Should You Sell Your Home Empty or Staged?

When it’s time to sell your home, presentation matters. One of the first decisions many sellers face is whether to list the property empty or invest in staging. Both approaches have pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and the type of buyer you’re targeting.

Selling a Home Empty

Pros:

• Cost savings: You don’t need to spend money on furniture, décor, or professional staging.

• Blank canvas: Buyers can imagine their own style without distractions.

• Faster preparation: Without staging, you can list the home as soon as it’s cleaned and photographed.

Cons:

• Harder for buyers to visualize: Many people struggle to picture how an empty room could be used.

• Spaces feel smaller: Without furniture, rooms can appear smaller or less functional.

• Less emotional connection: Empty homes often feel cold, making it harder for buyers to imagine themselves living there.

Selling a Staged Home

Pros:

• Stronger first impression: Staging highlights your home’s best features and creates a lifestyle buyers aspire to.

• Faster sales: Studies show staged homes sell quicker than empty ones.

• Higher offers: Professionally staged homes often sell for more because buyers see the property as move-in ready.

• Better marketing: Staged homes typically look more appealing in online photos, which is where most buyers start their search.

Cons:

• Cost: Professional staging can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the home size and duration.

• Extra effort: You’ll need to coordinate with stagers and keep the home in “show-ready” condition.

Which Option Is Right for You?

• Choose empty if: you’re selling a fixer-upper, marketing mainly to investors, or want to minimize costs.

• Choose staging if: you’re targeting traditional homebuyers, selling in a competitive market, or aiming for the highest possible price.

Final Thoughts

While both empty and staged homes can sell, staging often gives you a competitive edge by helping buyers see the property’s full potential. Think of it as an investment: the upfront cost of staging can pay off with quicker offers and a higher sales price.