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Home Staging Tips: The Ultimate Guide for NYC & NJ Sellers (2025)

Last Updated: October 2025 | Reading Time: 12 minutes

Selling your home in the competitive New York City and New Jersey real estate market demands more than just listing it online. Professional home staging can increase your home’s value by 1-10% and help it sell up to 73% faster than non-staged homes, according to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA). Whether you’re in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Hoboken, or Colts Neck, strategic staging transforms your property into an irresistible showcase that buyers can’t ignore.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal the exact home staging tips that have helped our clients sell faster and for top dollar, with special focus on the unique challenges of NYC and NJ properties.

What Is Home Staging? (And Why It Matters More Than Ever)

Home staging is the strategic process of preparing and presenting your property to appeal to the widest pool of potential buyers. It goes far beyond simple cleaning and decluttering. Effective staging creates an emotional connection, allowing buyers to envision themselves living in the space while highlighting your home’s best features and minimizing its flaws.

In today’s market, where 97% of buyers start their home search online, staging is more critical than ever. Your listing photos are your first—and sometimes only—chance to make an impression. Professional staging ensures those photos stop scrollers in their tracks and generate showings.

The ROI of Home Staging: Real Numbers

Recent data shows that staged homes consistently outperform unstaged properties. According to the National Association of Realtors 2025 Profile of Home Staging, 29% of real estate agents reported that staging their sellers’ homes led to a 1-10% increase in the dollar value offered. For a $500,000 property, that’s an additional $5,000-$50,000 in your pocket. RESA’s research of over 4,600 properties found that staged homes sold an average of $40,000 over list price.

The financial benefits extend beyond price premiums. Nearly half (49%) of sellers’ agents observed that home staging reduced the time homes spent on the market, with staged homes spending 73% less time on market than non-staged homes. This means lower carrying costs, less price erosion, and reduced stress for sellers navigating transitions.

NYC & NJ Staging Challenges: Small Spaces, Big Impact

Metropolitan New York presents unique staging challenges that require specialized approaches. Robert DeFalco Realty has served Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and New Jersey since 1987, giving us deep insight into these specific market conditions. Space constraints, architectural quirks, and diverse buyer demographics demand targeted staging strategies.

Maximizing Small Spaces in NYC & NJ

Urban apartments and condos throughout Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Hudson County often feature limited square footage. The key is creating the illusion of spaciousness through intentional furniture selection and placement:

Scale Appropriately: Choose furniture that fits the room’s proportions. Oversized sofas and bulky dining sets make small rooms feel cramped. Opt for streamlined, multi-functional pieces with visual lightness—think furniture with exposed legs rather than skirted bases.

Create Flow: Arrange furniture to maximize traffic flow and maintain clear pathways. Buyers should move effortlessly through spaces without navigating obstacle courses. Remove unnecessary pieces that block natural walking patterns.

Embrace Vertical Space: In rooms with standard ceiling heights, draw the eye upward with tall bookcases, floor-to-ceiling curtains, and vertically oriented artwork. This technique creates the perception of height and volume.

Strategic Mirror Placement: Mirrors are staging gold in compact spaces. Position them opposite windows to reflect natural light and create depth. A well-placed mirror can visually double a room’s perceived size.

Working With Architectural Character

Many NYC and NJ homes feature architectural elements—exposed brick, original moldings, radiators, unusual layouts—that require thoughtful staging approaches:

Highlight, Don’t Hide: Embrace distinctive features rather than attempting to conceal them. Exposed brick becomes a design asset when paired with modern furniture. Original hardwood floors deserve center stage with minimal area rugs.

Problem-Solve Creatively: Awkward angles, sloped ceilings, and structural columns can be transformed into focal points. Use angled furniture placement to soften sharp corners. Position decorative elements to draw attention to architectural details rather than flaws.

Room-by-Room Staging Strategies

Every room in your home serves a specific purpose in the buyer’s journey. Strategic staging addresses the unique function and emotional impact of each space.

Living Room: Creating the Emotional Core

Your living room establishes the home’s lifestyle narrative. According to NAR’s 2025 data, 37% of buyers consider staging the living room most important, followed by the primary bedroom at 34%. Buyers need to see themselves relaxing, entertaining, and building memories in this central gathering space.

