Home Staging FAQs: Everything You Should Know

You've probably heard that staging your home can significantly influence its sale, but what exactly does home staging involve, and is it truly worth your time and effort?

Below are some key FAQs to help you decide how much focus to place on staging as you prepare for your move.

What Is Home Staging?
Staging involves arranging and decorating your home to showcase its best features and make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. This can range from simple tweaks to more extensive transformations, depending on your needs and budget.

How Does Staging Help Sell My Home?
Research shows that staging can positively affect your sale. A well-staged home attracts more attention from buyers, which can help it sell faster—and potentially for a higher price—compared to an unstaged property (see visual).

What Are My Staging Options?
Now that you understand its value, let's explore your options. The most common approach is to rely on your real estate agent for guidance. They have firsthand knowledge of what buyers are looking for from attending showings and receiving feedback. This expertise is crucial for getting your home ready for the market.

Basic staging with your agent typically includes:

• Decluttering and depersonalizing by removing personal items and photos
• Arranging furniture to improve room flow and create a sense of space
• Adding plants, moving artwork, or re-arranging accessories

Full-service staging is another option if your home requires more hands-on assistance. This involves hiring a professional stager or company to provide recommendations and carry out the work for you. While more involved, this option can be pricier, as it often includes renting furniture and decor to dramatically transform your space.

How Do I Decide Which Option Is Right For Me?
Not sure which approach to choose? Don’t worry—you won’t have to make that decision alone. Your real estate agent can assess your property and advise on the level of staging that will have the greatest impact.

They will help determine whether professional staging is a wise investment or if you can achieve great results with their advice alone. Some factors they’ll consider include:

• Market Conditions: In a slower market, investing in staging can make your home stand out and appeal to hesitant buyers. In a fast-moving market, you might get by with a simpler approach.
• Your Home’s Condition: If your home is vacant or has an unusual layout, professional staging can help buyers better visualize its potential.
• Your Budget: Speak with your agent about local staging costs. While staging can help a home sell faster, if your budget is tight or your home needs only minor updates, your agent can suggest creative DIY staging ideas to enhance your property.

Final Thoughts
Proper staging can make your home much more attractive to buyers, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each home has unique qualities that can be highlighted in different ways. If you're considering staging, consult with your real estate agent—they are the best resource for determining what your home needs to stand out and sell at the best price.