The Hidden Costs of Not Staging Your House
Home staging might seem like an unnecessary expense when you’re moving out, but it can actually increase the sales price of your home. If your real estate agent suggests staging, it’s because it’s often worth the investment. According to a 2023 report from the National Association of REALTORS®, 20% of buyers’ agents said that staging increased the offer by 1% to 5%, compared to similar unstaged homes.
Here’s what you should know about staging costs to decide if it’s right for you.
Inside the Numbers
The cost to stage a house varies widely, typically ranging from $300 to $600 for an initial consultation and $500 to $600 per month per staged room. For example, staging a 2,000-square-foot home might run around $2,000 to $2,400 per month. Many stagers require a three-month minimum contract, even if your home sells quickly, bringing total costs to $7,200.
Though staging can be pricey, consider the monthly bills you pay on a vacant home. By helping potential buyers envision themselves in your space through thoughtful decor, staging might be one of the best investments you make.
Factors Influencing Staging Costs
- New Purchases: Sometimes stagers buy new accessories, towels, flowers, or fruit, especially for vacant homes, adding to your costs.
- Furniture Moving: Staging multi-story homes often requires extra help for heavy lifting, increasing expenses.
- Furniture Rentals: Vacant homes may need rental furniture, contributing to staging costs.
- Decluttering: If you have excess items, stagers might suggest storage, adding to costs.
- Painting: A fresh coat of paint for a room can cost around $200 for DIY or $400 to $700 professionally.
Saving Tips
- Focus on Key Areas: Stage the most impactful areas—kitchen, living room, dining room, and master bedroom—to save on costs while still impressing buyers.
- Consultation Only: Opt for a staging consultation instead of full service. This is often more affordable, at around $125 for 90 minutes.
- Agent Advice: Ask your real estate agent for insights. They might suggest decluttering or specific improvements instead of professional staging.
The biggest savings from staging? A faster sale at a higher price, reducing carrying costs and achieving a buyer-ready home.
• Hesitating to stage your house? Read this first.
• The hidden costs of not staging your house
• Stage or skip? How much it really costs.
KATIE WEDGE
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