You’ve probably seen it on real estate shows: a house goes from lived-in to magazine-worthy in a matter of hours, complete with artfully placed throw pillows and bowls of lemons. But is home staging just a HGTV-inspired trend, or does it actually help you sell your home for more?

According to a growing body of data, staging isn’t just about looks — it’s a proven pricing and marketing strategy. Whether you're prepping to list your home or helping a loved one navigate the process, here's what buyers and sellers should know about staging, ROI, and when it’s worth the investment.

🛋️ What Exactly Is Home Staging?

Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale by arranging furniture, decor, and lighting to highlight its best features and help potential buyers imagine themselves living there.

Staging can involve:

• Decluttering and deep cleaning
• Renting furniture or artwork
• Styling rooms to create a specific mood
• Removing highly personal items (like family photos)
• Enhancing curb appeal and lighting

The goal is simple: make the home feel more appealing, spacious, and move-in ready.

📊 What the Research Says

According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2023 Profile of Home Staging:

• 58% of buyers’ agents said staging affected a buyer’s view of the home
• 81% said it made it easier for buyers to visualize the property as a future home
• On average, staging added 1% to 5% to the final sale price, depending on the market and property

For a $400,000 home, that could mean an extra $4,000 to $20,000 in value.

Even better? Homes that are staged tend to sell faster. A study by the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) found that staged homes spend 73% less time on the market compared to un-staged ones.

💸 What Does Staging Cost?

Staging isn’t free — but it’s often more affordable than many sellers assume. Typical options include:

• Consultation only: $150–$500 for advice on DIY improvements
• Occupied home staging: $800–$2,500 for rearranging existing furniture and light styling
• Vacant home staging: $2,000–$5,000+ for full furniture rental and setup, depending on home size and duration

Virtual staging — where photos are digitally enhanced — is an emerging low-cost alternative, starting around $30 per photo. It's useful for online listings but won’t help with in-person showings.

🏘️ When Is Staging Worth It?

Staging tends to pay off most in these scenarios:

• Your home is vacant and lacks warmth or scale
• The layout is unusual or hard to visualize
• You’re in a competitive market with lots of listings
• The home has dated finishes but you want to offset them with modern style

However, staging may not be necessary if:

• Your home is already well-designed and clutter-free
• You’re selling a tear-down or fixer-upper
• The market is extremely hot and homes are selling sight unseen

✅ DIY vs. Professional: What's the Right Move?

You don’t have to hire a pro to get staging benefits. Many sellers can make a big impact by:

• Decluttering surfaces and closets
• Neutralizing colors and decor
• Adding fresh flowers or greenery
• Rearranging furniture to open up space and improve flow

That said, if you’re overwhelmed or short on time, bringing in a professional can reduce stress and boost your return on investment.

🔍 Use Data to Back Your Strategy

At Eppraisal, we believe smart selling decisions start with data. Before you stage, it’s important to understand how much your home is currently worth, and how that compares to similar properties in your area — especially staged versus un-staged listings.

Our free AVM tool gives you a quick, accurate snapshot of your home's estimated value, so you can decide whether staging might help you bump it up even further.

🧭 Bottom Line: Staging Is About Selling a Lifestyle

Buyers don’t just purchase homes — they buy into the feeling a space gives them. Staging helps create that emotional connection that can lead to stronger offers and faster closings. If your goal is to maximize your sale price, a little investment upfront can go a long way.

Curious how your home stacks up before you list? Get a free home valuation at Eppraisal.com — and start prepping your sale with insight, not guesswork.