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Nowhere are first impressions more important than in the intricate dance of selling a home. Imagine you are a prospective buyer, stepping into a house for the first time. What’s your initial reaction? Is it an overwhelming sense of charm and possibility, or does the space feel lackluster and uninspiring? This is where the science (and magic) of home staging comes into play.

Home staging is more than just arranging furniture and adding a few decorative touches. It’s an artful process designed to showcase a property’s best features while minimizing its flaws. A combination of design and merchandising, staging treats your home as a product positioned to sell quickly and profitably. In today’s competitive real estate market–where buyers have myriad choices due to high inventory–the value of home staging cannot be overstated.

Survey Says…

According to the 2024 survey from the Home Staging Institute, staged homes spend significantly less time on the market compared to their un-staged counterparts. In fact, staged homes sold 73% faster, on average, than non-staged homes. This statistic alone speaks volumes about the impact of staging on buyer perception and ultimately, the bottom line.

But it’s not just about speed; it’s about profitability too. The same survey revealed that staged homes command higher selling prices than those left unadorned. On average, staged properties sold for 10% more than their un-staged counterparts. That’s a substantial return on investment for the relatively small cost of staging.

Another striking finding is that staged homes receive significantly more offers than un-staged homes. On average, staged properties attracted 50% more offers than their non-staged counterparts. This statistic underscores the importance of staging in generating buyer interest and driving competition

Why Staging Works

So, what exactly makes staged homes so irresistible to buyers? For starters, staging helps buyers envision themselves living in the space. By depersonalizing the home and creating a neutral, inviting environment, staging allows potential buyers to mentally move in and picture their own lives unfolding within the walls. According to the National Association of Realtors 81% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home

Or, in the case of a vacant home, creating an inviting, enticing environment instead of a cold, lifeless space. Moreover, staged homes exude a sense of professionalism and attention to detail. From strategically placed accent pieces to artfully arranged furniture layouts, staging communicates to buyers that the property has been meticulously cared for and is worthy of their investment. And those listing photos? Staging is the difference between attention-getting and “blah.”

In essence, home staging is about storytelling. It’s about crafting a narrative that resonates with buyers on an emotional level, compelling them to see the house not just as a structure, but as a potential home—a place where memories will be made and dreams will be realized. Home staging is a strategic investment with tangible returns. By enhancing a property’s appeal, speeding up the selling process, and boosting its selling price, staging has become an indispensable tool for sellers looking to stand out in today’s competitive real estate market. So, whether you’re a real estate professional or a homeowner looking to sell your home quickly and profitably, don’t underestimate the power of staging—it could be the key to unlocking your property’s full potential.

Why Impact?

Of course, not all staging is created equal. To truly reap the benefits, it’s essential to enlist the expertise of a professional staging company or designer. Our team of staging professionals possess the knowledge and experience to highlight a home’s strengths while downplaying its weaknesses, creating a cohesive, visually appealing environment that maximizes its potential. With a deep understanding of our real estate markets and local home buyers, we are uniquely positioned to help both real estate agents and homeowners maximize their homes’ potential.

We’re gonna let you in on a little secret. Home buyers visit a LOT of houses when they are searching for the perfect place to call home. After a while it’s hard to remember each house you viewed.

So it’s human nature to focus on something memorable about each, by giving the property a name. Names are often based on some stand-out feature, be it good or bad or yes, ugly.  There are a lot of aspects of a home that will garner it a nickname, so we asked some of our friends, family and customers to share some stories with us.

Décor

Here’s a great example from one of our clients. “When we were shopping for our first home, there was a nice house in a good neighborhood that had been on the market for quite a while. A few offers had been made, and those were low-balls. When we finally went to a showing, we learned why. Nearly EVERY room had stenciling. Borders, cabinets, walls…no surface was safe. When we mentioned it to friends, they immediately said, ‘Oh yes, the stencil house!’ Someone, probably a professional home painter, eventually got it for significantly under its market value.”

Committed to Collecting

One of the challenges in staging occupied homes is dealing with collections. Whether it’s beer steins, Lladro figurines or vintage dolls, displayed collections are distracting to potential buyers and can be very polarizing. We advise our clients to go ahead and pack these items for moving before we come in to stage. While there are worse things than being known as the “Precious Moments” house, it’s important to remember that how you live in your home is not how you sell your home.

Something Icky

Our marketing specialist related this story about a home they looked at. “We moved to Michigan in the early 80s, and having grown up on the East Coast, I had no idea what a ‘Michigan Basement’ was. You don’t see them much anymore, but we looked at a home where the basement had a dirt floor. It was a historic home and just lovely…until a giant centipede slithered across the kitchen floor at about 30 mph. And then, in the main bathroom…there were two in the tub. We named it the ‘Creepy Crawler’ house. It stayed on the market for quite a while, and the people who eventually bought it ended up moving it to higher ground on the property after putting in a proper basement and foundation. We still call it the Creepy Crawler house when we drive by it!”

They Called it Shaggadelic

Dated décor is one way to quickly garner a nickname for your home. Groovy wallpaper from the 70s and furniture from the 80s are memorable to buyers…and not in a good way. Painting over wallpaper is usually a good option (vs. trying to remove it for purposes of selling).  Shag carpet from the 70s was almost always placed over hardwood floors. Removing it and quickly polishing the wood beneath is an important update you can make easily. Replacing the most dated furniture and décor with pieces from our inventory can bring your home visually into the 21^st century.

Keep it Clean

While you’re thinking about how others view your home, remember details matter and even just one significant negative can garner a label that you don’t want. “Dirty Kitchen,” “Hoarder Basement,” and “Broken Sidewalk” aren’t names you want associated with your home, so we always recommend our staging clients deal with these details before we come in to stage.

