Home staging can make a big difference for sellers by attracting serious buyers and potentially increasing offers. According to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) 2025 report on home staging trends, 17% of buyer’s agents said that staging increased the offer value by 1% to 5%, while 41% noted it did not significantly impact the dollar amount offered.
However, hiring a professional home stager isn’t always affordable. The NAR report found that the median cost of staging services is around $1,500. If the seller’s agent staged the home themselves, the cost was typically around $500.
Still, staging experts say there are simple and cost-effective actions homeowners can take themselves to make their property more appealing. This includes removing personal photographs, clearing countertops, and creating a pleasant scent throughout the home.
Living Room Makeover
Start by decluttering the space. Take down personal photographs, as suggested by Kishah Langham, a home stager in Houston and Texas state president of the Real Estate Staging Association. Decluttering helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space.
If you have pets, be sure to freshen up the room. Rearranging the furniture to create a more spacious, open flow can make the living room feel larger and more inviting.
“Make sure to update all the lighting in the living room, and ensure that the bulbs in lamps and ceiling fixtures match,” Langham advised. Lighting plays a key role in setting the mood and showcasing the room.
Once the space feels open and smells fresh, add some decorative touches. Consider enhancing the walls with tasteful artwork and introducing pops of color in throw pillows or area rugs.
Gabrielle Hamill recommends incorporating large-scale art to create a sense of elegance and grandeur. To add coziness, she suggests using throw pillows, blankets, and houseplants in warm colors and textured fabrics.
Elevate the Bedroom Experience
Both Hamill and Langham emphasize the importance of a clean, inviting bedroom. Start by tidying up and updating the bedding. Langham encourages homeowners to invest in high-quality sheets and pillows for display purposes.
Declutter the closet, remove personal photos, clean carpets, and ensure the room is well-lit. Hamill suggests placing a mirror in a dark corner to reflect light and avoid using any sharp-edged furniture or accessories.
Bathroom Preparation
Langham advises removing all personal items, storage containers, and cleaning supplies from the bathroom before thoroughly cleaning it—or hiring a professional if your budget allows.
After cleaning, neatly roll up white towels to place on the counters. Drape clean hand towels over the towel rack for a spa-like feel. Hamill suggests using colorful or patterned towels to add a pop of personality, but recommends keeping the primary set white for a more luxurious look.
He also suggests adding fresh flowers in a vase, a new soap bar or dispenser, and even replacing your shower curtain with a clean, white cotton one for a polished finish.
Kitchen Staging Tips
Just like the bathroom, the kitchen should be spotless. Clean all surfaces thoroughly and consider hiring a professional if needed. Langham recommends organizing the contents of the refrigerator and removing anything from the front of it, like magnets or notes.
Keep countertop appliances such as toasters or blenders out of sight to make the area feel less cluttered. Add simple decor like a bowl of fruit or a cutting board with a small potted plant.
“Why use fruit?” Langham explained. “It’s visually appealing, and it avoids triggering any food allergies someone might have.”
Don’t Forget the Basement
Even if the basement isn’t fully finished, it should still be staged. Follow the same process used in the living room: tidy up, rearrange furniture, and create an open and clean atmosphere.
If there’s a musty smell, consider using a dehumidifier to freshen up the air. Let in as much natural light as possible by opening curtains or blinds. Lastly, ensure there are no clothes or personal items cluttering the space—especially if the basement doubles as a bedroom or living area.
Conclusion
Home staging doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little effort and attention to detail, homeowners can significantly increase their property’s appeal and make a lasting impression on buyers. Focus on cleanliness, lighting, and neutralizing the space to help buyers visualize the home as their own.
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