Should You Stage Your Home Before Selling?

By Chris Schmalz

Chris has lived in the Idaho Falls area for over 40 years and has been helping sellers and buyers realize the American dream and build wealth through real estate for over 20 years.

One of the most common questions I hear from homeowners is, “Should I stage my home before putting it on the market?” The honest answer? It depends.

In some cases, staging can make a significant difference. In others, thoughtful preparation and presentation can go a long way on their own. The key is knowing when staging is worth the investment and how to do it smartly without overspending.

Over the years, I’ve worked with all types of sellers. I’ve seen homes linger on the market because they felt dark, cluttered, or simply didn’t connect with buyers. I’ve also seen homes that sold within days with no costly staging required because the seller took a few strategic, high-impact steps.

At the end of the day, staging isn’t about perfection; it’s about helping buyers picture their own life in the space. That connection is what creates momentum and ultimately offers.

When staging makes the most sense. There are a few situations where staging can make a major difference:

• Vacant homes: Empty rooms can appear smaller and colder, making it hard for buyers to visualize the layout and scale.
• Unusual layouts: If your home has a unique floor plan, staging can help show how each space functions.
• Competitive markets: In areas where buyers have options, staging can help your home stand out.

That said, full-scale professional staging isn’t always necessary. Sometimes, light staging or thoughtful decor updates are enough, especially if your home is already well-maintained and in a hot market.

Budget-friendly staging alternatives. Full staging packages can be pricey, but you don’t need to go all-in to make your home shine. Here are a few practical, cost-effective steps that often deliver a strong return:

• Declutter and remove excess furniture: Removing unnecessary items opens up space and makes rooms feel larger, helping buyers envision how their own furniture will fit.
• Use neutral paint and décor: Neutral colors like light grays, whites, and warm tones create a blank canvas that appeals to a wide range of buyers and keeps the focus on the home itself.
• Add small, inexpensive touches: Simple additions like fresh flowers, new bedding, and brighter lighting can make the home feel more welcoming and well-cared-for without a big investment.
• Rearrange what you already own: Rearranging furniture to improve flow and open up walkways helps create a sense of space and makes the home feel more inviting.
• Stage only high-impact areas: ** ** Focus on key rooms like the living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom to make a strong impression while keeping costs down.

If you’re staging on a budget, focus on high-impact areas like the living room, kitchen, and main bedroom; those are the spaces buyers pay the most attention to.

When staging may not be necessary. In some situations, staging won’t dramatically affect your sale:

• Hot market with little inventory: If you’re in a competitive market with high demand and limited inventory, buyers may prioritize securing a home over its appearance, making staging less important.
• Quick-moving market: If homes are selling quickly, staging may not be as crucial. In this case, focusing on the home’s price, condition, and marketing can often be more important than staging.
• Knowing that staging is a tool, not a requirement: Staging is most effective when it’s part of a thoughtful, strategic plan tailored to your home and market.

So, should you stage your home before selling? If you want to sell quickly and for top dollar, some level of staging usually helps. But it doesn’t have to be expensive or over-the-top. The right approach depends on your home, your timeline, and your market conditions.

Thinking of selling and not sure where to start? Feel free to call or email me. I’d be happy to walk through your home, offer honest recommendations, and help you decide whether staging would add value in your case.