When 52% of listing agents report an increase in dollar value for homes that are staged, you have to wonder why only half of the listing agents out there are doing it. For those that do, it just makes business sense to put a home in the best possible light—by filling it with high-quality furniture that tells the full story of home.
Why Home Staging Matters
Not every homebuyer has the 20/20 vision to see a property’s full potential. That’s where staging comes into play. Staging paints a picture of what a home could really look like, and just how cozy and comfortable it can be for everyone in it.
Real estate professionals confirm: In a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, 82% of buyers’ agents said staging made it easier for buyers to visualize their future home. And staging doesn’t always have to be a whole-home affair. Some realtors will focus on just the key rooms—like the master bedroom, living room, and dining room—so potential buyers can get a feel for what it will be like to come home after a long day.
Sell Faster… and For More
Want to limit the amount of time a home sits on the market? Stage it. Among sellers’ agents surveyed by the NAR, 31% said that home staging “greatly decreased” the time spent on the market. It also encourages buyers to spend more, with 23% of their agents reporting that home staging raised the dollar value offered between 1% and 5%. When a home looks appealing (like home, you might say), it attracts better offers, which in turn leads to increased property values.
Pandemic Prerogative
One thing is for certain: The pandemic changed how people view and use their homes. What was once just personal space is now personal space, plus work space, plus exercise and education space. When a home is properly staged to account for these new needs and considerations, buyers feel more comfortable knowing that the home can accommodate their lifestyle. And it doesn’t take much: A space saving desk in the corner of the living room, for example, can be enough to show people the full potential.
Expectation vs. Reality (TV)
The recent wave of reality TV shows centered on home buying and home design has without a doubt influenced real-world house hunting. Sure, everyday life at home doesn’t usually look like what we see on TV—but today’s buyers expect to see homes in pristine, thoughtfully designed condition nonetheless.
According to the NAR, 68% of agents reported that buyers were disappointed by how homes looked compared to the ones they’d seen on television. And 71% of realtors said that TV shows depicting the home buying process set unrealistic or increased expectations, while 27% said television shows have resulted in more educated home buyers and sellers.
Bottom Line
Renting furniture from Brook is the perfect solution to all your home staging needs. Whether you’re putting together an entire home or designing a few key rooms to lure buyers, we have the furniture and decor to take any space from empty to extraordinary. It’s no wonder more and more realtors and sellers are turning to Brook. We’ll help you close the sale in style.
