When you’re preparing to sell your home, one of the key decisions you need to make is whether to show it as-is, partially staged, or empty.
There’s a lot of debate about whether an empty house is easier to sell or whether it’s better to stage the property with furniture and décor to give buyers a feel for how they could live in the space.
In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of selling an empty house and provide insights on how to sell your house fast by making the right decision for your specific situation.
The Appeal of an Empty House
An empty house provides a blank canvas for potential buyers, allowing them to envision how they would set up their furniture and decorate the space. For some, this blank slate can be very appealing, as it gives buyers the freedom to imagine their lifestyle in the home.
Benefits of Selling an Empty House
- Full Visibility of the Space: When a home is empty, buyers can see the true size of each room without furniture or décor to distort perceptions. This can be especially helpful in smaller spaces, where cluttered staging may make rooms appear smaller than they are.
- Less Personalization: Without personal belongings or specific décor styles, buyers are not distracted by the current owner’s tastes. This allows them to imagine themselves in the space, rather than focusing on how someone else lived in it.
- Quicker Turnaround: If your house is already empty, you may be able to sell your house faster since you won’t have to wait to move out or deal with scheduling showings around your daily life. This can be a significant advantage if you’re looking to close quickly.
Drawbacks of Selling an Empty House
While there are clear benefits to showing an empty house, there are also a few downsides to consider:
- Lack of Emotional Connection: Without furniture and décor to help define the space, some buyers may find it difficult to imagine how to use certain rooms. This can be especially challenging with open-concept layouts or unconventional spaces where the function of a room is not immediately clear.
- Less Inviting: An empty house can feel cold or impersonal. A staged home, on the other hand, can create a welcoming atmosphere that helps buyers emotionally connect with the property. This emotional connection can be crucial when it comes to making a sale.
- Potential Flaws on Display: Without furniture to distract from imperfections, any wear and tear, outdated finishes, or other issues are more noticeable in an empty house. While some buyers may overlook these flaws, others could see them as deal breakers or reasons to offer less.
The Case for Staging
On the other hand, staging a house can help potential buyers see the full potential of the home. Thoughtful staging can make a space feel larger, warmer, and more functional, which can help buyers connect emotionally with the property.
Benefits of Staging
- Helps Define Spaces: Staging allows you to showcase the purpose of each room. For instance, a spare room can be presented as a home office, gym, or guest bedroom, helping buyers visualize how they could use the space in their own lives.
- Creates Emotional Appeal: A well-staged home can evoke a warm, lived-in feeling that appeals to buyers on an emotional level. Buyers are more likely to make offers on homes where they feel a personal connection.
- Maximizes the Home’s Potential: By arranging furniture and décor in a way that highlights the home’s best features, staging can help you show the property in its best light. This can make rooms feel larger, brighter, and more welcoming.
Drawbacks of Staging
However, staging isn’t without its challenges. The biggest downside is the cost and effort involved. Staging requires either hiring a professional or doing it yourself, both of which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Making the Decision
Whether you choose to sell your house empty or staged depends on several factors, including your budget, timeline, and local real estate market. Here are a few considerations to help guide your decision:
- Market Trends: If homes in your area are selling quickly without staging, you may not need to go through the hassle and expense of boxing up all your items and then staging your property. On the other hand, in a slower market, staging could help your home stand out from the competition.
- Buyer Demographics: Consider your target buyer. Are they likely to appreciate a blank canvas, or would they benefit from seeing a fully staged home? For example, first-time buyers may need help visualizing the potential of a home, while experienced buyers might prefer a space to work with.
- Budget and Time Constraints: Staging can be expensive and time-consuming, so if you’re looking to sell quickly and on a tight budget, leaving the house empty could be the best option. If you have more time and resources, staging might provide the edge you need to attract offers.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether it’s easier to sell a house if it’s empty. Some buyers prefer the clean slate of an empty home, while others appreciate the guidance and emotional appeal of a staged property.
By considering your market, buyer demographics, and personal circumstances, you can make the best decision to sell your home effectively.
Whether you choose to sell an empty house or opt for staging, the key is to present the property in a way that helps buyers envision themselves living there. With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale!
