When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. Potential buyers often decide within seconds of walking through the door whether they feel a connection to the property. This is where home staging can play a pivotal role. By presenting your home in the best possible light, staging can help increase its appeal, resulting in faster sales and often at higher prices. But while you may already understand its value, the question remains: how much does home staging cost and is it worth the investment?
Let’s dive into the details so you’ll know how to budget for staging and decide whether it’s the right move for your home sale.
What Is Home Staging and Why Does It Matter?
Home staging is the art of preparing your home for sale by presenting it in its best possible light. This process involves arranging furniture, adding decor, and sometimes making minor repairs or improvements to make your home more attractive to buyers.
Why does it matter? A staged home creates a great first impression, helping potential buyers envision themselves living there. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that 82% of buyers’ agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize a property as their future home. Another bonus: staged homes sell faster and often at higher prices than those that are unstaged.
If selling your home quickly and at the best price is your goal, staging could be the secret weapon you’ve been looking for.
How Much Does Home Staging Cost? The Breakdown
While the final costs depends on a myriad of factors, the average cost for home staging is usually between $1,500 and $3,000. For a mid-sized home, expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000 for comprehensive professional staging, with higher costs for larger properties or more demanding markets.
Here’s a breakdown of typical costs to give you an idea of what you might spend.
Initial Consultation
Most home stagers charge an upfront consultation fee, typically ranging from $200 to $600. During this phase, the stager visits your property, evaluates what needs to be done, and provides a game plan for the staging process.
Partial Staging for Occupied Homes
Partial home staging (common when you’re still living in your home) usually costs between $800 and $3,000. This price includes using your existing furniture with the addition of small decor items like art, rugs, or lamps that your stager might provide.
Full Staging for Vacant Homes
Vacant properties require full staging, with furniture rentals adding to the cost. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 or more depending on the number of rooms and the months you’ll need the furniture.
Monthly Furniture Rental Fee
If your home needs staged furniture, you’ll likely have to pay monthly rental fees. Costs typically range from $500 to $2,000 per month.
Premium Staging Services
For luxury homes requiring high-end furniture and designer touches, the cost of staging can go up to $10,000 or more.
Keep in mind that stagers may also offer package deals based on your home’s size and your specific needs.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Home Staging
The cost of home staging isn’t one-size-fits-all. A variety of factors can influence how much you’ll pay, including the size of your property, the level of staging required, and the professional expertise of your stager.
1. Size of the Home
Bigger homes require more furniture, decor, and effort to stage—making them cost more to prep compared to smaller properties. A 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home will likely cost more to stage than a 1-bedroom condo.
2. Condition of the Property
If your home is already well-maintained, you might only need light staging, like re-arranging furniture or adding some fresh flowers. However, if your property needs repairs, painting, or updated furniture, the cost of staging will increase.
3. Extent of Staging Required
Are you living in the home and just need a few finishing touches? Or is it a vacant property that requires an entire house worth of furniture? Vacant properties typically cost more to stage because stagers will need to rent and bring in all the furniture and decor.
4. Professional Expertise
Staging costs also vary depending on the professional you hire. Established stagers with an excellent track record may charge more for their services, but their expertise could translate to a quicker sale or a higher selling price.
Tips to Stage Your Home Without Breaking the Bank
Not every homeowner has thousands to spend on professional staging, but that doesn’t mean you can’t present your home beautifully. Here are some cost-effective alternatives to achieve great results:
Declutter and Clean Thoroughly
The simplest (and most affordable) way to improve your home’s appeal is to clear out the clutter. Clean surfaces, remove personal items and store unnecessary furniture to create a tidy, spacious vibe.
DIY Staging
Take a DIY approach by rearranging furniture for better flow, adding throw pillows and blankets for texture, and borrowing neutral decor from friends or family.
Focus on Key Areas
If you’re on a budget, prioritize staging high-impact areas like the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom—these are the spaces that buyers care about most.
Borrow Instead of Rent
If you need extra furniture, consider borrowing from friends or family instead of renting. It’s a cost-effective way to achieve the look you’re going for without more expenses.
Consider Virtual Staging
If you’re selling a vacant property on a budget, virtual staging can be a cost-effective solution. It allows you to showcase furnished photos online without the expense of physical furniture rentals. Costs can range from $75 to $150 per photo, making it an affordable option.
Work with a Stager for Consultation Only
Hire a professional stager for the initial consultation and execute their recommendations yourself. This reduces costs while still giving you expert guidance.
You can leverage these tips to improve your home’s appeal while keeping staging costs manageable.
Create a Lasting Impression and Sell Your Home Faster
Selling a home can be tricky, but staging gives you an edge by highlighting your property’s best features. Whether you choose DIY or hire professionals, the benefits of staging—higher offers, quicker sales, and a better experience for buyers—are hard to ignore. With buyers spending just 7 seconds to form a first impression, staged homes often hold the competitive edge.
Ready to make the move into a new home? Check out SummerHill Homes. We have several new home communities throughout the Bay Area. Visit us online at SummerHillHomes.com to view our new home communities, available homes, virtual tours, and more.