The Power of First Impressions in Real Estate
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. In fact, potential buyers often form an opinion about a property within the first 7-10 seconds of stepping through the door (or seeing a photo online!). This split-second judgment can make or break a sale, which is why home staging has become such a valuable tool for sellers.
In today’s competitive market, particularly when listing Halifax homes for sale, staging can be the difference between a home lingering on the market or selling quickly and at a higher price. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of home staging and how it can give your property the edge it needs to stand out.
What is Home Staging?
Home staging is much more than tidying up a property for sale—it’s a strategic process designed to showcase a home’s best features while making it appealing to the widest range of potential buyers. The goal is to help buyers imagine themselves living in the space, which can be difficult if the home is filled with personal items. By decluttering and depersonalizing a home, sellers give professional stagers the opportunity to enhance the space with carefully selected furniture, decor, and accessories.
Presenting a clean, neutral, and inviting space is crucial. Stagers focus on creating environments that highlight the home’s strengths and downplay any shortcomings. This process can include rearranging existing furniture, adding new pieces, or removing unnecessary items to create a sense of space and flow.
Virtual staging is also becoming a popular option. This alternative involves digitally enhancing photos of the home to show its full potential without physically moving furniture or redecorating. Virtual staging can be especially useful for vacant properties, where it’s harder for buyers to visualize how the space could be utilized. Plus, it’s often more cost-effective than traditional staging while offering the same visual benefits.
Why Home Staging Works: The Psychology Behind It
At its core, home staging taps into the psychology of buyers. When a potential buyer walks into a well-staged home, they can easily envision themselves living there. This emotional connection plays a significant role in whether a buyer makes an offer, and more importantly, whether that offer is competitive. In fact, 81% of buyer’s agents say that staging makes it easier for their clients to imagine the property as their future home.
This visualization is key, especially when listing in a market that can be competitive. Not only does staging evoke positive emotions, but it also sets the tone for the entire viewing experience. When buyers step into a staged property, they aren’t distracted by unnecessary details like outdated furniture or personal belongings—they’re picturing their own furniture, their own style, and their future life in that space. As Halifax real estate agents, we often see that buyers are much more likely to make an offer when they can emotionally connect with a home.
Key Statistics Supporting the Value of Home Staging
Numbers don’t lie—home staging is proven to be an effective tool for selling homes faster and for a higher price. According to a study by the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes spend an average of 73% less time on the market compared to their non-staged counterparts.
But the benefits don’t stop at a quicker sale. RESA’s study also found that 85% of staged homes sold for 5-25% above their listing price. While staging alone isn’t a guarantee of a higher offer—factors such as market conditions, buyer demand, and the overall condition of the property still play a role—it certainly gives a home a competitive edge. When buyers walk into a beautifully staged home, they’re more likely to see its full potential and are often willing to pay a premium for it.
Another compelling statistic? 40% of buyers are more likely to visit a staged home after seeing it online. In today’s digital age, the first impression of your home is often made through photos in online listings. A staged home can make that impression a strong one, capturing the attention of buyers as they browse hundreds of listings. Beautifully staged homes present well in photographs, making them stand out from the competition and encouraging more in-person viewings, which increases the chances of receiving offers. Ultimately, home staging is a smart investment for sellers looking to maximize their return.
Top Rooms to Stage: Focusing on Buyer Preferences
While staging an entire home is ideal, there are certain rooms that have a bigger impact on buyers than others. When it comes to showcasing a home, the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen should be top priorities. These rooms are where potential buyers will likely spend the most time envisioning their future, so it’s essential to make them stand out.
Focusing on these key rooms can make a big difference when listing your home. Buyers tend to gravitate toward spaces that feel ready to move into, and staging these areas ensures your home makes a strong impression.
Key Staging Principles That Buyers Value Most
According to a study by Drake University, several staging factors significantly impact how buyers perceive a home. For sellers, understanding these key principles can help create a more attractive and marketable space.
1. Decluttering and Removing Personal Items
The first and perhaps most important step in home staging is decluttering. Buyers want to see the space itself, not the personal belongings of the current owner. This includes removing excess furniture, knick-knacks, and especially personal items like family photographs.
2. Using Each Room for Its Intended Purpose
Staging is about creating clear and purposeful spaces. Buyers appreciate when every room in the home is staged with its intended use in mind.
3. Removing Evidence of Pets
As much as we love our pets, not all buyers are pet-friendly, and many prefer homes without visible signs of animals. For sellers, this means removing pet beds, toys, and even pet odours before a viewing.
4. Showing Homes Furnished, Not Empty
A furnished home often feels more welcoming and comfortable than an empty one. Buyers are more likely to connect with a home that feels lived-in, as it allows them to visualize how their own furniture and belongings might fit into the space.
5. Turning on All Lights for Viewings
Lighting plays a critical role in home staging. A well-lit home feels more open, spacious, and inviting. For in-person viewings, it’s important to turn on all lights, including lamps and overhead fixtures, to showcase the home in its best light. Natural light should also be maximized by opening curtains and blinds.
Is Home Staging Worth the Investment?
With statistics showing that staged homes sell faster and often for a higher price, it’s clear that staging is more than just a trend—it’s a proven strategy that works. And while it may require some upfront cost, the return on investment can be well worth it. For sellers looking to list Halifax homes for sale, staging is an essential tool to ensure your property stands out in today’s market. So, is home staging worth it? In most cases, the answer is a resounding yes.
If you’re thinking of selling and wondering if staging could aid in the selling process for your home - reach out to us! We offer a complimentary staging consultation with professional stager Danielle Klassen of A&E Home Staging for all of our sellers!
Author: Brynn Carmody
Real Estate Assistant
HalifaxCondos.co
Keller Williams Select Realty