Define the Purpose: Clearly communicate the room’s function. If your living room doubles as a home office or play area, temporarily remove those elements. Buyers struggle to reimagine multipurpose spaces, so give them a singular, obvious use case.

Furniture Arrangement: Position seating to encourage conversation. Arrange sofas and chairs in intimate groupings rather than pushed against walls. Create a focal point—fireplace, window with a view, or media center—and orient furniture accordingly.

Lighting Layers: Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create warmth and dimension. Add floor lamps and table lamps to eliminate dark corners. According to NAR’s 2025 staging report, proper lighting significantly impacts buyer perception. Use warm-toned LED bulbs (2700-3000K) to create inviting illumination without harsh shadows.

Strategic Accessories: Limit decorative items to meaningful vignettes. Style coffee tables with a simple arrangement of books, a small plant, and one decorative object. Display no more than three coordinated accessories on side tables or shelves.

Color Psychology: Stick to neutral wall colors (warm whites, soft grays, gentle beiges) that appeal to broad buyer preferences. Introduce subtle color through pillows, throws, and artwork. Avoid bold, polarizing hues that might alienate potential buyers.

Kitchen: The Home’s Value Center

Kitchens sell homes. NAR research shows that 23% of buyers consider staging the kitchen important, and buyers prioritize this space above almost all others. Staging investments here deliver maximum returns.

Declutter Ruthlessly: Clear all countertops except for three essential items: a coffee maker or kettle, a decorative bowl with fresh fruit, and perhaps a small plant or herb garden. Store small appliances, dish racks, and cooking utensils completely out of sight.

Deep Clean Everything: Professional-level cleanliness is non-negotiable. Clean inside appliances, including refrigerator seals and oven interiors. Polish all hardware and fixtures until they gleam. Grout should be bright and spotless.

Update Affordably: Minor updates create major impact. Replace dated cabinet hardware with contemporary pulls and knobs ($50-200). Install modern light fixtures ($100-300). Consider painting cabinets if they’re structurally sound but cosmetically dated.

Neutralize Personal Items: Remove all magnets, photos, and personal memorabilia from refrigerators and walls. Replace colorful dish towels with coordinated neutral-toned textiles. Store visible cleaning supplies under the sink.

Maximize Storage Perception: Organize cabinets and pantries with uniform containers and labels. Buyers will open these spaces, and beautifully organized interiors suggest ample storage capacity and a well-maintained home.

Primary Bedroom: The Sanctuary Retreat

The primary bedroom should feel like a luxurious hotel suite—restful, romantic, and sophisticated. This is where buyers envision their most private, personal moments.

Invest in Quality Bedding: Your bed is the room’s focal point. Dress it with high-quality linens in neutral tones (white, cream, soft gray). Layer with a duvet, decorative pillows, and a textured throw at the foot. Create a hotel-like presentation with crisp, wrinkle-free fabric.

Simplify Nightstands: Each nightstand should feature one lamp with a neutral shade and one small decorative item—a small plant, a stylish clock, or a single book. Remove personal items, medications, and charging cables.

Address Closet Space: Closet capacity is a primary buyer concern, especially in NYC and NJ where storage is premium. Remove at least one-third of clothing to create breathing room. Organize by color and category. Install matching hangers for a boutique appearance.

Create Symmetry: Balanced design reads as sophisticated and restful. Use matching nightstands, coordinated lamps, and symmetrical art placement above the bed. Symmetry suggests order, calm, and intentional design.

Eliminate Distractions: Remove televisions, exercise equipment, and work-from-home setups. The bedroom should communicate rest and romance, not function and productivity.

Bathrooms: Spa-Inspired Luxury

Bathrooms should feel pristine, spacious, and spa-like. Even modest bathrooms can project luxury through strategic staging.

Create the White Hotel Effect: Invest in matching white towels exclusively for staging. Fold and display them uniformly on towel bars and in open shelving. White towels photograph beautifully and communicate cleanliness universally.

Clear the Counters Completely: Remove all personal toiletries, medications, and grooming products. Display only a soap dispenser with coordinated hand towel, and perhaps one small succulent or decorative tray.

Deep Clean and Repair: Recaulk tubs and sinks if existing caulk shows mildew or wear. Replace rusty fixtures. Clean grout with specialized cleaners or grout pens. Ensure drains flow freely without visible hair or buildup.

