Study: Staging Paramount as Homes Begin to Linger

Home buyers, many of whom are stretching their budgets to the max, are clamoring for move-in-ready properties that don’t require extra repair expenses. Home staging can boost the move-in-ready appeal and sway buyers—even if the home isn’t in pristine condition, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2023 Profile of Home Staging.

“Buyers want to easily envision themselves within a new home, and home staging is a way to showcase the property in its best light,” says Jessica Lautz, NAR’s deputy chief economist and vice president of research.

Here are five highlights from the report:

1. Forty-eight percent of seller’s agents say staging decreases a property’s time on the market.
2. Twenty percent of buyer’s and seller’s agents say staging increases the dollar value of offers by 1% to 5% compared to similar homes that aren’t staged.
3. Eighty-one percent of buyer’s agents say staging a home makes it easier for clients to visualize themselves living in a property.
4. Fifty-five percent of all agents say buyers expect homes to emulate properties they see on TV shows.
5. Agents say the most important rooms to stage are the living room, primary bedroom and kitchen.

10 To-Dos Before Listing

The home improvement items real estate agents say they most recommend to their clients before listing a property:

1. Declutter: 96%
2. Entire home cleaning: 88%
3. Remove pets during showings: 83%
4. Professional photos: 73%
5. Minor repairs: 72%
6. Carpet cleaning: 71%
7. Depersonalize home: 65%
8. Painting: 58%
9. Landscaping: 50%
10. Grouting: 30%

Source: “2023 Profile of Home Staging,” National Association of REALTORS®