Home staging: when it pays

Staging pays most when a home is vacant, dated in its furnishings, or priced where buyers compare it with newer homes. Start with the rooms in the first photos: living room, kitchen and primary bedroom. For an occupied home, rearranging and editing what you already own often does most of the work at little cost.
A staged open-concept living room with a staircase and dining area beyond

When should I stage my home?

Vacant homes photograph empty and small, so furniture helps buyers read the space. Occupied homes usually need editing more than new furniture. We tell you which applies at the evaluation, and can recommend stagers our clients have used.

Which rooms matter most?

The living room, the kitchen and the primary bedroom carry most listing photos and most buyer decisions. Then the entry, because it is the first thing a buyer sees in person.

What do sellers say about staging with Rob?

In their Google reviews: "Good advice on staging and what was worth upgrading before listing and what doesn't need to be done" (Bill Letwin) and "had a very keen eye to detail with respect to staging our home for presentation" (Matt Maloney).

Questions and answers

Who pays for staging?

The seller, usually. We agree what is being done and who pays before anything is booked.

How long does staging stay in the house?

Usually until the home is sold firm. The stager removes it after that.

Is staging worth it if I still live in the home?

Often the answer is editing, not new furniture. For an occupied home, rearranging and trimming what you already own does most of the work at little cost. Vacant homes are where staging pays most, because empty rooms photograph small.

Can you recommend a stager?

Yes. We can recommend stagers our clients have used, and we tell you at the evaluation whether your home needs one at all.