Add Small Luxuries: Place rolled hand towels in a decorative basket. Add a small vase with fresh flowers or a high-quality candle (unlit for showings). These touches suggest pampering and self-care.

Lighting and Ventilation: Replace builder-grade light bulbs with bright, daylight-temperature LEDs. Ensure bathroom fans work properly. Address any moisture or mildew odors with thorough cleaning and ventilation.

Dining Room: Entertaining Potential

Formal dining rooms are disappearing in new construction, making them a valuable asset in older homes. Stage them to showcase entertaining possibilities.

Right-Size the Table: Your dining table should fit the room comfortably with ample space for chair pull-out and circulation. If your current table overwhelms the space, consider renting a smaller one for staging. Buyers need to envision themselves hosting dinner parties, not navigating furniture mazes.

Set a Simple Table: Create an elegant place setting for 4-6 diners. Use neutral linens, simple white dishes, and minimal centerpieces. Fresh flowers or a low bowl of lemons provides visual interest without obscuring sight lines across the table.

Maximize Natural Light: Remove heavy drapes or window treatments that block light. If privacy allows, go with minimal or no window treatments. Natural light makes dining spaces feel airy and inviting.

Alternative Uses: If your home has an eat-in kitchen or open-plan dining area, consider staging a formal dining room as a home office, library, or hobby room. Show buyers flexibility, especially in smaller homes where multipurpose spaces add value.

Home Office: The Post-Pandemic Priority

Remote work transformed buyer priorities. A dedicated home office space adds significant value, particularly in suburban markets.

Professional Presentation: Stage with a clean, modern desk, an ergonomic chair, and minimal accessories. Add a laptop (can be turned off), a desk lamp, and perhaps one small plant. Avoid personal items, excessive paperwork, or visible cables.

Show Natural Light: Position the desk near windows if possible. Good lighting is essential for home offices, and buyers immediately notice bright, well-lit workspaces.

Create Boundaries: If staging a bedroom as an office, ensure the setup doesn’t overwhelm the room’s size. Use furniture that can scale—a small writing desk rather than an executive desk, a slim bookshelf rather than floor-to-ceiling storage.

The Staging Timeline: When to Start, What to Do

Successful staging follows a strategic timeline that builds momentum toward your listing date.

6-8 Weeks Before Listing

Major Repairs and Updates: Complete any necessary repairs—fixing leaky faucets, patching walls, addressing electrical issues. This is also the time for strategic updates like painting, replacing dated light fixtures, or updating cabinet hardware.

Deep Decluttering: Begin the challenging work of removing personal items and excess furniture. Rent a storage unit if necessary. Aim to remove 30-50% of your belongings to create spacious, uncluttered rooms.

Professional Consultation: Consider hiring a staging consultant for a walkthrough and recommendations. Many stagers offer consultation-only services ($200-500) that provide detailed, prioritized staging plans you can execute independently.

3-4 Weeks Before Listing

Paint Neutral Colors: Address any bold wall colors with neutral paint. Stick to warm whites (Benjamin Moore Simply White, Sherwin Williams Alabaster) or soft grays (Agreeable Gray, Repose Gray) that photograph well and appeal broadly.

Deep Cleaning: Schedule professional cleaning services or dedicate significant time to deep-cleaning every surface. Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and floors. This is also the time to clean carpets, drapes, and upholstery.

Furniture Arrangement: Experiment with furniture placement to maximize flow and visual appeal. Remove any pieces that crowd rooms or impede traffic patterns. Ensure all furniture is appropriately scaled for each space.

1-2 Weeks Before Listing

Accessorizing and Styling: Add fresh flowers, style surfaces with minimal decorative items, and ensure all lighting is optimal. Replace outdated lampshades, add throw pillows, and create welcoming vignettes.

Exterior Staging: Address curb appeal with power washing, fresh mulch, potted plants, and outdoor furniture if you have patio or deck space. The exterior creates first impressions—make it count.

Photography Preparation: Coordinate with your real estate photographer. Ensure all lights work, replace any burned-out bulbs, and stage each room for maximum photographic impact.

Listing Day and Beyond

Maintain Staging: Keep the home in showing-ready condition throughout the listing period. Do a quick reset before each showing—fluff pillows, ensure counters are clear, run the garbage disposal, turn on strategic lighting.

Seasonal Adjustments: Adapt staging to seasons. Fresh flowers in spring, cozy throws in fall, and appropriate temperature control year-round keep your staging fresh and relevant.

