Is Home Staging Actually Worth It?

Sellers interested in listing their homes have one thing in mind — getting a solid home offer. Of course, this means their homes need to appeal to buyers. Home staging has become standard in the selling process. You can showcase your home's potential by rearranging and swapping out furniture, making minor home improvements, deep cleaning and creating a space where buyers can see themselves living. Sellers might hesitate to hire a staging company for various reasons and you may get away with doing it yourself. So, is home staging really worth it if you want to sell your house? Here's a closer look at the advantages, downsides and possible DIY alternatives.What Are the Benefits of Staging a Home?Home staging is a marketing strategy to showcase the best parts of your home to prospective buyers. It entails refitting your space — furniture, art and other decorative pieces — to elevate your house, create greater functionality and highlight its strengths. Professional stagers may use some of the furniture you already have or bring in their own. The biggest advantage is a higher market value. According to the National Association of Realtors, buyers offered a 1%-5% higher dollar value for homes with staging compared to those without. Twenty-seven percent of seller's agents say homes spend less time for sale when staged well.Professional stagers know what buyers want, paying close attention to the latest trends. For instance, there's been a 144% increase in Google searches for "English country kitchens" in 2024. As such, stagers might highlight warm metallics, rustic finishes and natural wood.Additional benefits of home staging include:Broadening your home's appeal to numerous buyer preferences.Making rooms look and feel more spacious than they are.Creating a more inviting, comfortable atmosphere.Helping modernize your decor to today's design standards.Depersonalizing your home without making it look not-lived-in.Professional home staging also improves high-quality listing photos. Considering most buyers shop for homes online, you want your home's pictures to be as visually appealing as possible to draw people in.Costs of Home StagingStaging your home isn't without costs. You might pay anywhere from $782-$2,841 for staging services without the expense of renting furniture. Suppose you need to rent furniture at $1,500 for five months until you sell — it'll cost you over $7,500 with the service fees. There may be additional expenses for add-ons, such as repainting certain areas or professional photography. Some companies may charge you for outdoor staging, too.There are no guarantees staging will help you sell your home quickly and at a higher price than you're asking. As a result, many homeowners hesitate to spend so much money on staging. Possible Drawbacks of Staging Your HomeWhile staging your home could benefit you, some drawbacks exist. Aside from the cost, homeowners have to do their part to declutter, deep clean and repair anything broken. Staging may also bring out wide-ranging emotions during the selling process. Living among furniture and artwork you don't own could make you feel detached from your space before you're ready. Likewise, you might feel insulted your design choices aren't up to par with buyers' preferences. Of course, staging is nothing personal against you — you only want your home to appeal to the masses. Additionally, you must maintain your staged home, ensuring it remains pristine until you sell. This is often stressful for sellers with young families and busy schedules. Setting aside time each evening to tidy up from the day ensures your home is ready for the next round of potential buyers. Also, a once-over before you leave for work ensures the pillows are perfectly fluffed, linens aren't crinkled and things are in the right place.What to Consider Before Investing in Home StagingThere's much weighing on your decision to stage your home to sell. The potential to earn a higher return on investment is always there — but without guarantees, you might wonder if it's worth hiring professionals to do it right.Ask yourself the following questions to determine if home staging is the best option for you as you prepare to sell your house:What is your budget and can you afford to hire a home stager?What is your timeline for moving? Do you have a window to get a home staging company into your house?What are the current market conditions?Does your style align with today's buyers' preferences?If you're unsure whether to pursue professional home staging services, speak directly with your realtor or a staging company. They can offer insights for making a sounder decision. How to DIY Home StagingHiring a professional is always your best chance at reaping the benefits of home staging. However, there are several minor adjustments you can make to your house on your own to improve your selling experience, such as the following:Putting away some of your personal effects and decluttering surfacesRemoving bulkier furniture pieces Optimizing lighting, including natural lightHanging mirrors in smaller rooms for the illusion of a bigger spaceAdd some greenery or floralsIncorporate fresh linens in the bedrooms and bathroomsReplace dirty welcome mats, bathroom mats, runners and throw rugsPainting dark walls a lighter, neutral colorAccording to a 2022 Zillow survey, 27% of homeowners paint before listing their home, while 74% agree these improvements help them sell.Ultimately, you want your home to shine. Buyers will notice if you deep clean the entire house, including vents, fans and millwork. Finding ways to create roominess in tight places, removing stains and scratches and eliminating foul odors are other ways to prepare your home to sell.Is Staging Your Home the Right Move?Home staging is always a good idea if you plan to sell your house. However, whether you hire a professional staging company or choose to stage it yourself is something to consider. Inquiring with experts and factoring in budget and market trends is essential to making the right choice. At the end of the day, you want the biggest bang for your buck.