IS STAGING REALLY WORTH IT?

Should I Stage My Home When I Want to Sell It?

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re probably wondering: Is staging really worth it?
Here’s the honest answer: If you want to sell faster and for more money, staging isn’t optional anymore—it’s a smart investment.

Why Staging Matters

Staging isn’t about decorating—it’s about marketing.
You’re not just selling walls and windows. You’re selling a vision of what life could look like inside that home. When buyers emotionally connect, they act faster—and they’re often willing to pay more.

The numbers back it up:

Staged homes sell up to 73% faster than unstaged homes, according to the Real Estate Staging Association (source).
In Canada, staged homes are reported to sell up to 11 times faster than non-staged properties (source).
Staged homes sell for 5% to 25% more on average (source), with many selling for 15%–20% above list price (source).
81% of buyer agents say staging helps buyers visualize the property as their future home (source).
86% of buyers say staging makes it easier for them to imagine themselves living there (source).

In short: Staging creates emotional buy-in—and emotional buyers pay more.

Where Staging Makes the Biggest Impact

You don’t have to stage every room. Focus on the spaces that matter most to buyers:

Living Room (47% of buyers say it’s the most important room to stage)
Primary Bedroom (43% prioritize it)
Kitchen (35% focus heavily on the kitchen)
(source)

When these rooms are staged properly, buyers start mentally moving in before they even leave the showing.

Is Staging Expensive?

It doesn’t have to be.
In Canada, the cost to stage a vacant home can range between $1,200 and $10,000 depending on size and scope (source).

But here’s what matters:
For every $1 invested in staging, sellers typically see $3 to $4 back in increased sale price (source).

Sometimes full staging is recommended. Other times, simple updates like neutral paint, decluttering, rearranging furniture, and adding a few modern touches can completely transform a home.

When Might You Skip Staging?

There are a few rare cases where staging isn’t as critical:

In an extremely hot seller’s market with very low inventory.
For lower-priced homes where buyers focus mainly on affordability.
If the home is being sold primarily for land value.

Even then, light staging (especially cleaning, decluttering, and freshening the space) can still drive better offers.

Final Word

Staging is one of the smartest moves you can make when selling your home.
It makes your listing stand out, it creates a stronger emotional connection with buyers, and it can help you sell faster—and for more money.

If you’re thinking about selling and want expert advice on what staging would make the biggest impact, we’re here to help.
Reach out today for a customized selling strategy designed to maximize your results.

Posted by Dan Plowman on April 28th, 2025