Staged to Sell

A picture is worth a thousand words and a staged home can be worth thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Staging is the process of arranging your house to show it in the best light and make it easy for prospective buyers to envision themselves living there.

One study showed that staged homes can sell 88% faster than non-staged ones—and can sell for about 20% more.

Empty the House or Stage

Depending on the quality of your furniture, one common question may be whether to clean out a home completely or have it staged. Use the checklist below to see which approach would work best in your situation:

Remove Furnishings If…

• The house will likely be torn down
• Furnishings are worn and outdated
• Rooms are small and hallways are narrow
• Flooring and walls are in prime condition
• Exterior views are incredible
• Wall art is drab or mediocre
• The space feels warm and friendly
• The space will likely need renovation

Stage If…

• The house will likely not be torn down
• You have a few good pieces to work with
• The space feels cavernous without furniture
• Rugs and wall art could help disguise flaws
• Décor could dress up bland views
• Walls could use tasteful artwork
• The space needs color and décor to warm it up
• The space will likely not require renovation

Hiring a Professional Stager

Pricing for a pro varies depending on the size of the home, but a 2,000 square-foot home typically costs around $2,500 per month currently to stage. That price should include an initial design consultation fee, per-room pricing for each month the home is staged, and any extras (e.g. pillows, flowers) purchased.