If you're preparing to sell your home, you’ve probably asked yourself: Is staging really worth it?

Staging—whether it’s full-scale or just a strategic refresh—can absolutely influence how buyers perceive your home, how quickly it sells, and how much it ultimately sells for. But like any investment, it's important to weigh the benefits against the costs and consider your specific home, price point, and market.

At Go With Ro, we help sellers make smart, strategic choices that lead to smooth, profitable sales. So let’s dive into the pros and cons of staging—and help you decide what’s right for you.

1. Will Staging Make My Home Sell Faster?

Whether or not home staging speeds up the sale process is a question many sellers ask—and the answer is nuanced.

According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) 2023 Profile of Home Staging, 48% of sellers' agents reported that staging decreased the time a property spent on the market. That number is down from 62% in 2017, signaling a shift in either perception or the impact of staging in different market conditions. The same report showed that 81% of buyers’ agents said staging made it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home—highlighting one of staging’s undeniable strengths: it helps create an emotional connection.

Still, it's important to note that even the experts don't present a clear consensus. A 2023 article from The Wall Street Journal pointed out that while agents generally believe staged homes sell faster and for more money, solid, quantifiable evidence of return on investment is still limited. And as staging has become more common, its role as a differentiator has arguably diminished in some markets.

In our experience at the Go With Ro team, the truth is that it depends. Staging isn't a magic fix or a guarantee that your home will sell faster—but in many cases, it can be a powerful strategy. We've seen thoughtfully staged homes move more quickly, especially when they highlight the property’s strengths and target the right buyer demographic. It’s one of many tools we use, and the key is knowing when—and how—to use it.

2. Will Staging Increase My Sale Price?

The 2023 NAR study found that 20% of sellers’ agents reported an increase of 1% to 5% in the dollar value offered by buyers for staged homes, while 14% said staging increased the value between 6% and 10%. That’s a meaningful potential return — especially in higher-end markets — but it's important to note that 39% of agents said staging had no impact on price, which suggests that the benefit can vary widely depending on factors like location, buyer demand, and the condition of the home.

In a hot market, where demand outpaces supply, staging may not dramatically affect sale price — homes might sell above asking with or without it. But in a more balanced or competitive market, well-executed staging can help your home stand out, justify your asking price, and support stronger offers by making the space feel move-in ready and aspirational.

Staging can be especially impactful for vacant homes, where buyers may struggle to visualize layout and scale, and for luxury listings, where presentation expectations are higher and emotional appeal is often a driving factor in buyer decision-making.

3. Where does staging have the biggest impact?

Certain rooms have a bigger impact on the buyer’s decision-making process, and staging these areas can yield the highest return on investment. Here are the most important rooms to stage, according to industry professionals and data:

LIVING ROOM

The living room is often one of the first rooms buyers see when entering a home, and it sets the tone for the rest of the property. According to NAR’s 2023 Profile of Home Staging, living rooms are among the top rooms that influence a buyer’s first impression. Staging this space can showcase its function and flow, making it feel inviting and spacious.

KITCHEN

The kitchen is another room where staging makes a significant impact. It’s a central hub in most homes and often a key decision-maker for buyers. A staged kitchen highlights its layout, available counter space, and storage. Homes with updated kitchens or those with older kitchens but strong potential often benefit the most from staging.

In fact, a 2019 Zillow study found that homes with updated kitchens can sell for up to $15,000 more than similar homes with older kitchens, making it a prime space for staging if there are any cosmetic upgrades that can be made.

PRIMARY BEDROOM

Buyers want to see how the primary bedroom can fit their needs, and staging this room allows them to envision themselves in the space. NAR’s 2023 staging report revealed that primary bedrooms were among the top three rooms that benefit from staging, with 69% of buyer’s agents reporting that staging a master bedroom helped buyers visualize it as a comfortable, relaxing space.

BATHROOMS

Though bathrooms are often smaller spaces, they can still benefit from strategic staging. Simple and affordable updates, such as fresh towels, high-end toiletries, and a clean, tidy layout, can make a bathroom feel more inviting. A well-staged bathroom can enhance its appeal and leave a lasting impression on buyers.Staging has an especially significant impact in small or awkwardly shaped spaces.

SMALL / UNCONVENTIONAL SPACES

Staging furniture in a small room can give it purpose and help it feel more spacious. Even a compact bedroom can seem more inviting and functional when staged with carefully chosen furniture that doesn’t overcrowd the space. Additionally, layouts that may seem unconventional often see a significant improvement when staged. An awkward nook, for example, can be transformed into a cozy reading corner or a productive office space, showcasing its potential and making the entire room feel more cohesive and purposeful.

4. What are some of the drawbacks to staging?

While staging can offer a variety of benefits, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks:

UPFRONT COST

Professional staging typically costs 0.5% to 1% of a home’s listing price, depending on the size of the home and the level of staging. For example, a 2,000 sq ft home might cost $2,000–$4,000 to stage. For lower-priced homes or tight budgets, that investment might not pencil out, and you might need to consider alternative strategies like staging key rooms with your own furniture or using virtual staging.

TIME + LOGISTICS

Our team will handle all logistics for you, but the additional steps to schedule the stager, coordinate furniture delivery, and complete all prep work can delay your listing timeline slightly. Depending on the complexity of the staging, this might add a few days to the process, so it’s essential to plan accordingly. If you’re thinking about staging, we’ll give you a detailed timeline estimate and make recommendations on if we think the negatives of a slight delay is outweighed by the benefits.

NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY

If your home already shows beautifully and you’re in a red-hot seller’s market, staging might not move the needle enough to justify the cost. Homes in particularly competitive markets may sell quickly and for a strong price without the need for staging. It's important to assess whether staging is truly necessary based on your home’s current condition, price point, and the local market.

5. What types of home staging are there?

FULL STAGING

Best for: Vacant homes, luxury listings, or homes with outdated furniture
Cost: $$–$$$
Full staging involves bringing in all new furniture, art, and accessories to fill the home and create an inviting atmosphere. This approach can be especially impactful for properties that are vacant or in need of an update, making them feel like a move-in-ready dream.

OCCUPIED OR SOFT STAGING

Best for: Homes being lived in during showings
Cost: $–$$
This type of staging works with the furniture you already own, using light styling and decor swaps to freshen up the space. It's a great option for sellers who want to enhance their home’s appeal without the cost of full staging, especially in homes that are already occupied.

VIRTUAL STAGING

Best for: Budget-conscious sellers or online-only first impressions
Cost: $
Virtual staging involves digitally adding furniture and decor to photos of empty rooms for your online listing. It’s an affordable option, but keep in mind it only works for online impressions and can sometimes disappoint buyers who visit in person, as they won’t see the staged space in real life.

ROOM-SPECIFIC OR TARGETED STAGING

Best for: Budget-conscious sellers with standout rooms
Cost: $–$$
If your budget is limited, targeted staging might be the best choice. This focuses on staging high-impact spaces like the living room, kitchen, or primary bedroom. By showcasing the most important rooms, you can still create a strong impression without the need for full staging.

If you're still unsure whether staging is the right choice for you, don’t worry—you're not alone. At Go With Ro, we’re here to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and your home’s unique qualities. We’ll assess your property, your market, and your budget to determine the best approach—whether that’s full staging, a targeted refresh, or something in between. Our team is dedicated to helping you maximize your home’s potential and set you up for a successful, smooth sale.