In some cases the label is something you can’t overcome.  Situations like a busy road, a traffic light, a narrow driveway, small bedrooms  etc. are very difficult to avoid.   Even with characteristics that may not be favorable, you can change the perspective by making sure they fall in love with other aspects of the house. Staging helps overcome many buyer objections. 

We actually staged a property a few years ago that did not have a basement, yet buyers stayed in the house for nearly an hour to figure out how to make the house work for them…because they fell in love with the look, feel and features of the home.

Make sure the “label” your home gets is one that shines a good light on your property. Staging is the fastest and surest way to do that!

The adage, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression” is true in many aspects of life, but it’s truly an imperative in real estate. And it’s the reason professional home staging is the key to a fast and profitable sale. Many people associate home staging with vacant properties, when in reality it is crucial when listing occupied homes.

Why? Because when prospective buyers step into a home, they’re not just assessing its physical attributes; they’re envisioning their future life within those walls. According to the National Association of REALTORS^© (NAR), 77 percent of buyers say it’s easier to visualize a staged property as a future home. 

Setting the Stage for Success

Staging is not just about decluttering and rearranging furniture; it’s about creating an emotional connection between the buyer and the property. Occupied homes often come with personal belongings, unique and sometimes dated décor and individual tastes that may not align with the preferences of potential buyers. By depersonalizing, neutralizing, and strategically arranging the space, stagers create a setting that allows buyers to see themselves living in the home, making it easier to imagine their future there.

Maximizing Space and Highlighting Features

It’s important to remember that how you LIVE in a home is very different than how you SELL a home.

Spaciousness Sells
Occupied homes can sometimes feel cramped or cluttered, which can be a deterrent to potential buyers. Staging helps maximize space by rearranging furniture to create flow and highlight the home’s best features. Whether it’s showcasing a cozy reading nook, a spacious kitchen island, or a breathtaking view, staging draws attention to the elements that make the property stand out (and can also draw the eye away from any visual defects).

Neutral Décor For Broader Appeal

Personalized décor, bold color choices, or niche or kitschy themes may appeal to the current occupants but can alienate potential buyers. Staging aims to neutralize the space, creating an environment that appeals to a broader audience. Neutral tones, tasteful accessories, and minimalist styling allow buyers to envision their personal design preferences while still appreciating the home’s potential. Replacing any dated furnishings and décor with more “of the moment” choices elevates and freshens the look and feel while allowing the homeowner to continue to occupy the home during showing.

This home had great bones but the bold colors could be polarizing to potential buyers. Because the homeowners were occupying the house during listing, painting wasn’t an option. We chose, instead, to create a more cohesive look by bringing the teal colors into accessories and provide neutral colors where possible. (photo)

Enhanced Online Listings to Attract More Buyers

In today’s digital age, the majority of homebuyers begin their search online. Professionally staged photos can significantly affect how a property is perceived online. Eye-catching images of a staged, inviting home can attract more views and generate greater interest among potential buyers. Furthermore, staged homes tend to photograph better, resulting in higher-quality images that showcase the property in its best light.

Quicker Sales and Increased Profitability

One of the most significant advantages of staging occupied homes is the potential for quicker sales and increased profitability. According to Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), professionally staged homes sell 73% faster than unstaged properties. Additionally, the Home Staging Resource Association (HSRA) states that staged homes sell for an average of 6% more than non-staged homes. That means the cost of staging is likely LESS than your first price reduction.

Setting the Stage for a Fast, Profitable Sale

Staging occupied homes is not just about making cosmetic changes; it’s about transforming the space to appeal to a broad audience and create an emotional connection with potential buyers.

By depersonalizing, decluttering, and strategically arranging the home, sellers can significantly enhance its marketability and increase the likelihood of a quick and profitable sale. In today’s competitive real estate market, staging is not a luxury – it’s a necessity for sellers looking to stand out and achieve optimal results.

Listing your home? Before you call an agent…call us!

Survival Tips from Impact Home Staging!!

Ah, what a delightful treat awaits us this spring, folks! Prepare your eardrums for a symphony of cicadas, because apparently, it’s party time for these winged creatures. And ain’t no party like a Detroit party, right?

An Event of Biblical Proportion!

Yes, you heard it right. Not one, but two broods of periodical cicadas are gearing up to grace Michigan with their presence in what’s being dubbed as a “rare synchronized event” that hasn’t happened since our great-great-great-grandparents were probably complaining about it in 1803. It’s positively biblical! The emergence should take place in early May. After all, nothing says “Happy Mother’s Day” like an invasion of large flying insects

Now, if you’re not particularly thrilled about hosting an insect rave in your backyard, fear not! Here are some actual tips for homeowners who prefer their peace and quiet:

Noise-canceling Headphones
Invest in a good pair. You’ll thank us later when you’re sipping your morning coffee in peace while the cicadas throw their raucous party outside. (They’ll also come in handy when your neighbor is blowing leaves at 8 am.)

Seal Up Your Home
Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed to keep these uninvited guests from turning up in your living room and logging into your Netflix account. Close your fireplace flue and doors and look for bad seals in windows. Sealing these will pay dividends once the weather turns cool, as well.

Reduce Habitat
Trim back any overgrown vegetation that might attract cicadas. Unlike your 5-year-old, they’re not picky eaters and will happily feast on your precious plants if given the chance.

Embrace the Chaos
Alright, maybe not an actual tip, but hey, sometimes you just gotta roll with it. Embrace the temporary disruption of nature’s party and take solace in the fact that it’s only once every 17 years. Hey, it could be worse. At least it’s not locusts.

Oh…did we mention the cicada killers? 

Click here to learn more about this fascinating, once-in-a-lifetime natural event! (If it makes you feel any better, the emergence will be fairly light in the Detroit area. We feel sorry for our friends in Ohio.)