If you’re aiming to sell your home quickly, consider leveraging home staging as your competitive edge.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of homes that have undergone staging—which involves strategically furnishing and decorating to highlight the property’s finest attributes—experience a significantly reduced time on the market compared to typical listings. Furthermore, about 30% of these staged homes command higher selling prices, making staging a financially smart choice for sellers.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released a report in 2025 detailing the impact of home staging, noting that 30% of real estate agents representing sellers observed that staged homes sold somewhat faster, while 19% indicated that these properties sold “significantly” quicker than unstaged ones.
The popularity of home improvement and design shows undoubtedly influences buyer expectations in the real estate market. According to the NAR survey, nearly half of the buyer’s agents reported that prospective buyers have an expectation for homes to mirror the stunning aesthetics they see on television. Only 12% of agents indicated that staging had no effect on buyer interest.
Effectively staging a home is a powerful marketing strategy as it allows potential buyers to envision their family living in the space, making it easier for them to form an emotional connection to the property.
Understanding the Costs Associated with Home Staging
The costs associated with home staging can fluctuate significantly based on geographical location and the extent of the staging efforts. Typically, these costs encompass both the consulting fees charged by staging professionals and the ongoing monthly expenses for renting furniture and decor to enhance the home’s appeal.
As reported by Better Homes & Gardens, a home stager in Bismarck, North Dakota, quoted staging fees ranging from $600 to $1,800 per month, whereas a stager based in New York City estimated that staging a two-bedroom apartment could cost between $9,000 and $16,000 monthly. Such disparities highlight the importance of understanding local market conditions when budgeting for staging.
If you are considering staging your entire home, be prepared for a significant investment. The Real Estate Staging Association indicated that the average cost to stage a complete home in 2024 was approximately $7,351. This average reflects homes that typically had around eight rooms staged. Moreover, when the association conducted a survey among its members, they found that staging costs could begin as low as $600.
This aligns with findings from the NAR report, which suggests that the typical cost of staging a home by a professional staging company hovers around $1,500. Conversely, if agents handle the staging process themselves, the median expense drops to about $500, showcasing the potential for savings.
While these costs may seem substantial, investing in staging your home can lead to significant financial returns. According to the RESA, homes that were occupied and staged typically sold for an impressive average of nearly $70,000 above their listing prices, illustrating the strong correlation between effective staging and increased property value.
The National Association of Realtors also noted that there is a measurable increase in the selling prices of staged homes, although the increment may be less pronounced. Their research showed that 35% of buyer’s agents reported a price increase in staged homes compared to similar unstaged properties. Approximately half of these agents indicated the value increase was modest—up to 5%—while nearly one in five reported that staged homes appreciated by 6% or more.
To put this into context, the nationwide median sale price of a home in March was reported at $407,300. Therefore, even a 1% increase in price translates to an additional $4,073, and a 5% increase could mean an extra $20,365 for sellers, emphasizing the financial benefits of staging.
<spanIf you find yourself on a tighter budget, you still have practical options to enhance your home's appeal. A straightforward and effective first step is to declutter your space by packing away personal items, knick-knacks, and collectibles that may distract potential buyers. According to Robert Washington, a broker at Savvy Buyers Realty in St. Petersburg, Florida, even minor changes can make a significant difference in buyer perceptions.
“While keeping furniture and family photos is acceptable, items like porcelain clown collections could be off-putting to potential buyers,” he advised, highlighting the importance of neutralizing personal touches to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Additionally, you don’t necessarily have to stage every room in your home. Research indicates that living rooms are the most frequently staged areas, with 91% of seller’s agents opting to stage this vital space. Following closely is the primary bedroom, staged by 83% of sellers’ agents. Dining rooms and kitchens are also popular choices for staging, while children’s rooms and guest bedrooms are less frequently staged, suggesting a focused approach can yield effective results.
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