In the current market, many homes are going under contract within days of being listed—sometimes without any preparation for the market. If that’s true, why is staging so important? It actually makes a huge difference in first impressions and helps your property stand out to buyers. Staging shows the potential a space has without requiring a complete makeover. Plus, it helps potential buyers emotionally connect to the space. Let’s look at some specific statistics and benefits of staging.

Whether you do it yourself or hire a pro, staging is an investment. But, considering the chance for a higher offer, staging is likely to produce a return on your investment by increasing the value of your home. In a 2019 study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 22% of sellers’ agents reported an increase of 1–5% of the dollar value offered by buyers on staged homes. 17% of respondents said that staging a home increased the value by 6–10%.

One study from the Real Estate Staging Association found that staged homes spend 72% less time on the market. Buyers are more likely to make a quick, solid offer on a home that looks inviting, attractive, and ready for move-in. The shorter the time a home is on the market, the less its price drops.

According to the NAR 2021 Profile of Home Staging, 82% of buyers’ agents said that staging helped their clients visualize the property as their home. A property filled with light and on-trend, engaging furnishings will always gain more attention that a dark, empty one. Staging helps buyers visualize their furniture in the space and get a feel for how the space would fit with their lifestyle. It focuses on the home’s potential for the seller.

It’s counterintuitive, but a room with furniture can actually feel larger than an empty room. Furniture provides spatial context and helps potential buyers understand the dimensions of common furniture in relation to the room size.

Almost all home buyers start their search online, according to the NAR’s data. Staged homes are simply more photogenic than unstaged ones. Attractive photos for online listings help make a good first impression. This can influence a buyer’s decision to see the home in person and/or submit an offer, even in a hot market.

Overall, stats show that staging is generally worth the investment. For sellers who don’t stage, an IAHSP survey shows that the average price reduction on a home was five to 20 times more than what the staging investment would have been. Whether you hire a professional, stage virtually, or do it yourself, staging is an important step to take. You also don’t have to stage every room in your house. If your budget is tight, focus on the most important rooms: the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen. Work with your real estate agent to determine what degree of staging you and your home would most benefit from.