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Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale by arranging furniture, decor, and accessories to highlight the home’s best features and help potential buyers envision themselves living there. Staging can involve rearranging existing furnishings, bringing in rented furniture, or digitally adding furniture to photos. Staging is a marketing strategy used to make properties more appealing in listing photos and during showings.

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What This Section Covers

Types of Staging

Vacant staging, occupied staging, partial staging, and virtual staging

The Staging Process

What happens from consultation to installation

Costs and ROI

What staging costs and whether it’s worth the investment

Comparing Stagers

Questions to ask and what to look for

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Why Staging Matters

Empty rooms can be difficult for buyers to envision as living spaces. Staged homes help buyers understand room scale, furniture placement possibilities, and how spaces function.According to the National Association of Realtors, 81% of buyers’ agents say staging makes it easier for clients to visualize a property as their future home.
Most home searches begin online. Properties with furnished, professionally photographed rooms generate more interest than empty or cluttered spaces.Staged listings tend to receive more views, more showing requests, and more engagement on listing platforms.
Research suggests staged homes often sell for more than unstaged comparable properties. The Real Estate Staging Association reports that staged homes may sell for 5% to 15% more than unstaged homes.Results vary by market, price point, and staging quality.
Staged homes tend to sell faster than unstaged homes. Properties that photograph well and show well typically generate offers more quickly.Faster sales reduce carrying costs (mortgage, utilities, insurance) and allow sellers to move on sooner.

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What Staging Involves

Stagers assess the property and develop a plan:
  • Walk through property with seller/agent
  • Identify strengths to highlight
  • Note areas needing attention
  • Recommend staging approach
  • Provide cost estimate
Before staging, properties often need:
  • Decluttering and depersonalizing
  • Deep cleaning
  • Minor repairs
  • Paint touch-ups
  • Landscaping and curb appeal improvements
Staging involves arranging furnishings to showcase spaces:
  • Furniture placement for flow and function
  • Artwork and accessories
  • Lighting adjustments
  • Textiles (rugs, pillows, bedding)
  • Plants and greenery
Staging is typically completed before professional listing photos:
  • Staged rooms photographed for MLS and marketing
  • Photos used online, in print materials, and social media
  • Staging remains in place for showings

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Who Uses Staging

Homeowners preparing to sell may hire stagers to maximize their sale price and reduce time on market.Staging is most common for:
  • Vacant properties
  • Higher-priced homes
  • Properties in competitive markets
  • Homes that have been on market without offers
Listing agents may recommend or arrange staging for their clients. Some agents cover staging costs as part of their marketing services.
Real estate investors staging properties before resale to maximize returns. Staging helps buyers see potential in renovated properties.
New construction and model homes are typically staged to help buyers envision finished spaces and understand floor plan possibilities.

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Staging vs Interior Design

FactorHome StagingInterior Design
PurposePrepare property for saleCreate living space for occupant
DurationTemporary (weeks to months)Permanent
AudiencePotential buyersHomeowner/occupant
Style approachBroad appeal, neutralPersonalized to client
FurnitureRented or existingPurchased
GoalSell faster, higher priceFunctional, beautiful living space

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Key Rooms to Stage

According to the National Association of Realtors, the most important rooms to stage are:
  1. Living room (47% of buyers’ agents)
  2. Primary bedroom (43%)
  3. Kitchen (35%)
These rooms have the greatest impact on buyer perception.
After key rooms, consider staging:
  • Dining room
  • Bathrooms
  • Outdoor living spaces
  • Home office
Guest bedrooms and utility spaces (laundry, garage) are considered less important to stage, though clean and organized is still essential.

Find Home Stagers

Research home staging professionals in your area.