Is Home Staging Really Necessary Before Selling?

Short answer: Yes—staging is one of the most effective strategies to help your home sell faster and for more money. While strong marketing and competitive pricing are essential, they won’t fully compensate for a home that doesn’t show well in person. First impressions matter—and staging ensures your home

The True Cost of Not Staging

A study by the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) analyzed nearly 170 homes priced between $300,000 and $499,000. The findings were clear: staged homes spent an average of 22 days on the market, while un-staged homes sat for an average of 125 days. That’s more than five times longer.

Now, let’s talk numbers. As of a past market average, the monthly mortgage cost—including principal, interest, property tax, and insurance—was roughly $1,955. If your home sits unsold for 125 days (around four months), that’s close to $8,000 in holding costs. Compare that to just one month of mortgage payments for a staged home, and the value becomes obvious—before even factoring in a higher sale price.

Staged Homes Sell Faster and for More

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has consistently reported that staging increases perceived property value by 10–20%. RESA has also shown that staged homes sell up to 90% faster than those left as-is.

Why does this matter? Because time on the market impacts your bottom line. Homes that sit for too long start to seem undesirable, and price reductions often follow. In contrast, staged homes create urgency among buyers—leading to faster decisions and stronger offers.

Keep Buyer Interest High

Buyers often wonder why a home has been sitting on the market for months. Is it overpriced? Poorly maintained? Is there something wrong that they can’t see from the outside? These doubts grow with every passing week.

Even in an occupied home, long market times can be exhausting. You may find yourself constantly tidying, stepping out for showings, and managing the stress of uncertainty. In a vacant home, each month adds unnecessary mortgage payments. Either way, staging helps reduce that timeline, easing both the financial and emotional burden of selling.

Why Most Buyers Need Help Visualizing

Most people can’t see beyond what’s right in front of them. Studies have shown that only 10% of buyers can visualize a home’s potential when it’s not already well-presented. That’s why staging is so effective—it gives 90% of buyers the perspective they need to imagine the home as their own.

Personal items, excess furniture, and general clutter can all prevent buyers from making that emotional connection. A well-staged space feels welcoming, open, and neutral—giving them room to dream.

Full-Service vs. Light Staging

Full-Service vs. Light Staging

Not all homes require the same level of staging. An experienced real estate professional will help determine what’s most effective for your property and price point.

Light staging might involve organizing, adding accent decor, or refreshing textiles and lighting.
Full staging could include rental furniture and accessories for an empty or sparsely furnished home.

Even with a modest budget, a good stager can make a significant impact.

The Critical Need to Stage Vacant Homes

Empty homes are particularly difficult to sell without staging. Without furniture, spaces appear smaller and less inviting. Buyers tend to rush through showings, unable to visualize how the home would function.

Well-placed furniture brings warmth and scale to a room. It also allows buyers to envision where their own belongings would go. According to PPAR, vacant homes that aren’t staged stay on the market 78% longer than their staged counterparts.

What About a Hot Market?

You might wonder, “Do I really need staging when homes are selling quickly already?” The answer is: maybe not—but it’s still profitable.

Even in fast-moving markets, staged homes consistently sell faster and for higher prices than similar homes that weren’t staged. In some cases, staging leads to multiple offers within days of listing, which creates competition and can drive up your sale price. And if you’re living in the home, even saving a few extra days of showings can make a world of difference.

How Realtors Benefit from Offering Staging

According to RESA, 80% of Realtors will pay for at least a staging consultation. Some offer full staging services for every listing, while others reserve it for more competitive situations.

Whether or not you offer full staging services, covering a consultation ($80–$250 range) can give you an edge during listing presentations. It positions you as a professional who’s willing to invest in selling your client’s home for top dollar. That kind of service stands out—especially in competitive markets.