What the data actually says — no opinions, just the national numbers.
Drawn from the National Association of Realtors® 2025 Profile of Home Staging, the industry's annual survey of buyers' and sellers' agents.
29% of real estate agents reported that staging led to a 1–10% increase in the dollar value buyers offered.
49% of sellers' agents observed that staging reduced the time homes spent on the market.
The typical cost of a professional staging service — often a fraction of a single price reduction.
All statistics: National Association of Realtors®, 2025 Profile of Home Staging.
NAR's survey found staged homes drawing offers 1–10% higher (reported by 29% of agents). Run your own price through that range:
Where the range falls — share of your home's price
Illustration using the NAR-reported 1–10% range — not a promise of results. Even the low end of the range typically dwarfs the cost; that's the math behind the 91% declutter recommendation.
Asked which rooms buyers care most about seeing staged, buyers' agents answered:
Limited time or budget? Living room, primary bedroom, kitchen — in that order. The guest bedroom can wait.
All statistics: National Association of Realtors®, 2025 Profile of Home Staging.
83% of buyers' agents reported that staging makes it easier for buyers to envision the property as their future home. That emotional connection — "I can see us living here" — is what turns a showing into an offer.
Staging now happens on a screen first. How important agents rate each element:
Rated highly important by 73% of buyers' agents and 88% of sellers' agents. The photos are the first showing.
Emphasized by 57% of buyers' agents and 43% of sellers' agents — the room itself still has to deliver in person.
48% of buyers' agents value videos, and 43% prioritize virtual tours to showcase staged homes.
Share of agents recommending each step before listing:
Decluttering makes spaces appear larger and more appealing; deep cleaning covers windows, carpets, and the hard-to-reach spots buyers notice; curb appeal — landscaping, fresh paint, a welcoming entry — starts the story before the door opens.
Median cost. Ideal for vacant homes or those needing a significant transformation.
Median cost. Your agent helps rearrange your existing furniture and suggests minor improvements.
51% of agents recommend decluttering and fixing property faults rather than full staging — the zero-budget route still captures most of the effect.
Median costs from the options above; bar lengths are proportional to cost.
All statistics: National Association of Realtors®, 2025 Profile of Home Staging. Figures reflect agent survey responses nationally; results for any individual home vary.
Most homes need less than their sellers fear — and the right amount depends on the home, the price point, and the competition. A short walk-through settles it.
Blair Allen · Utah Digs | Kelly Right Real Estate