Common Staging Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-intentioned staging efforts can backfire. Avoid these common pitfalls that turn buyers away:

Over-Personalization

The Problem: Family photos, children’s artwork, religious items, and personal collections distract buyers and prevent them from imagining their own lives in the space.

The Solution: Remove all personal photographs and memorabilia. Store collections, trophies, and personal artwork. Create a neutral backdrop that allows buyers to project their own vision onto the space.

Ignoring Odors

The Problem: Home sellers become nose-blind to pet odors, cooking smells, smoke, and mustiness that immediately register with buyers. Unpleasant odors create unconscious negative associations that persist even after buyers leave.

The Solution: Address odor sources before masking them. Deep-clean carpets and upholstery, wash drapes, and ensure proper ventilation. Use enzyme cleaners for pet accidents. Avoid overwhelming artificial fragrances—opt for subtle, universally pleasant scents like fresh linen or light citrus.

Cluttered Spaces

The Problem: Overfilled closets, crowded countertops, and excess furniture signal inadequate storage and small rooms. Buyers equate clutter with lack of space.

The Solution: Ruthlessly declutter every visible area. Store off-season clothing, consolidate bathroom products, and remove kitchen appliances from counters. Aim for 30% empty space in all closets and cabinets.

Poor Lighting

The Problem: Dark, dimly lit rooms photograph poorly and feel unwelcoming during showings. Insufficient lighting suggests old, poorly maintained homes.

The Solution: Maximize natural light by opening curtains and blinds. Add floor and table lamps to eliminate dark corners. Replace outdated light fixtures and use bright, warm-toned LED bulbs throughout.

Neglecting Curb Appeal

The Problem: Buyers form opinions within seconds of arriving. Overgrown landscaping, peeling paint, and dated exteriors create negative first impressions that color the entire showing experience.

The Solution: Power wash exteriors, sidewalks, and driveways. Paint or replace dated front doors. Add fresh mulch and seasonal plantings. Ensure house numbers are visible and attractive. Create an inviting entrance with a new doormat and potted plants.

DIY Staging vs. Professional Staging: Making the Right Choice

Deciding between DIY staging and professional services depends on your property, budget, timeline, and comfort level with design decisions.

When DIY Staging Works

DIY staging is effective for well-maintained homes with good bones, sellers with design confidence, and properties in hot markets where competition is moderate. If your home is relatively neutral, uncluttered, and recently updated, you can likely achieve strong results independently.

DIY Staging Action Plan:

  • Invest in a professional staging consultation ($200-500) for expert recommendations
  • Focus on decluttering, deep cleaning, and neutralizing first
  • Rent a few key furniture pieces if needed rather than purchasing
  • Prioritize the kitchen, primary bedroom, and living room
  • Use online resources and before/after photos as guides

When Professional Staging Is Essential

Professional staging is worth the investment for luxury properties, homes with architectural challenges, properties in competitive markets, and sellers who lack time or design confidence. Vacant homes particularly benefit from professional staging since empty rooms photograph poorly and feel cold to buyers.

Professional Staging Benefits:

  • Access to furniture inventory and accessories specifically designed for staging
  • Expert understanding of buyer psychology and market trends
  • Photography-ready presentation that maximizes online impressions
  • Neutral design choices that appeal to broad buyer demographics
  • Stress reduction and time savings for busy sellers

Expected Costs:

  • Consultation only: $200-500
  • Partial staging (key rooms): $1,500-3,000
  • Full-service staging (entire home): $3,000-8,000+
  • Monthly staging rental fees: $500-2,000 (after initial setup)

According to the National Association of Realtors, the median investment in staging is approximately $1,500, with most sellers seeing a substantial return on this investment through higher sale prices and faster sales.

Staging for Different Property Types

NYC and NJ encompass diverse property types, each with unique staging considerations.

NYC Studio and One-Bedroom Apartments

Space limitations demand creative solutions that maximize every square foot.

Define Zones: Use furniture placement and area rugs to create distinct living, sleeping, and dining zones within open spaces. This helps buyers visualize functionality despite size constraints.

Storage Solutions: Highlight smart storage with decorative baskets, attractive closed storage, and organized closets. Buyers prioritize storage in small apartments—show them possibilities.

