The Economics of Home Staging
Does Home Staging Really Work?
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes sell for 6-25% more than unstaged homes on average. The NAR 2023 Profile of Home Staging found that 81% of buyer agents said staging made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as their future home [1]. The investment typically ranges from $1,500 to $10,000 depending on the home size and market.
The ROI of Staging
The Real Estate Staging Association reports that staged homes spend 73% less time on the market compared to unstaged homes. For every $100 invested in staging, the potential return is $400-$1,000 in increased sale price. This makes staging one of the highest-ROI pre-sale investments available to sellers [2].
What Professional Staging Includes
Professional staging typically involves decluttering, rearranging furniture, adding decorative elements, improving lighting, and enhancing curb appeal. Full-service staging for an occupied home averages $2,000-$6,000, while vacant home staging ranges from $3,000-$10,000 depending on size and number of rooms.
DIY vs Professional Staging
Sellers on a budget can achieve significant results with DIY staging: deep cleaning, decluttering, painting walls neutral colors, removing personal items, and improving lighting. These steps cost little but can have a major impact. However, professional stagers bring expertise in spatial design and buyer psychology that often justifies their cost.