In today’s competitive rental landscape, landlords must do whatever they can to stand out. While there are many attention-grabbing approaches you can try, one of the most effective is rental home staging.
Staging your rental property is a strategic and intentional way to present your listing. Whether that means having the best front lawn on the block or an inviting live space that makes renters feel right at home, thoughtful staging can grab attention and make your rental stand out from the rest.
In this article, we’ll explore the best rental staging techniques for attracting tenants and optimizing your rental business. Here’s a preview of what we’ll cover:
- Why staging a rental property matters
- How to prepare your property for staging
- Best tips for effective staging
- Virtual staging vs. traditional staging
Why Staging Matters
First impressions are critical to the success of a rental business. And what are the best ways to win renters over, you ask? Well, some strategic rental staging is a good start.
Staging your rental property is a great way to set it apart from others on the market, especially if other listings are vacant or unfurnished. When tenants skim listing photos or tour a property, they try to envision themselves in the space, getting a sense of what it feels like to call your property their home. That said, a thoughtfully furnished and well-staged space makes it much easier for them to visualize their future in your property.
According to data from the Home Staging Institute, 40% of home buyers say they’re more willing to pursue an online listing when the home is staged. This same principle can apply to renters as well. A staged home naturally feels more inviting and appealing compared to an empty space. Whether renters view your property online or in person, staging creates a sense of comfort and familiarity, making them more inclined to take the next step.
How to Prepare Your Rental for Staging
Before getting into the thick of rental staging, it’s best to start with some prep. If your unit isn’t occupied, stop by and conduct a thorough property evaluation, taking note of any areas that need special attention. If your tenant is still finishing out their lease, contact them and schedule a rental walk-through.
As you conduct your inspection, use the tips below to guide your preparations:
Deep clean and declutter
There’s no point in staging your property if things aren’t tidy. Before you start decorating and furnishing, do a deep clean of the unit, ensuring your space is completely free of grime, dirt, and other debris. If you’re willing to put in the grunt work, you can do this step yourself. However, hiring a professional cleaning crew is usually the quicker and more effective way to ensure your home is spotless.
Repair and refresh the space
Next, let’s talk repairs. If there’s any maintenance to be done on the property, make sure to take care of it before you start staging. Whether that means freshening up a paint job or installing a completely new HVAC system, take care of all repairs, big and small, to ready your home for decorating. Doing so will ensure your property is in good condition and is equipped to welcome new tenants.
Research market trends
Last but not least, do some research before you begin staging. Even if you have a good eye for design, your preferences might not be exactly what renters want. Discover which design aesthetics are popular. Are renters leaning toward a cozy farmhouse vibe or something more modern? Do they want neutral color schemes or pops of color? Knowing the answers to these questions will inform your staging strategies and increase your rental’s widespread appeal.
Tips for Effective Staging
Once you’ve primed and prepped your rental, you’ll be ready to start the staging process. While you can hire a professional to stage your rental, there are plenty of things you can do yourself to get your property renter-ready.
Here are some tips for effective rental staging:
Focus on neutrals
Neutral is the name of the game when it comes to home staging. Even if your style is more colorful and flashy, try to tone things down when your property is on the market. A natural color scheme of grays, beiges, whites, and other soft hues ensures widespread appeal. This neutral palette minimizes distractions and lets renters truly focus on your property and what it offers. Plus, it creates a blank slate that makes it easier for renters to personalize once they move in.
Maximize natural light
Lighting can be the ultimate hack for effective staging. Even without the most lavish furniture or décor, a home can still make a lasting impression with strong lighting. If you have many big, open windows, make sure to draw blinds and curtains to bring in natural light. Then, layer this light with warm-hued light sources like floor lamps or table lamps. Generally, we recommend avoiding harsh overhead lighting if you can. Instead, opt for soft lighting that makes the space feel inviting and homey.
Highlight key features
If your home has unique features like a large fireplace or creative built-ins, this is your chance to highlight them! Stage your furniture and décor in ways that spotlight the property’s stand-out areas. These details could set your rental apart from competitors and leave a lasting impression on renters. And remember, even the smallest features could make a difference. For example, if you have deep windowsills or intricate crown moldings, work these into your staging design to give your home a competitive edge.
Spruce up your curb appeal
Many don’t realize that staging applies to your exterior as well. Though it may not be as extensive as interior design, sprucing up your curb appeal can make a huge impact on renters. Whether that means planting a fresh flower bed, installing outdoor lighting, or hanging up seasonal décor like a front door wreath, small touches can transform your curb appeal and set you apart from other listings.
Distinguish each room
Another effective rental staging tactic is to distinguish each room. When furnishing the property, give every room an identifiable purpose. For example, you might showcase a spare bedroom as a home office with a desk and some shelving, while another bedroom might be a nursery, complete with a crib and some stuffed animals. By creating a purpose for each room, renters can visualize how they would use the space themselves and what it has to offer.
Virtual Staging vs. Traditional Staging
You may have heard of virtual tours, but did you know you can also virtually stage your property? Virtual staging allows you to digitally furnish and decorate your property online, creating a realistic representation of what the space could look like when tenants move in. Essentially, this involves photoshopping your listing photos to showcase a fully decorated space without actually physically furnishing it.
One of the biggest advantages of virtual staging is the cost. Obviously, if you’re not investing in any real furniture or décor, you’ll save a lot of money that you can then dedicate toward other parts of the property, like renovations or marketing efforts. Virtual staging is also much more convenient, as it requires no physical labor or decision-making on your part. All it takes is just a few clicks!
All that said, virtual staging still has its pitfalls. Of course, virtual staging is great when a renter browses your online listing. However, if they come to tour in person, all that furniture and décor disappears, which could leave them feeling disappointed or underwhelmed. This could be a huge roadblock when trying to seal a deal. So, in the long run, traditional staging may be worth the investment.
Manage Your Rental with Apartments.com
Rental staging can take your rental business to the next level. By going the extra mile to furnish and decorate your space, you can gain the attention of prospective renters and fill vacancies in record time. Use this guide and other Landlord Resources on Apartments.com to guide your staging efforts and make your rental stand out! And don’t forget to explore our full suite of Rental Tools, designed to streamline every aspect of managing your rental business.
FAQ
How do you stage a rental property?
Staging a rental property involves cleaning, decluttering, and furnishing the space to appeal to potential tenants. Use neutral decor, good lighting, and furniture that highlights the property's best features to make it feel inviting and livable.
Is staging a rental worth it?
Yes, staging can make a rental property more attractive to potential tenants, helping it stand out in a competitive market. A well-staged property can often lead to more leads and quicker leasing.
How much does staging a rental cost?
The cost of staging a rental varies depending on the size of the property and whether you hire professionals. On average, it can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, but the investment can pay off in terms of increased rental income and faster leasing.
How can I stage a rental property for cheap?
To stage a rental on a budget, focus on cleaning, decluttering, and using your own furniture or inexpensive pieces. Add simple touches like fresh flowers, neutral bedding, and good lighting to create an appealing space without overspending.