Natural Light: Maximize windows with minimal treatments. Light, bright spaces feel larger and more valuable.

Suburban Single-Family Homes

Larger suburban homes require different staging approaches that emphasize family lifestyle and outdoor living.

Highlight Square Footage: Use appropriately sized furniture that fills rooms without overwhelming them. Empty or underfurnished rooms suggest wasted space rather than opportunity.

Outdoor Spaces: Stage patios, decks, and yards as outdoor rooms. Add furniture, potted plants, and entertaining elements that showcase usable outdoor living space.

Family-Friendly Features: Subtly stage family features without being overly child-focused. A tastefully styled playroom or homework station shows functionality without alienating non-family buyers.

Luxury Condos and Townhouses

High-end properties demand sophisticated staging that justifies premium pricing.

Designer-Quality Elements: Invest in high-quality staging furniture, artwork, and accessories. Luxury buyers expect refined taste and attention to detail.

Smart Home Features: Highlight modern amenities like smart thermostats, integrated sound systems, and app-controlled lighting. Luxury buyers value technology and convenience.

Lifestyle Messaging: Create vignettes that communicate luxury living—a home bar cart, a styled reading nook, a spa-like bathroom retreat. Tell a story of the lifestyle these buyers aspire to.

Final Pre-Listing Checklist

Before your photographer arrives and your home hits the market, complete this comprehensive final checklist:

Exterior

  • ☐ Power wash siding, walkways, and driveway
  • ☐ Clean or replace gutters
  • ☐ Paint or stain front door
  • ☐ Add fresh house numbers
  • ☐ Place new doormat at entrance
  • ☐ Add potted plants or seasonal flowers
  • ☐ Mow lawn and edge borders
  • ☐ Remove all personal items from yard
  • ☐ Ensure all exterior lights work
  • ☐ Clean windows inside and out

Interior

  • ☐ Deep clean all rooms
  • ☐ Remove 30-50% of belongings
  • ☐ Neutralize all wall colors
  • ☐ Repair any damage (holes, scratches, stains)
  • ☐ Replace outdated light fixtures
  • ☐ Install all matching, bright LED bulbs
  • ☐ Remove all personal photos and memorabilia
  • ☐ Organize all closets and cabinets
  • ☐ Address all odor sources
  • ☐ Style surfaces with minimal accessories

Kitchen

  • ☐ Clear all countertops except three items
  • ☐ Clean inside all appliances
  • ☐ Polish all hardware and fixtures
  • ☐ Remove refrigerator magnets and photos
  • ☐ Organize cabinets and pantry
  • ☐ Display fresh fruit bowl

Bathrooms

  • ☐ Replace with all-white towels
  • ☐ Clear all countertops
  • ☐ Deep clean grout and caulk
  • ☐ Remove all personal toiletries
  • ☐ Add small luxury touches (rolled towels, candle)
  • ☐ Ensure drains flow freely

Bedrooms

  • ☐ Dress beds with hotel-quality linens
  • ☐ Remove 1/3 of closet contents
  • ☐ Simplify nightstands to lamp + one item
  • ☐ Remove televisions and exercise equipment
  • ☐ Create symmetrical styling

Getting Started: Your Next Steps

Ready to transform your home into a buyer magnet? Here’s how to begin your staging journey:

  1. Schedule a Pre-Listing Consultation: Contact us to schedule a comprehensive property evaluation. We’ll walk through your home and provide tailored staging recommendations based on current market conditions and buyer preferences.
  2. Get Multiple Opinions: Consider consulting with a professional stager for an objective assessment. Fresh eyes identify opportunities and challenges that sellers living in the space might miss.
  3. Create Your Timeline: Work backward from your desired listing date to create a staging timeline with specific deadlines for decluttering, repairs, updates, and final staging.
  4. Take Before Photos: Document your home’s current condition. These before photos will help you track progress and identify areas still needing attention.
  5. Start Decluttering Today: Begin the decluttering process immediately—it always takes longer than expected. Rent a storage unit and start removing items you won’t need during the selling process.

List Your Home With Confidence

Home staging is one of the most impactful investments you can make when selling your property. By following these comprehensive strategies, you’ll create a presentation that captures buyer attention, generates competitive offers, and ultimately sells your home faster and for more money.

