Is Staging Your Home Worth the Time and Money?

By Seychelle Van Poole

Seychelle is a specialist in meeting the needs of sellers and buyers, and serves as the Team Director for Van Poole Properties Group. Being named Top 30 Under 30 by the National Association of Realtors for 2011, Seychelle is an expert negotiator, marketing and sales analyst, and is dedicated to making the buying and selling process stress-free and enjoyable.

Imagine a buyer scrolling through endless home listings online. When they see your home, does it stand out? Or is it one of those listings they just scroll past?

Staging could be the key to catching a buyer’s eye, helping them imagine a life in your home—and, in return, allowing them to offer you a higher price.

Why staging matters. Selling a home is all about making an impression. Buyers who walk into a beautifully staged home aren’t thinking about minor flaws. Instead, they feel a warm, inviting space that feels like home. Staging isn’t about covering up flaws—it’s about showing your home’s potential and creating that emotional connection for buyers.

Staging doesn’t have to break the bank or feel overwhelming. Here are three effective staging methods:

1. Editing and decluttering with a designer. Sometimes, all it takes is a little “editing.” An interior designer can help simplify your decor, removing personal items and extra clutter to create a clean, neutral look that appeals to a broad audience. The potential buyer should feel they are walking into a just-right space—warm, inviting, and ready to be photographed beautifully.

2. Virtual staging for vacant homes. Selling an empty home? Virtual staging can add a lot of value without physical furnishings. A designer will digitally add stylish furniture to photos of your home, giving buyers a clear idea of how the space can look when it’s furnished. It’s affordable and effective.

3. Full staging with rented furniture. If you’re ready to go all in, renting furniture to stage your home is an excellent choice. Yes, it’s a bigger investment, typically 1% to 2% of your sales price, but it can pay off big time. This type of staging transforms a home from a space into a welcoming one. Buyers focus on the beauty of a fully staged home rather than minor imperfections.

The financial upside of staging. Staging isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a proven investment. Many sellers who stage see a two-to-one return on their investment. Imagine spending a few thousand dollars and getting up to 7% more on your sale price. Staging doesn’t just make a home look beautiful; it helps create that “wow” moment for buyers.

Planning for future sales. Even if you’re not selling right now, it’s never too early to prepare for a future sale. If you’re updating furniture or redecorating, consider choices that might also appeal to potential buyers down the road. A quick consultation with a designer can ensure that today’s choices will benefit you in the future.

Let’s make your home the one that buyers can’t resist. Staging can be the perfect finishing touch that sets your listing apart. If you’re ready to see how staging could work, contact me at (469) 231-1662 or seychelle@vanpoole.com for a no-obligation consultation. I’m here to ensure your home shines in the market and gets you the best return possible.