The expenses involved in preparing a home for sale vary widely and aren’t the same for everyone. They can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on factors such as the home’s size and location, and whether you decide to rent furniture or artwork, handle the staging yourself, or hire an expert to do it for you.
Crucial Points to Note About Staging Costs
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Staged homes usually attract buyers more quickly and may even receive offers up to 5% higher than non-staged homes.
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Focusing on key areas like the living room and kitchen can help reduce costs while boosting buyer appeal.
The cream-colored home sits on a street in the Countryside community of Pasadena, Florida, according to David Hall from CoStar.
What Does Home Staging Involve?
When you’re selling your home and want to make it more attractive to buyers and increase competition, home staging plays a crucial role. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a decorator to enhance your space, staging helps highlight your home’s best features.
“People hire home stagers to showcase their homes and potentially secure a better selling price,” explained Charlotte Brooks of House Finch Realty in Cold Spring, New York. “In upscale property listings, stagers help buyers visualize how to use the space and appreciate features like scenic views or grand fireplaces.”
How Expensive Is It to Stage a Home?
According to a HomeAdvisor data report, the cost of staging services ranges from $837 to $2,924, with an average of $1,844. Brooks adds, “The final price can vary greatly depending on how extensive the staging is and whether it includes luxury elements like high-end furniture or artwork.”
Comparing Staging Costs to Potential Profit
Staging a home to make it warm and welcoming can significantly increase its selling price. The 2023 Home Staging Report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights several key benefits:
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Faster Sales: 27% of sellers’ agents observed a shorter time on the market.
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Higher Offers: Staged homes often received offers exceeding the list price by up to 5%.
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Buyer Connection: 81% of buyer’s agents said staging helped buyers envision the property as their future home.
Estimating Your Return on Investment
Although there’s no exact formula for how staging will impact your home’s final sale price, NAR data suggests a possible price boost of 1% to 5%. You can estimate your return by subtracting staging costs from your increased sale price.
Example:
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Listing Price: $450,000
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Staging Cost: $2,000
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Selling Price: $472,500
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Profit Increase: $20,500
Key Factors That Influence Staging Costs
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Level of Assistance Needed:
A full staging service will cost more than a consultation. -
DIY Staging:
You can save money by staging with your own furniture, possibly with input from a professional. This approach is budget-friendly but time-consuming, especially if you have children or pets to consider. -
Occupied vs. Vacant Home:
Stagers can use your existing furniture, but may recommend removing personal items like family photos. This might require renting storage for your belongings. -
Rental Costs:
Renting furniture and artwork can raise your expenses. According to the Home Staging Institute, staging can cost between 0.5% to 2% of your home’s listing price. For a $500,000 property, that’s up to $10,000. -
Your Home’s Location:
Staging costs vary by region. For example:-
Hudson Valley near NYC: ~$5,000
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Mill Valley near San Francisco: up to $8,000
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Furniture Rentals:
The cost to furnish a single room can range from $500 to $600, according to The Staging Company in Florida and Texas.
Exploring Staging Alternatives
Many real estate photography companies offer virtual staging as a cost-effective option. Brooks shares, “If there’s a fireplace in a photo, I always include a digital fire. We disclose that the image is virtually staged, and most buyers are familiar with the concept.”
Tips to Cut Staging Costs
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Start with Deep Cleaning: You can clean yourself to avoid extra charges.
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Fix Minor Issues: Repair anything noticeable that might put off buyers.
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Declutter: Keep your home tidy and minimal.
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Prioritize Key Rooms: Focus on staging the living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom.
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Seek Advice: Ask your stager or real estate agent for affordable staging ideas.
Brooks’ DIY Staging Advice
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Remove personal photos and excess decor.
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Reduce closet contents by 30% to highlight storage.
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Rearrange or repurpose your furniture.
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Clean every room, including outdoor areas.
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Start with the rooms buyers care about most.
Budget-Friendly Staging Options
You don’t need expensive furnishings to make a strong impression. Consider:
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Shopping at thrift stores for gently used items.
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Borrowing furniture or decor from friends and family.
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Using inexpensive props or a fresh coat of paint on existing pieces.
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Virtual staging for online listings.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a home stager can elevate your home’s presentation, speed up the sale, and attract better offers. While full-service staging can be pricey, alternatives like DIY and virtual staging allow for flexibility. Focus on key rooms, research staging companies, and ask about free consultations to keep your staging costs manageable.
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