To stage or not to stage. It’s a common question, and the answer depends on your property, budget and timeline.
Staging a property helps potential buyers imagine themselves living in their new home. It can help your listing stand out online and can shift the focus from who lives there now to what it could feel like to live there next.
For some homes, staging is essential. For others, a light touch is enough. The key is providing a canvas for buyers to focus on the features of the home and how it can work for them.
Physical vs virtual staging
Physical staging involves styling a home with furniture, artwork and accessories. In an empty property, it helps buyers visualise how each space can be used and how the home might suit their lifestyle.
Virtual staging adds digital furnishings to empty rooms, transforming bare spaces into warm, inviting interiors for listing photos. It’s a practical choice for sellers who may not want to invest in styling the entire property but still want to showcase the home’s potential.
Both options have their place. Physical staging creates an atmosphere buyers can experience during a home open, while virtual staging is a fast way to improve your listing on reiwa.com.
Can you tell which image below has been virtually staged? With today’s technology, digital styling can look almost identical to the real thing.
If digital changes significantly alter how the property looks, such as removing power lines, digitally landscaping a bare yard, or adding furniture to hide damage, it’s important to disclose that the images have been digitally altered.
What if I’m still in the property?
Even without formal staging, simple changes can help create a clean, welcoming feel that appeals to buyers. Start with these:
- Clear surfaces, tidy wardrobes and put away bulky items. Less is more.
- Pack away family photos and personal items to help buyers picture themselves in the space.
- Choose simple bedding, plain towels and soft lighting.
- Open blinds and curtains and make sure lights are working.
- First impressions count. Mow the lawn, sweep paths and add a few plants if needed.
If you’re tight on time, focus on the entry, kitchen, living area and primary bedroom. These are often the rooms that shape a buyer’s impression the most.
A few things to avoid
Even with good styling, a few small things can work against you. Keep these points in mind:
- Too much furniture can make rooms feel cramped and harder to walk through.
- Bold colours or clashing styles can distract buyers from the features of the home.
- Personal items like photos or kids’ artwork can make it harder for buyers to picture themselves living there.
- Strong scents from candles or cleaning products can be overwhelming during inspections.
- Small issues like chipped paint or squeaky doors can give the impression the home hasn’t been well maintained.
- Overfilled or messy storage can make it seem like the home doesn’t have enough space.
Every property is different, and your REIWA agent can advise whether staging is likely to help and what level of investment makes sense. They may also have connections with local stylists or their photographer might offer virtual staging as part of their package.
Whether you stage the entire home or make a few simple changes, thoughtful presentation helps buyers see your home’s full potential come sale time.
