Uncovering the Surprising Price Gap: Vacant Home Sales vs. Staged Home Sales
- Christi Brown
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
When it comes to selling a home, homeowners face an important choice: Should they market their property as vacant or invest in staging? This decision goes beyond simple appearance and dives into financial outcomes that can significantly impact sellers. Understanding the price differences between vacant home sales and staged home sales is essential for making a smart choice.
The Importance of Home Staging
Home staging is the art of preparing a home for sale to attract potential buyers. It goes beyond just cleaning and organizing; it includes decorating with furniture and decor that make a home feel welcoming and functional.
Statistics make a compelling case for staging. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that 75% of staged homes sell within 23 days compared to unstaged homes, which average 135 days on the market. In addition, sellers often find that staged homes can sell for about 17% more than vacant homes.
Staging helps buyers visualize their lives in a home. A well-staged space can create warmth and personality, allowing potential buyers to see the fullest potential of each room.
The Downside of Vacant Homes
Selling a vacant home can pose challenges. Without furnishings, buyers may find it hard to see how their lives would fit into the space. Empty rooms can feel unwelcoming and cold, which may lead to a lack of emotional investment.
Vacant homes typically stay on the market longer. For example, homes that are vacant are sold at an average of 10% lower than those that are staged due to the perception issues they can create. Buyers may wonder why a property remains unsold, leading to concerns about potential underlying problems.
Financial Implications of Staging
Investing in staging might seem like a daunting expense, but it often pays off. The NAR report highlights that staged homes do not just sell faster; they yield a higher return on investment.
For instance, a home that costs $2,500 to stage can lead to an increase in sale price by approximately $15,000, proving that staging can be a valuable investment. Furthermore, staged homes are estimated to sell, on average, 73% faster than their vacant counterparts, reducing holding costs and increasing profit margins for sellers.
Real-Life Examples
To illustrate the significant impact of staging, consider the following examples:
Example 1: A beautifully staged three-bedroom home sold for $400,000 after just a week on the market. In contrast, a similar vacant three-bedroom home initially listed at $380,000 took over three months before it closed at only $350,000.
Example 2: Another vacant home struggled to attract buyers, even after multiple price reductions. After the homeowners decided to stage the property, it generated multiple offers and sold for $20,000 above the original listing price of $300,000, showcasing the power of staging.
These examples clearly demonstrate that staging can effectively increase both the sale price and the speed of the sale, enabling homeowners to boost their profit while reducing market time.
Tips for Staging Your Home for Sale
If you’re considering staging, keep these simple tips in mind to maximize your investment:
Declutter: Start by removing unnecessary items. A clean, uncluttered space helps potential buyers imagine themselves in your home.
Professional Help: Consider hiring a professional stager. Their expertise in current trends and effective space use can significantly enhance your home’s appeal.
Neutral Colors: Use neutral tones in decor and paint. This approach creates a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a wider audience.
Highlight Features: Use staging to emphasize unique qualities of your home, like beautiful fixtures or spacious rooms.
Create Focal Points: Arrange furniture to establish conversation areas or cozy nooks, helping buyers envision their lives in your space.
Final Thoughts on Selling Staged vs. Vacant Homes
Deciding whether to sell a home vacant or staged can profoundly influence both the sale price and the time spent on the market. While upfront staging costs may seem like a burden, the potential to increase your sale price by up to 17% and speed up sales are compelling reasons to consider it.
Whether choosing to stage or to sell as-is, understanding the financial implications is vital. For many homeowners, staging is not just an expense; it can be a game-changer that helps realize financial goals in a highly competitive real estate market.
As the real estate landscape changes, sellers must be well-informed and consider each option carefully. Each choice should focus on achieving the best financial outcome possible.
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CHRISTI BROWN
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