An empty house feels cold, dull—maybe even lifeless. Without warmth or personality, it’s hard
to imagine living there. One of the biggest challenges for realtors is helping buyers feel at home
in someone else’s space. That’s where staging comes into play. Staging can not only bring a space
to life, but it can also make buyers fall in love. And according to the National Association of
Realtors, 82% of buyer’s agents said that a staged home helped their clients visualize the
property as their future residence.

When buying a house, you aren’t simply buying a set of walls and land; you’re buying into a
lifestyle, a feeling, a vision. Staging helps buyers see how they would live in the home—they can
picture where the sofa goes, how to use awkward spaces, and imagine their daily routines
unfolding. Staging is not simply placing furniture in a home—it’s storytelling.

Yes, staging is an extra expense that may not seem worth it, but I encourage you to shift the
expense mindset into an investment mindset. On average, sellers spend about 1% of the asking
price on staging, and 75% of sellers see a 5% to 15% increase from the asking price in their
return on investment, according to the Real Estate Staging Association. If you are selling a
million-dollar house, on average, you would spend $10,000 staging the home. But you would
statistically see a return of $50,000 to $150,000 over your asking price. That is a profit margin
you simply can’t ignore! Sellers, not only would your money be well spent, but also your time, as
staged homes sell 88% faster and 20% more frequently than unstaged homes!

That being said, how a home is staged should never be overlooked. Staging is a very powerful
tool that changes perception and value. In a real-world example that proves how much staging
influences buyer perception, two identical two-bedroom apartments were staged, one using the
secondary bedroom as an office and the other as a bedroom. The apartment with the office sold
under the listing price, while the apartment with the secondary bedroom sold over the listing
price, yet the spaces were identical.

When staging, it is important to remember that the goal is to create a template for buyers to fill
in. Focus on areas such as the living room, dining room, kitchen, and primary bedroom—these
are spaces that the buyer will most likely spend the majority of their time in, so it’s vital that they
feel at home in them. Use neutral, cozy elements to create flexible spaces that appeal to larger
audiences. Avoid staging decisions that confuse the layout or function of a room—buyers want
clarity, not questions.

In addition to physical staging, digital tools can also play a key role in a buyer’s perception of a
home. Virtual renderings are powerful tools, especially for showcasing future upgrades, such as a
potential pool in the backyard or interior design templates. When done properly, staging and
renderings guide buyers in picturing the layout of their future home. They create a blank canvas
that feels warm, lively, and full of possibility.

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again: the importance of staging cannot be expressed enough!
Buyers are picky and emotionally driven, even in a seller’s market. Although the house will sell
without staging, it will most likely sell under the asking price and with more concessions,

whereas staged homes require a bit of an investment that almost guarantees a great return.
Staging isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about results. It’s a strategic, proven method to elevate
your home’s appeal, shorten time on the market, and maximize your profit. In today’s competitive
market, standing out matters—and staging is how you do it.

Sell it with style. Sell it with strategy. Sell it with me.

Until next time,
Dee Dee Guggenheim Howes

Sources:
https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/styled-staged-sold/why-staging-matters-even-in-a-sellers-market
https://www.lambandcompany.com/2023/03/why-is-home-staging-so-important/