How Much Does It Cost to Stage a Home?

Buying a home is an emotional decision as much as a financial one. In a market where buyers are already stretching their limits, the last thing they want is a property that feels like a to-do list. Move-in ready homes stand out because they offer something buyers crave—effortlessness. A well-presented home signals that they can settle in right away without worrying about repairs or renovations.

This is where home staging makes a real impact. It’s more than just arranging furniture; it’s about creating a space that feels inviting and easy to picture as home. Thoughtful staging highlights a property’s best features, minimizes distractions, and helps buyers connect with the space. In a competitive market, that connection can mean the difference between a home that lingers and one that sells quickly.

Of course, some sellers hesitate to consider staging because of the added expense. How much does it cost to stage a home? Is it really worth the investment? We’ll break down factors that go into the cost to stage a home, what to expect, and how staging can ultimately pay off.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Stage a Home

Scope of Staging

The level of staging required is a primary cost driver. A simple consultation where a stager offers advice on decluttering and rearranging existing furniture will naturally be less expensive than a full-scale staging that involves furnishing an empty home. The average cost to stage a home can vary depending on the approach:

• Consultation Only: This involves a stager visiting the property and providing recommendations on how to improve its presentation. Costs are typically for the consultant’s time.
• Partial Staging: This might include decluttering, rearranging existing furniture, and adding a few key pieces of décor or accessories. Costs here include the consultant’s time and potentially the rental or purchase of a few items.
• Full Staging (Vacant Home): This is the most comprehensive and expensive option, as it involves furnishing the entire home with rented furniture, artwork, and accessories. Costs include furniture rental and labor for setup and takedown.

Size and Layout of the Home

Larger homes naturally require more furniture and décor, leading to higher staging costs. The layout also plays a role. Homes with multiple stories or unusual floor plans may require additional labor for moving furniture and creative solutions for maximizing space.

Furniture Rental

For vacant homes, furniture rental is a significant expense. Rental costs vary depending on the style, quality, and quantity of furniture needed. Stagers often have minimum rental periods, typically around three months, even if the home sells faster.

Labor Costs

Labor costs include moving furniture, setting up the staging, and removing it after the sale. If specialized moving equipment or additional labor is required (for example, in a multi-story building), these costs will increase.

Accessories and Décor

Beyond furniture, staging often includes the purchase or rental of accessories like artwork, plants, towels, and decorative items. These small touches can make a big difference in how buyers perceive the home.

Cleaning and Repairs

Before staging, the home should be thoroughly cleaned, and any necessary repairs should be addressed. While not strictly staging costs, these expenses contribute to the overall preparation of the home for sale. This may include painting, carpet cleaning, or minor repairs.

Location

The cost to stage a home for sale can vary depending on the location. In major metropolitan areas, where the cost of living and doing business is higher, staging services will generally be more expensive.

Time of Year

Some staging elements might have seasonal pricing. For example, staging outdoor spaces in warmer months might incur additional expenses.

DIY vs. Professional Staging

While DIY staging can save money, it may lack the expertise and polish of professional staging. Professionals have an eye for design and understand what buyers are looking for. However, homeowners can save by handling some tasks themselves, such as decluttering, cleaning, and making minor repairs. A consultation with a professional stager, followed by DIY implementation of their recommendations, can be a cost-effective compromise.

How Much Does It Cost to Stage a Home for Sale?

If you’re wondering, how much does it cost to stage a home? It’s tough to give an exact figure for the cost to stage a home because so many variables are at play. However, to give you a general idea, staging costs can range from a few hundred dollars for a simple consultation to several thousand dollars for a fully staged home. A consultation-only option, where a stager assesses the home and provides recommendations without physically rearranging or adding furniture, is the most budget-friendly choice. If sellers prefer more hands-on help, partial staging—which includes rearranging existing furniture, adding décor, and styling advice—typically costs between $500 and a few thousand dollars. For a fully staged home, where furniture, artwork, and accessories are rented and arranged for a polished, move-in-ready look, the average cost to stage a home can easily climb to $10,000 or more, particularly in high-cost-of-living areas or for larger, luxury properties.

Is Staging Worth the Cost?

While staging is an expense, many real estate professionals believe it offers a strong return on investment. Studies suggest that staged homes can sell for 1% to 5% more than comparable homes that are not staged. For a $350,000 home, that translates to a potential increase of $3,500 to $17,500. In some cases, particularly in competitive markets, the return can be even higher, potentially doubling or tripling the staging investment.

Ultimately, the decision to stage a home depends on various factors, including the seller’s budget, local market conditions, and the potential return on investment. Consulting with a real estate agent is a critical first step, as they can provide market-specific advice and help determine if staging is the right strategy for a particular property.

Thinking about selling your home and wondering, how much does it cost to stage a home? At REMAX, we help you maximize your home’s value with expert staging guidance that attracts buyers and speeds up your sale. Contact us today to get a personalized strategy that fits your budget.