Vacant vs. Occupied Staging: Which One is Right for Your Home Sale?

The Basics of Home Staging: Why It Matters

Home staging is a strategic process designed to make a home more appealing to buyers, often leading to faster sales and higher offers. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes sell 73% faster than non-staged homes and can increase a home's sale price by up to 10%. The goal is to highlight a home's best features, create an inviting atmosphere, and allow buyers to visualize themselves living in the space.

When selling your home, you have two main staging options: vacant staging and occupied staging. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, depending on your home’s condition, market conditions, and personal circumstances.

What is Vacant Staging? Pros and Cons

Vacant staging is when a home is completely empty, and professional staging furniture and décor are brought in to enhance the space. This approach is most common for homes that are unoccupied, such as new builds, investment properties, or homes where the seller has already moved out.

Pros of Vacant Staging:

Buyers Can Visualize the Space Clearly: A staged vacant home helps buyers understand room sizes and layout possibilities, avoiding the "cold" and uninviting feel of an empty home.Highlights Key Features: Well-placed furniture and décor can emphasize architectural elements, such as fireplaces, large windows, or open-concept layouts.Increases Buyer Perception of Value: A fully staged home appears polished and move-in ready, often commanding higher offers.

Cons of Vacant Staging:

Higher Cost: Because furniture and décor need to be rented, vacant staging can be more expensive than occupied staging. However, it often leads to a higher return on investment (ROI) through a quicker sale.Lacks Warmth Without Staging: If left empty, a vacant home can feel sterile and less inviting, making it harder for buyers to emotionally connect.Requires Professional Help: Unlike occupied staging, vacant staging often requires hiring a professional home stager to ensure the home looks its best.

What is Occupied Staging? Pros and Cons

Occupied staging is when a home is staged using the seller’s existing furniture and décor, with some strategic rearranging and possibly adding rented pieces. This option works well for sellers still living in their homes during the selling process.

Pros of Occupied Staging:

Cost-Effective: Since most of the furniture and décor are already in place, occupied staging is often less expensive than vacant staging.Feels Lived-In and Inviting: Buyers may connect more easily with a well-decorated, occupied home rather than an empty one.Faster Staging Process: There’s no need to wait for furniture rentals or full home redesigns—small adjustments can be made quickly to enhance the space.

Cons of Occupied Staging:

Requires Decluttering and Depersonalization: Sellers must remove personal items, excess furniture, and clutter to create a neutral and appealing space.More Effort for the Seller: Unlike vacant staging, where everything is set up professionally, sellers must maintain a clean and staged look throughout the selling process.Limited Design Flexibility: Since existing furniture is used, there may be limitations in achieving a high-end, designer-staged look.

How to Decide: Factors to Consider

Still unsure which option is best for your home sale? Consider these key factors:

Your Home’s Condition – If your home is in pristine condition, occupied staging may be sufficient. If it has vacant rooms or outdated furniture, vacant staging may provide a stronger impact.

Your Budget – Vacant staging requires furniture rentals and can be more expensive, while occupied staging is more budget-friendly. However, vacant staging often leads to a higher sale price.

Buyer Expectations in Your Market – In competitive real estate markets, professionally staged homes tend to sell faster. Research what’s standard for similar homes in your area.

Your Timeline – If you’ve already moved out, vacant staging is the best choice. If you’re still living in the home, occupied staging may be more practical.

The Cost of Vacant vs. Occupied Staging

Occupied staging costs vary depending on the level of updates needed, but they are generally more affordable since they involve repurposing existing furniture.

Vacant staging costs can range from $2,000 to $5,000+ depending on the home’s size, the number of rooms staged, and the duration of the rental period. However, professionally staged vacant homes often sell faster and at higher prices, making it a worthwhile investment.

Conclusion

Both vacant and occupied staging have their advantages, and the best choice depends on your unique selling situation. If you want to create a stunning first impression, reduce time on the market, and attract serious buyers, staging is a must—regardless of the approach you choose.

At Simply Staged by Jessica, we specialize in both vacant and occupied staging, helping sellers maximize their home’s appeal and sell faster.

Ready to stage your home? Contact us today for a consultation and discover the best strategy to make your home stand out in the market!

Schedule a consultation now!