Now that buyers have more options, it’s important to be intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. Proper staging can be a great way to make that happen.

Staging isn’t about making your home look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. Instead, it’s about creating a welcoming, move-in ready feel that helps buyers picture themselves living there.

Staging can range from simple adjustments to more extensive updates, depending on your needs and budget. Even a small investment of time, effort, and money can make a big difference in today’s market.

In fact, a study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows staged homes sell faster and can increase sale prices by 1–10%.

Home staging can speed up the sale and boost the final price by 1–10%. Source: NAR.

The good news is you don’t need to stage your entire house to make an impact. According to NAR, the rooms that matter most are those where buyers tend to spend the most time: the living room, the primary bedroom, and the kitchen.

These spaces typically leave the strongest impression. While this is a good starting point, nothing compares to the personalized advice of a local real estate agent.

Real estate agents are experts in what buyers in your area are looking for. They gather feedback during showings, open houses, and conversations with other agents, and they’ll use those insights to give recommendations tailored to your home.

Some common staging suggestions might include:

1. Decluttering and depersonalizing by removing photos or personal items.

2. Rearranging furniture to improve flow and make rooms feel bigger.

3. Adding plants, adjusting artwork, or updating small décor details.

For many sellers, an agent’s advice is all that’s needed. But if your home requires a bigger transformation—or if it’s vacant and could benefit from rented furniture—an agent might suggest bringing in a professional stager. Just keep in mind that comes with a higher price tag. According to NAR:

“The median dollar value spent when using a staging service was $1,500, compared to $500 when the sellers’ agent personally staged the home.”

A local agent will help you weigh the costs and benefits of staging based on your budget, timeline, and the condition of your home. They’ll also consider how quickly similar homes are selling and what buyers expect in your price range.

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Bottom Line
Staging doesn’t have to be expensive or over-the-top. The goal is to help buyers feel at home the moment they walk through the door. A great agent will guide you through the process and recommend the right level of staging for your goals.

👉 Which room in your home do you think would make the biggest impression on a buyer? Let’s walk through your house together and talk about what will make it stand out.