potential buyers.
● Highlights the space’s potential in person.
● Better for homes with unique layouts or features that are difficult to convey
digitally.
Cons of Traditional Staging:
● More expensive, as it involves furniture rental, moving costs, and professional staging services.
● Time-consuming, requiring weeks for delivery and setup.
Budget Considerations
Costs of Staging an Empty House
Staging an empty house can be a significant investment, but it’s one that often pays off. Traditional staging typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500 for a 1,500-square-foot home, depending on the location, size of the property, and the company providing the service. On the other hand, virtual staging tends to be more affordable, with costs ranging from $100 to $500 per room, depending on the complexity of the design.
Staging on a Budget
If you’re working with a limited budget, you can still get the benefits of staging an empty house by focusing on key areas and opting for minimalist staging. For example, you could stage just the living room and master bedroom, while leaving the other rooms empty. You can also shop for second-hand or budget-friendly furniture, or even use virtual staging for photos to enhance your online listing.
Return on Investment (ROI)
The ROI of staging an empty house is typically high. Homes that are staged often sell faster, which means fewer carrying costs (mortgage, utilities, etc.). They may also sell for a higher price—sometimes up to 20% more than unstaged homes. Even with the costs of staging, the investment often leads to a faster sale and a better offer, making it a wise choice for most sellers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Staging an Empty House
Overcrowding or Over-Furnishing
One of the biggest mistakes in staging an empty house is overcrowding the space with too much furniture. This can make the house feel cramped and smaller than it actually is. Keep the furniture minimal, but thoughtfully placed to enhance the flow and function of each room.
Ignoring Scale
Another mistake is choosing furniture that doesn’t fit the scale of the room. A sofa that’s too large for the living room, or a bed that dominates a small bedroom, can throw off the balance of the space. Make sure the furniture fits well within the space and complements the room’s proportions.
Forgetting to Highlight Key Features
In the rush to fill the space, some stagers forget to emphasize the home’s key features, such as fireplaces, large windows, or unique architectural elements. These features should be showcased, as they can be a major selling point for buyers.
Staging Without a Strategy
Staging an empty house without a clear strategy can result in a mismatched or incoherent layout. Plan out the furniture arrangement and decor in each room so that the flow feels natural and functional.
Conclusion: Unlock the Potential of Your Empty House
Staging an empty house can transform a blank canvas into a space that buyers can imagine themselves living in. Whether you choose traditional or virtual staging, the goal is to create a welcoming, market-ready environment that appeals to potential buyers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can help your property stand out in a competitive market, selling faster and for a higher price.
Have an empty house to stage and sell? Contact Carson Hess Real Estate, a licensed agent in Massachusetts with Gold Key Realty today!
Comments