To Stage or Not to Stage? That is the Question

When you list your home for sale, it becomes a product rather than your personal retreat. You want potential homebuyers to be able to envision themselves living in the home, which can be difficult if your family's personality is still evident. Before going on the market, your agent will recommend decluttering and depersonalizing, but you may also want to bring in a professional stager to help guide you through showing your home in its most marketable light.

When done correctly, staging can not only set the right emotional tone for buyers, but also help highlight the most attractive features of the home. Staging can potentially make you money too: 77% of listing agents said a well-staged environment increases the dollar value buyers are willing to offer, according to the National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Staging.
Staging can also shorten the length of time your home is on the market, with agents reporting that their staged homes were going under contract faster than those without.

A professional stager will typically begin with an in-home consultation, where they will walk through your home with you, review the property, and provide a report with their advice for the home.
The report may include:

  • Decluttering and storing items

  • Reorganizing furniture placement

  • Changing paint colors

  • Tips to improve curb appeal

The most commonly staged rooms are:

  • Living room

  • Kitchen

  • Master bedroom

  • Dining room

Depending on what your home needs, and whether you want to do the work yourself or hire it done, your stager could assist with:

  • Bringing in furniture or décor

  • Managing painting or contractor work

  • Providing hands-on help preparing your home to hit the market

Cost of services will vary depending on how much assistance your home will need. Contact your Realtor® for a list of recommended home stagers today to get started!