With more homes hitting the market, sellers now have an exciting opportunity to shine by making their properties truly stand out. A proven way to do this effectively is through thoughtful home staging, which can help highlight your home’s best features and make a memorable first impression on buyers.

What Is Home Staging?

Home staging isn’t about creating a picture-perfect magazine spread. It’s about crafting a warm, inviting atmosphere that allows buyers to instantly envision themselves living in your space. The goal is to make your home feel welcoming and move-in ready, which could be the deciding factor for buyers choosing between multiple listings.

Staging can vary widely in scope—from simple, cost-effective updates to more comprehensive designs—tailored to your timeline and budget. Even small enhancements can significantly boost your home’s appeal and value in a competitive market.

Research by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) supports this strategy. Their studies consistently show that staged homes not only sell more quickly but often command higher prices than those left unstaged (see below):

Which Rooms Matter Most?

The great news is that you don’t need to stage every room to make a lasting impact. According to NAR, certain key areas have the biggest influence on buyers’ impressions during a showing (see graph below):

As the data indicates, rooms like the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen carry the most weight. These are the spaces where buyers tend to spend the most time—and where well-executed staging can make the strongest emotional connection.

While this offers a strong starting point, nothing beats the insight of a local real estate expert when it comes to staging decisions.

How an Agent Helps You Decide What You Need To Do

Experienced agents understand exactly what buyers in your area are looking for. They gather this knowledge from frequent showings, open houses, and conversations with other professionals in the industry. This allows them to provide tailored advice on where staging will have the biggest return on investment in your specific home.

They might recommend:

- Removing personal items and clutter to create a neutral environment
- Rearranging furniture to improve flow and make rooms appear larger
- Adding greenery, tasteful artwork, or accent pieces to brighten up key spaces

For many sellers, an agent’s guidance may be all that’s needed to stage effectively. However, if your home requires more extensive updates or is currently vacant, your agent might suggest bringing in a professional home stager. While this service comes at a higher cost, it can pay off in terms of faster sales and higher offers. According to NAR:

“The median dollar value spent when using a staging service was $1,500, compared to $500 when the sellers' agent personally staged the home.”

A local agent will help you weigh these options based on your personal goals, budget, and the condition of your home. They’ll also assess how similar homes in your area are performing, helping you position your home competitively in the current market.

Bottom Line

Home staging doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive—it simply needs to help potential buyers feel at home. With the guidance of a knowledgeable local agent, you can make strategic choices that increase your home’s appeal and support a smoother, more successful sale.

Wondering which room in your home will make the biggest impact on buyers?

Schedule a walkthrough with a trusted real estate expert to highlight what makes your home stand out. For personalized staging advice and expert guidance, reach out to Mike Panza and the team at Panza Home Group. They’re here to help you make the most of your home sale. For more information, visit: https://panzarealestate.com/team/mike-panza