What You Need to Know About Staging Your Home to Sell

Thinking of selling your home? One key step you can take is home staging. This process can make a great first impression. It can also help potential buyers fall in love with your property. Staging can help you get more buyers interested in your home.

What is home staging?

Home staging prepares a home for sale. The goal is to showcase it to potential buyers. This involves adding or rearranging furniture and decor. You might also upgrade the home's curb appeal. Clearing out clutter and depersonalizing the space helps too. This makes the home look its best for listing photos and showings.

Visualization is a key part of staging. A 2025 report by the National Association of REALTORS found that 83% of buyers’ agents said staging made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. You want to create a neutral and stylish space. This helps buyers imagine living in the home. It can create an emotional attachment.

Why does staging matter?

Home staging helps buyers see themselves in the home. Once you list your home, you need to see your space through a buyer's eyes. Your personal photos or bright purple walls may not appeal to everyone. By removing personal items and painting walls neutral colors, you remove signs of your lifestyle. This makes the home a blank slate for prospective buyers.

A well-staged room can make a small space look bigger. It can also make a dated room look modern. Buyers can get inspiration for their own setup. A staged home creates a more inviting atmosphere. This can entice more buyers.

Staging can increase the amount of the offer. A NAR report revealed that 23% of buyer’s agents said that staging a home increased the dollar value offered by 1% to 5%. Once a home makes a good impression, buyers are more committed. They might be willing to increase their offer.

It also improves buyers’ first impressions. Most buyers start their search online. Your listing photos need to look good. A well-staged home looks better on social media and property websites. This makes it more eye-catching.

A staged home also sells faster. According to NAR, 30% of agents reported that staging a home greatly decreased its time on the market. Staging can also turn a stalled sale around. The home will appeal to more people. This makes it easier to market.

Home staging vs Interior design

Home staging and interior design both aim to show a home in a good light. But they have different purposes. Home staging aims for the property to appeal to many potential buyers. This helps it sell faster and for more money. To do this, the space must be impersonal and generic. The homeowner's preferences do not matter.

Interior design, on the other hand, caters to a specific person or family. It aims to create a comfortable space for a client. There is more creative control. The design must meet the client's specific needs.

Your options for home staging

You have three options for home staging. You can do a combination of all three. This depends on your situation and budget.

You can do it yourself. This is a good option if you have time and want to save money. You can declutter and clean the interior and exterior. You can rearrange furniture and remove personal photos. You can also paint walls and add new decor. You can bring in fresh flowers or plants to add warm touches.

Most homeowners are personally connected to their properties. They might feel overwhelmed to rearrange their homes. Remember, the home is now a product on the market. Ask for honest opinions from your agent, family, and friends. This helps you see what needs to be changed.

You can also get your real estate agent to help. It is not their job to stage your home. But they might provide recommendations. They have experience and industry knowledge. They can look at your property with an objective eye. They can tell you what to do to spruce it up.

You can hire a professional staging company. Your agent can help you find one. They are also known as Accredited Staging Professionals. They can do a consultation or a full service. They often have an inventory of furniture and decor. They will assess your home and give suggestions. Their services can also include the exterior.

Is staging worth it for you?

The numbers show that staging can be a strong advantage. Is it worth it for you? This depends on your timeline and budget. It also depends on the total cost of staging. You should also consider the value it could add to your property. How quickly do you want to sell? What is the local market like?

If you are still wondering, talk to your real estate agent. They know the market. They can tell you if you need to show off your home. They want you to get the most out of selling your home. They want a quick closing at a good price.