21 Jul

Is staging really necessary or can I sell a house empty?

Author: admin  |  Category: House Staging

I am tasked with selling my mother’s house now that she has gone into a nursing home. The realtor is insisting that I complete a long shopping/decorating list to "stage" the house for sale. I had assumed it would be sold empty, after a few necessary repairs and upgrades.

The idea of staging completely throws off my timeline in terms of having an estate sale to sell furniture, etc., having the house professionally cleaned by a service, having the hardwood floors refinished, etc., etc., etc. It makes a really complicated, stressful job a whole lot worse for me.

Is staging really necessary or can I just tell her I want to sell it empty? I’m not looking to soak every possible dollar out of the sale, I just want to get it done.

Thank you.

They are only suggesting what they think will sell the house more quickly. You are the seller and in control and remember they are working for you. So do what you want to do, if they insist, get another agent.
Good luck.

6 Responses to “Is staging really necessary or can I sell a house empty?”

  1. Tess Says:
    July 22nd, 2010 at 1:13 am

    I think it really is your call. Staging definitely would help because it can show people wanting to buy what this house could be like in the future and make it more attractive to them. In advertising and such, it’s always about the package it’s delivered in to advertise, not so much as what you will actually get. But then again, it really wouldn’t be too bad if you didn’t stage it since you said you just want to get it done and are not looking for the absolute highest price you could get. If I were you I probably wouldn’t stage it. Hope this helps!
    References :

  2. devilgal031948 Says:
    July 22nd, 2010 at 1:19 am

    They are only suggesting what they think will sell the house more quickly. You are the seller and in control and remember they are working for you. So do what you want to do, if they insist, get another agent.
    Good luck.
    References :

  3. Caveat Emptor Says:
    July 22nd, 2010 at 1:30 am

    It’s up to you – not the realtor. Having it empty is perfectly acceptable – but you DO need to have it thoroughly cleaned. Professional cleaning and repair of any obvious defects will make it sell much faster.
    References :

  4. dp1251 Says:
    July 22nd, 2010 at 2:07 am

    Staging is simply "eye candy". Staging usually makes for a quicker sale. You may sell it empty, however, you may not sell as quickly as if you staged it.
    References :
    my experience

  5. godged Says:
    July 22nd, 2010 at 2:26 am

    I would rather see you sell it empty. I know some markets are big on staging, but it is certainly not necessary. If your Realtor is being insistent at this stage, you may want to find one that will work with you, not dictate what is going to happen.
    References :
    Oregon Realtor

  6. My Take on It Says:
    July 22nd, 2010 at 2:53 am

    You do not have to do anything you don’t want to.
    The realtor is probably just thinking it might sell quicker if you have it staged to show potential buyers what each room is to be used for and how furniture may fit into that room.

    If it is not in your budget to pay for staging, then don’t stage.
    References :

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