First impressions matter in real estate—80% of buyers decide on a home within moments of stepping inside. Home staging helps showcase a property’s best features, making it feel inviting and move-in ready.
Why Home Staging Matters
Home staging strategically arranges furniture and décor to appeal to buyers, allowing them to envision themselves in the space. Professional staging can be more effective, potentially increasing a home’s value by 1% to 5%, and reducing listing time on the market.
Cost of Home Staging
Staging costs vary based on home size, luxury level, and whether you DIY or hire a professional. Luxury staging ranges from $600 to $6,000, while typical vacant home staging can fall between $200 and $12,500. Investing in staging often results in quicker sales and higher offers.
Bedrooms: Consider investing in fresh bedding, remove clutter from the closets, and keep the decor simple. Mirrors can help create the illusion of more space and light.
DIY vs. Professional Staging
DIY staging can save money but may lack the impact of professional services. Stagers understand buyer psychology and can objectively enhance your home’s appeal. If opting for DIY, focus on decluttering and highlighting key features.
Room-by-Room Tips
Living Room: Declutter, optimize furniture arrangement, and use soft lighting.
Kitchen: Keep surfaces clear, update small fixtures, and opt for neutral decor.
Bedrooms: Fresh bedding, minimal decor, and mirrors can enhance space.
Bathroom: Declutter, add fresh towels, and incorporate calming elements.
Common Staging Mistakes
Avoid over-personalization, neglecting curb appeal, and poor lighting. Buyers should feel welcomed by the space.
Over-personalization: A frequent common staging error is leaving too many personal items around. Buyers want to imagine themselves in your home, so removing family photos and personal decor is key.
Ignoring Curb Appeal: Neglecting the exterior is a big mistake. Curb appeal is the first thing buyers see, and if it’s lacking, they may not even enter. Tidy up the yard, add a few potted plants, or paint the front door to make a strong first impression.
Poor Lighting Choices: Lighting plays a huge role in buyer perception. Why homes don’t sell after staging is sometimes linked to poor lighting. Make sure every room is well-lit with natural light, lamps, and overhead lighting to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Virtual Staging Option
Virtual staging digitally enhances home photos, offering a cost-effective alternative, though physical staging often has a stronger and more immediate impact.
§ Related: Home Staging 101: How To Sell Your House Faster
Final Checklist Before Selling
Ensure minor repairs are completed, rooms are clean and well-lit, and add thoughtful details like fresh flowers to create an inviting atmosphere.
Staging is a powerful tool that helps homes sell faster and at better prices—whether done yourself or professionally, it’s an investment worth considering.
-adapted from from article by Sharlene Mascarenhas published in Zoocasa
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