Home Staging: The Technique to Sell Your House Faster and for More Value

What is Home Staging and What is it For?

Home staging, or property staging, is a real estate marketing strategy used to make the most of a property. It involves decorating and presenting the home in a way that highlights its best features and speeds up the sale.

A picture is worth a thousand words, and this is especially true in real estate. According to Forbes, the secret to selling luxury properties is telling a story through decoration. For this reason, it’s recommended to apply this technique even before taking photos of your home.

Is Home Staging the Same as Interior Design?

Although home staging might seem similar to decorating a house or working on an interior design project, they are not the same. There is a big difference between them.

The key to home staging is applying styling techniques to make the property appealing to a broader audience, without requiring major renovations. For example, neutral colors are often used to attract the widest possible range of buyers.

However, when we talk about interior design, it’s important to note that, in this case, properties are decorated for personal use, taking into account the style and preferences of the owners. The goal is to create a home that is functional while reflecting the personality of its inhabitants.

Advantages of Home Staging: Does It Really Speed Up the Selling Process?

Selling a property is an emotional process that, due to its high value, usually takes longer than other sales. However, home staging helps potential buyers experience what it would be like to live in the property, making it easier to decide to buy.

AVEO, a network of home staging agencies in France, conducted a study in 2011 that found:

• Sales happen 4 times faster—90% of staged properties sell in less than 60 days.

• The selling price drops 5.5% less because there’s no need for price reductions to attract buyers.

This is why home staging plays a key role in the selling process. A reputable real estate agency, such as Engel & Völkers, will always recommend applying this technique so you can benefit from the following advantages:

Increased Interest and More Visits

A visually appealing home creates an immediate impact on buyers. It stands out from other listings, generating more interest and increasing visits, which raises the chances of finding the ideal buyer.

Less Time on the Market

The increase in visits thanks to home staging also reduces the time the property remains on the market. A home presented in excellent condition is more likely to quickly win over a buyer ready to make an offer—saving you months of uncertainty.

Savings for the Seller

The less time your home spends on the market, the fewer expenses you’ll have to cover as the owner. Costs such as mortgages, utilities, and property taxes are reduced, leading to significant savings.

Increased Perceived Value

Home staging not only helps sell faster but also increases the property’s value. By offering a flawless appearance, buyers see the home as more valuable and are more willing to pay the full price—reducing requests for discounts and price negotiations.

Are you thinking about selling your home and need help calculating its value? At Engel & Völkers, we’re happy to provide a free valuation for your property.

Home Staging Techniques to Sell Your House Faster

How can you apply home staging to your property? Below, we share the key techniques to make your home more attractive.

Of course, it’s always better to get advice and guidance from a home staging expert, like those at Engel & Völkers. Our agents receive the training necessary to help you sell your home stress-free—just let us guide you!

Application Throughout the Entire Home

Applying home staging only in certain rooms can disrupt the coherence between spaces. The recommendation is to choose a unified style of decoration and apply it throughout the entire property. This approach creates harmony in the home, regardless of the area.

One Room, One Purpose

Mixing spaces with different uses can make visitors feel disconnected from certain rooms, as they may not be as attractive as expected. To avoid this, it’s best to assign a specific purpose to each room. For example, avoid placing a home office area inside a bedroom.

Depersonalization

Another key technique for selling your house quickly is depersonalization. To help potential buyers imagine themselves living in the property and spark their desire to buy, it’s important to remove personal items such as photographs or personal objects that may be distracting.

Instead, you can use plants, candles, or other decorative neutral elements to create a sense of calm and harmony.

Neutral and Bright Colors

The goal of home staging is to create an inviting atmosphere that appeals to the widest audience. To achieve this, it’s best to use neutral colors on walls and decorations such as rugs or curtains to make rooms feel warm and welcoming.

Clean and Organized Spaces

Orderliness is an essential element for evoking tranquility and well-being. Clutter-free spaces are key to creating cozy and inviting rooms.

Simple Designs

Another technique to speed up the selling process with home staging is to emphasize simplicity. It’s important to use simple furniture and avoid overcrowded spaces. This opens up rooms, highlights the property’s strengths, and creates a desirable and cozy environment.

Additionally, creating spacious layouts allows for symmetrical furniture arrangements, which are more pleasing to the eye.

Natural Light

One of the most valued features when buying a house is natural light. To maximize this, it’s advisable to use light-colored, simple curtains that allow natural light to flow freely.

Pleasant Scents

Another home staging technique to sell your house faster is adding pleasant scents before showings. This creates a welcoming atmosphere that leaves a positive impression on potential buyers.

Can You Use Home Staging in an Unfurnished House?

But what happens if the property is unfurnished? In this case, you can still use home staging techniques to attract buyers and sell faster. Here are a few strategies:

Add Textiles

On one hand, you can add basic textiles, such as curtains, to make the rooms feel cozier and appear less empty.

Avoid Empty Spaces

Another option is to use minimal furniture, such as a sofa or a bed frame, to fill the space and make it feel less cold and more inviting.

Use Digital Tools

Thanks to new technologies and apps, you can also implement digital home staging. These tools allow you to create AI-powered simulations to showcase how the property would look furnished.

In conclusion, applying home staging techniques and selling your house faster is entirely possible. You simply need to implement the right strategies, typical of real estate staging, and you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits it offers.

Alternatively, you can rely on the expertise of an Engel & Völkers real estate agent, who is fully prepared to help you apply the best sales techniques to achieve your goal in less time.