THE TRUTH ABOUT HOME STAGING: PROS AND CONS

Agents know that home staging is a game-changing strategy for sellers, no matter what type of market it is. 

And since two BAM Creators recently posted on the topic on social media, we’re sharing all the good—and the not-so-good—that comes from staging a home. 

PROS OF HOME STAGING

There are plenty of reasons why staging is so crucial in the home-selling process. New BAM Creator Krys Beyamein explains it perfectly in an Instagram Reel on the power of staging. 

VISUAL APPEAL

Staging enhances a home’s visual appeal by arranging furniture, decor, and accessories to highlight its best features. This helps buyers envision themselves living in the space and can create a strong first impression. Buyers want a home with updated features and layouts, so visual appeal is essential. 

SCALE AND PROPORTION

Properly staged homes help buyers understand the scale and proportion of rooms, making it easier to assess whether their furniture and belongings will fit comfortably. 

The property Krys shows in his video is 900 square feet. The size of the home feels nearly doubled after utilizing the space properly. This will have a significant impact on the home-selling process. 

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

In a competitive real estate market, a well-staged home can stand out and leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. Staging could lead to quicker sales and better offers.

For example, the property Krys sold was listed for just under $700,000. After spending $3,500 in staging, the home sold for $110,000 over the asking price.

EMOTIONAL CONNECTION

A well-staged home can evoke positive emotions, making buyers more drawn to the property. Buyers are more likely to make an offer when they are able to imagine themselves enjoying a cup of coffee on the front porch or hosting guests for a dinner party on the back deck. 

While Krys describes the positive aspects of what staging a home can do in the home-selling process, there are some cons. 

CONS OF HOME STAGING

Staging a home can be stressful for the sellers. Or, as BAM Creator Matt Lionetti calls it, “The biggest pain in the ass of all time.” 

COST

Staging can be expensive. Hiring a professional stager, and renting or purchasing furniture and decor items can add to the overall cost of selling a home. If sellers are responsible for the cost of staging, they need to be made aware of it upfront—as well as how much the ROI could be.

INCONVENIENCE 

Once a home is fully staged, homeowners might start to feel like guests in their own property. As an agent, you’re better off telling them to wear a hazmat suit, stick to a liquid diet, and live in the main bedroom during staging time. 

Matt describes it as “living in an actual museum.” Staging a home can be disruptive to the homeowner’s daily life. It involves rearranging furniture, decluttering, and storing personal items. 

MAINTENANCE

Staged homes need to be meticulously maintained throughout the selling process. Keeping everything in pristine condition for showings and open houses can be demanding and stressful for sellers, especially those with busy schedules or families. Remind homeowners that while it is a bit hassle, a staged home typically sells more quickly than those that look too “lived in.”

EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT

Sellers might find it emotionally challenging to see their home transformed for staging. It can make letting go and selling the property more emotionally complicated. Agents will have to deal with seller objections and need to know how to handle them. 

To sum up, we’ll end with Matt’s moral of the story: Help your sellers understand that staging is essential. But keep in mind, it’s going to be a pain in the ass.