When you visit a new home or development, one of the first things that catch your attention is often the beautifully decorated spaces. These homes are often referred to as model homes, and they serve as a showcase for the type of homes available in a new community. But you may be wondering, are model homes staged? This article will explain what staging is, why it’s done, and how it affects your decision when purchasing a new home.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging is the process of decorating and arranging a home in a way that makes it look attractive to potential buyers. The goal is to create an inviting atmosphere that helps people imagine themselves living in the space. The idea behind staging is to highlight the best features of a home and downplay any flaws or areas that may need improvement.
In some cases, the staging involves bringing in furniture, art, rugs, and décor. In other cases, it may just involve rearranging the current furniture in the home. Staging can be done on vacant homes, model homes, or homes that are currently being lived in but are about to go on the market.
Are Model Homes Staged?
Yes, model homes are staged. In fact, staging is one of the main reasons model homes look so appealing. Builders and real estate agents use model homes as a tool to show off their work and attract potential buyers. These homes are designed to showcase the design, layout, and size of the property, giving buyers a clear picture of what it could look like when fully furnished.
Staging model homes is not only about making them look beautiful but also about creating an emotional connection with buyers. The goal is to make the potential buyers picture themselves living in the home and imagining how their own furniture, family, and lifestyle would fit perfectly within that space.
Why Are Model Homes Staged?
There are several reasons why model homes are staged. Below are the top reasons why builders and real estate agents choose to stage model homes:
1. To Create Appeal
One of the most important reasons to stage model homes is to make them more appealing. A well-staged home looks inviting, warm, and comfortable, and it encourages potential buyers to take a closer look. When people walk into a model home, they want to be able to see themselves living there. Staging helps make this happen by creating a welcoming atmosphere that grabs buyers’ attention.
2. To Showcase the Home’s Potential
Staging helps showcase the home’s layout and potential. Sometimes, an empty house can feel cold or uninviting. By staging the home, the builder can demonstrate how each room can be used, making it easier for buyers to imagine their own life there. For example, a small room can be staged as an office or a guest bedroom to show how it can serve multiple purposes.
3. To Stand Out in a Competitive Market
In today’s real estate market, buyers have many options to choose from. Staging helps a home stand out from the competition. A staged model home is often more attractive than a similar, empty home, making it more likely to sell. The investment in staging a model home can be the difference between a home sitting on the market for months and selling quickly.
4. To Maximize the Home’s Value
Staging a home can also help maximize its value. A well-staged home looks more expensive and valuable than an empty one, and buyers may be willing to pay more for it. In some cases, staged homes can sell for a higher price than similar homes that aren’t staged. Home staging helps highlight the home’s best features, making it more desirable to buyers.
How Is a Model Home Staged?
Staging a model home is a carefully planned process. Designers and decorators work with the builder to create a vision for the space. They focus on selecting the right furniture, color schemes, and décor that will make the home look as appealing as possible.
1. Furniture and Décor
In most cases, model homes are furnished with high-quality furniture that fits the style of the home. This includes living room furniture, dining tables, bedroom sets, and décor like paintings, mirrors, and rugs. The goal is to make the home feel lived-in and show how the space can be used. The furniture is often neutral, so it appeals to a wide range of tastes.
2. Lighting and Ambience
Lighting is an important part of staging. Well-placed lamps and light fixtures can make a room feel warmer and more inviting. In a model home, the lighting is often carefully chosen to highlight the home’s best features.
3. Focal Points
Each room in a model home has focal points, such as a fireplace, a beautiful view, or an interesting architectural feature. Stagers make sure to draw attention to these areas by arranging furniture and décor in a way that complements them. This ensures that potential buyers see the home’s unique features and understand how they can use the space.
4. Add Personal Touches
Staging a home isn’t just about the furniture—it’s also about the little details. Fresh flowers, decorative bowls, throw pillows, and other small touches can make a home feel welcoming and cozy. These details help buyers connect emotionally with the space.
Do Builders Stage All Model Homes?
Most builders do stage their model homes because it makes a big difference in attracting buyers. However, not every builder stages all their homes. Some builders may choose to stage only one or two model homes in a community, while others may stage every home.
The decision to stage model homes often depends on factors such as the size of the community, the price of the homes, and the target market. In some cases, builders may choose not to stage model homes for budgetary reasons, but they will often still create a model home that shows off the home’s potential through simple décor and furniture arrangements.
Can You Buy the Furniture in a Staged Model Home?
While the furniture and décor in a staged model home look great, it’s important to note that they are often not included in the sale of the home. In most cases, the furniture and décor are rented specifically for staging purposes and are not part of the home’s sale price.
However, if you really love the furniture or items in the model home, you can often ask the builder if they’re available for purchase. In some cases, builders may be willing to sell the furniture or offer similar items for a discounted price.