The Home Staging Story

Why is it called home staging? Good question! It all begins with the need to help buyers see themselves at the heart of the home’s next story.

If you’re new to real estate, you may wonder how home staging got its name—after all, it’s not like we’re setting aside (or staging) a house for use later!

No, the science and art of transforming a house from “seller’s home” to “buyer’s dream life” has its root in the theater: on the stage.

And keeping that starting point in mind is very helpful for both realtors and homeowners as they plan their listing strategy.

Here’s why.

Staging was created to solve a particular, common, problem

Real estate staging originally came to be around 50 years ago, when a pro named Barbara Schwarz, (who had a background in both theatre and interior design), brought a fresh point of view to an all-too-common problem.

• The problem: Telling clients they must make changes to their beloved home in order to get the best result from its sale is almost certain to offend them!
• The solution: Show that what sells a home isn’t the style, it’s the story—the potential buyer’s story.

That’s because people don’t buy YOUR lifestyle or decor, Madam or Mister Homeowner, they buy because of the fundamental motivator: “What’s In It For Me?” (marketers refer to this as WIIFM).

Staging SHOWS them what will be in it for them—if only they make a good enough offer!

Just like a well-crafted stage set helps an audience connect to the story in a production, the staging of important rooms in your home are designed to pull people into the story of what life “could be” for buyers.

(You can see the difference in the Before and After comparison at the top of this page.)

What rooms usually get staged?

While curb-appeal and the exterior are essential hooks, and we always provide recommendations for how to make the most of that part of your home’s reveal, the most-often staged rooms in the home are those central to most people’s lives and stories:

• Foyer/entryway (create that “welcome-with-a-wow”)
• Living room (elevate the family/entertainment experience)
• Kitchen (hint at effortless delight)
• Primary bedroom suite (offer a stunning, yet soothing, invitation to wind down)
• Dining room (ready for guests to arrive)

Other rooms may be added to the stage depending on the layout and style of the home and/or any features that will transform the home from good to great. Yours may warrant including the sunroom, office, or bonus room, for instance.

In the end, it’s very possible that your home, once staged, won’t look anything like you or your family’s style. And that’s not a knock on your taste! Your story is unique, your life vibrant and active.

Staging woos others into an irresistible story that could become theirs.

And that’s what leads to faster, higher-value home sales.

So, if your home sale goal is more money in the bank, schedule your professional staging and let the show begin!