2024 Staging Trends – The Crucial Role of Staging in Selling Your Home

When you sell your home, staging it for sale is crucial. Did you know your sales price can increase by up to 20% with the right staging? Are you curious about how you can make a little extra off your home? Well, today, we’re going to show you how to do just that.

Welcome back to the blog! Today, I sat down with a very special guest—Tiffany Lever from Center Stage. Tiffany is our team’s go-to stager when it comes to getting homes ready for listing photos and showings.

We talked about the staging trends she’s seeing for 2024. I actually met Tiffany years ago when she taught the Missouri real estate license course in our office, and she even spent some time as an agent on our team. Here’s what she had to say!

Tiffany’s Journey into Home Staging

Tiffany: As long as I’ve known about staging, I’ve been very interested in it and in design elements. But it really happened for me when I was teaching in the classroom. We had a lockdown situation, and the next day, one of the students asked, “If you weren’t a teacher, what would you do?” That’s when I allowed myself to say it out loud and started exploring every avenue to get into the real estate staging business. I got my real estate license, and the rest is history.

Joe: That’s really cool. So, the first thing I’ve got to ask is: Why should a seller work with a professional to stage their home instead of just cleaning and decorating a little?

The Importance of Professional Staging

Tiffany: That’s a great question. One misconception is that staging is just about design or decorating. As a home stager, I think of myself as a problem solver. Homeowners get used to the quirks of their own house, like a door that doesn’t quite open properly. A home stager can show the seller what might turn buyers away. The number one thing is the return on investment. You want the seller to do the least amount of things possible to get the most return on their investment. Minimizing distractions so that buyers can experience the space without being distracted by quirks is really important. A lot of it is psychological. It’s not just about color and design but also about furniture placement and removing distractions.

Joe: So, is flow pretty important?

Tiffany: Flow is super important, as is lighting. If a space feels dark or heavy, it can be a deterrent to buyers.

Staging Trends for 2024

Joe: What are some of the trends you’re seeing in staged homes, and why do you think sellers are leaning in that direction?

Tiffany: One trend is biophilic design, which incorporates plants, wood, and stone. For a long time, staging trends involved paring down so much that a space could feel very cold. Now, we’re adding elements that make spaces feel warmer. We’re also moving away from just gray and white. Adding color back in helps a space stand out among listings. Another trend since 2020 is emphasizing rooms like home offices or home gyms, making awkward spaces purposeful and intentional.

Joe: For sellers on a budget or a tight timeline, what trends would you recommend to give them the best return on their investment?

Budget-Friendly Staging Tips

Tiffany: First, have a place to store things when getting ready to list. Most homes have too many things. Pair down open storage, like bookcases, which can collect junk. For closets and laundry spaces, staying organized is key. Simple additions like a tidy laundry space or organized closet can make a big difference. Stand back in your doorways and think about the focal point. What’s the first thing you see? If it’s something outdated, that’s what buyers will notice first.

Joe: What trends make a home look more dated or less likely to appeal to a buyer?

Tiffany: Too much color can be a problem. Neutralize spaces but add intentional pops of color. We’re moving away from everything being gray and white, but be careful with too much vibrant color. Also, avoid overusing word signs or overly personalized decor. Less is more in this case.

A Day in the Life of a Staging Consultation

Joe: What does a normal staging consultation appointment look like?

Tiffany: After introducing myself, I walk through every room and take notes. I like to problem-solve and see everything first, so if I have a problem in one room, I might solve it with a piece of furniture from another room. Most problems can be solved within the home. I make suggestions, show photos, and help pick out paint colors and fixtures if needed.

Joe: What’s the craziest thing you’ve walked into, and how did you help that homeowner?

Tiffany: One house in St. Joe had a full Alice in Wonderland tea party setup on the ceiling. It was very specific and not appealing to most buyers. Another home had religious items everywhere, including a full altar in the basement. These can be intimidating for buyers. I explain that we need to appeal to the widest variety of buyers and that the home is no longer theirs. It’s tough, but important to have those conversations.

Joe: Do you have any everyday tips for homeowners who aren’t thinking about selling but want to maximize their space?

Everyday Staging Tips

Tiffany: Yes. Always ask yourself, “What can I get rid of to make space for this?” For closets, use the 50% rule: only utilize about 50% of your closet space. Buyers need to see that there’s enough room. A good tip for closets is to hang clothes backwards and after six months, see what you haven’t worn. Those items should go.

Joe: Tiffany, thanks so much for coming today. Staging is often overlooked but crucial for marketing a home, which is why we always set up a consultation between Tiffany and our sellers. If you’d like to put Tiffany’s expertise to work for you, selling your home, make sure to contact the Nelson Home Group. Happy selling!