With more homes on the market, buyers now have greater choices when it comes to making their next move. That means it’s important to be intentional about how your home is presented — and staging can be a powerful tool to help you stand out.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging isn’t about turning your space into something out of a design magazine. It’s about creating a warm, inviting environment that helps potential buyers easily imagine themselves living there.
Staging can range from simple, budget-friendly adjustments to more comprehensive design work, depending on your goals. Even small efforts can go a long way in making your home more appealing—and ultimately more competitive—in today’s market.
In fact, a recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that staged homes tend to sell faster and for a higher price than homes that aren’t staged at all.
Which Rooms Matter Most?
The best part? You likely don’t need to stage your entire home to see results. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyers’ agents say staging has the biggest impact in a few key areas (see graph below).
As you’ll notice, the top rooms to focus on are the ones where buyers tend to spend the most time—like the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen. These spaces play a big role in helping buyers picture themselves living in the home.
While this gives you a helpful starting point, keep in mind that nothing beats the insight of a knowledgeable local agent. They can guide you on where staging will have the greatest return based on your specific home and market.
How an Agent Helps You Decide What You Need To Do
Real estate agents know exactly what buyers in your area are looking for—because they hear it firsthand during showings, open houses, tours, and conversations with other agents. That insight is incredibly valuable when it comes to getting your home market-ready.
Your agent can walk through your home and pinpoint the areas where a bit of staging can make a real difference. That might include things like:
- Decluttering and depersonalizing (think removing family photos and personal items)
- Rearranging furniture to improve flow and make rooms feel more spacious
- Adding plants, artwork, or adjusting accessories to create a fresh, inviting vibe
For many sellers, this kind of expert advice is all the staging help they need. But if your home could use a more significant makeover—or it’s vacant and might benefit from rented furniture — your agent can also recommend whether bringing in a professional stager makes sense.
Just keep in mind that full-service staging typically comes with a higher price tag. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
“The median dollar value spent when using a staging service was $1,500, compared to $500 when the seller’s agent personally staged the home.”
A great local agent will help you weigh the pros and cons based on your budget, timeline, and how your home compares to others on the market. They’ll also consider what buyers expect at your price point and how quickly homes like yours are selling nearby.
Bottom Line
You don’t need to spend a fortune or go all-out with staging—what matters most is creating a space that feels welcoming and helps buyers picture themselves living there.
A great agent will work with you to determine the right level of staging based on your goals, your home, and what buyers in your area are looking for.
So, what room in your home do you think would make the biggest impression on a buyer?
Let’s take a walk through your space together and talk about simple, effective ways to make it shine.
