The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

With more options available to buyers today, making your home stand out is key— and staging can help you do exactly that.

What Is Home Staging?

Home staging isn’t about making your space look ultra-modern or fit for a magazine spread. It’s about creating a warm, move-in ready environment that helps buyers picture themselves living there.

Staging can range from minor updates to more detailed enhancements based on your home’s needs and your budget. Even small changes can have a big impact when it’s time to sell—especially in the current market.

Research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that staged homes tend to sell quicker and for a higher price than homes that aren’t staged at all.

Which Rooms Matter Most?

The good news is you likely don’t need to stage every room in your home to see results. According to NAR, buyers’ agents point to specific spaces that have the most influence when staged (see graph below):

As you can see, agents who are in regular contact with buyers agree—the key areas to stage are the ones where buyers tend to spend most of their time, such as the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen.

This insight can help you focus your efforts, but it’s no substitute for the knowledge and guidance of a local real estate agent.

How an Agent Helps You Decide What You Need To Do

Since agents are familiar with what local buyers are looking for, thanks to their experience with showings and feedback from peers, they can offer tailored advice for your home. That may include:

• Clearing clutter and personal items to make the space feel more neutral

• Rearranging furniture to enhance flow and space

• Adding greenery, updating art, or moving around accessories

Many sellers find this expert input is all the staging help they need. However, if your home requires more significant changes—or it’s vacant and might benefit from rented furnishings—an experienced agent can recommend if bringing in a professional stager is the right call. Keep in mind, as NAR notes:

“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 knowledgeable agent will help you evaluate whether staging is worth the investment based on your goals, the timeline, and how your home compares to others on the market. They'll also factor in current market conditions and buyer expectations at your price point.

Bottom Line

Staging doesn’t need to be extravagant or costly—it just has to help potential buyers feel at home. A skilled agent will guide you in choosing the best approach to make sure your home shines.

Which room in your home do you think will leave the biggest impression?

Let’s walk through your space and discuss what can help it truly stand out.