The NYC and NJ real estate markets are competitive, but properly staged homes consistently rise above the competition. Whether you’re in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Hoboken, Jersey City, or the suburban counties, strategic staging helps buyers see your property’s full potential and envision their future lives within its walls.

Ready to sell your NYC or NJ home for top dollar? Contact Robert DeFalco Realty today for a complimentary property consultation. Our experienced team will provide personalized staging recommendations, market analysis, and a customized selling strategy designed to maximize your return.

Staten Island Office: (718) 987-7900 | 1678 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305
Brooklyn Office: (718) 748-7000 | 8001 18th Ave Ste 101, Brooklyn, NY 11214
New Jersey Office: (732) 845-3200 | 340 Rte 34 – 112, Colts Neck, NJ 07722
Manhattan Office: (212) 601-8800

Visit us online: www.defalcorealty.com
Email: info@defalcorealty.com

About Robert DeFalco Realty: Founded in 1987 by broker/owner Robert DeFalco, Robert DeFalco Realty has been Staten Island’s #1 real estate office for over 30 years, ranking first in total combined sales, market presence, and market share. With over 400 real estate professionals across 5 brokerage locations serving Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, and New Jersey, our team is equipped to handle any type of real estate transaction. Our philosophy remains unchanged since day one: “treat people well; the customer’s and client’s best interest must be considered first and foremost.” Learn more at defalcorealty.com/about.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Staging

Q: How much does professional home staging cost?

A: Professional staging costs vary based on property size, location, and scope. Expect $1,500-$3,000 for partial staging of key rooms, or $3,000-$8,000+ for full-service staging. Consultation-only services typically cost $200-500. According to NAR, the median staging investment is approximately $1,500. Given that staged homes sell for significantly more and 73% faster than unstaged properties, the investment typically delivers strong returns.

Q: How long does the staging process take?

A: The staging timeline depends on your home’s condition and scope of work. Complete staging preparation—including decluttering, repairs, updates, and final styling—typically takes 4-8 weeks. Professional stagers can usually complete physical staging setup in 1-2 days once preparation is complete.

Q: Should I stage a vacant home?

A: Absolutely. Vacant homes are notoriously difficult for buyers to evaluate. Empty rooms lack scale reference, feel cold and uninviting, and photograph poorly. Professional staging is especially valuable for vacant properties, helping buyers visualize the space and its possibilities.

Q: What rooms should I prioritize for staging?

A: Focus your staging efforts on the spaces that matter most to buyers. According to NAR’s 2025 data, buyers consider staging these rooms most important: living room (37%), primary bedroom (34%), and kitchen (23%). Among sellers’ agents, the most commonly staged rooms are the living room (91%), primary bedroom (83%), dining room (69%), and kitchen (68%). These high-impact areas deliver the greatest return on staging investment. If budget allows, extend staging to dining rooms, guest bedrooms, and outdoor living spaces.

Q: Can I stage my home while still living in it?

A: Yes! Most home staging happens in occupied homes. The key is decluttering significantly, packing away personal items, and maintaining showing-ready condition. Create systems that make it easy to reset your home quickly before showings—putting away toiletries, making beds, clearing counters, and opening blinds.

Q: How do I keep my home staged during the listing period?

A: Establish a daily reset routine. Each morning (or before showings), make all beds, clear counters, put away personal items, and ensure all lights work. Keep a showing-ready kit with backup supplies (light bulbs, touch-up paint, cleaning supplies) easily accessible. Consider staying elsewhere during heavy showing periods to minimize daily disruption.

Q: Does home staging really increase sale price?

A: Yes. According to NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Staging, 29% of real estate agents reported that staging led to a 1-10% increase in the dollar value offered. RESA research of 4,600 properties found that staged homes sold an average of $40,000 over list price. The Real Estate Staging Association reports that 85% of staged homes sold for 5-23% over list price, with typical investments of 1% of list price yielding ROI of 5-15%.

Q: What’s the difference between decorating and staging?

A: Decorating reflects personal taste and creates spaces for living. Staging is strategic marketing designed to appeal to the widest buyer demographic. Staging uses neutral colors, minimal personal items, and intentional furniture placement to help buyers envision themselves in the space. Think of staging as temporary visual merchandising rather than permanent interior design.

Related Resources

Looking for more insights on selling your home successfully? Explore these helpful resources from Robert DeFalco Realty:

Additional Industry Resources:

Connect With Robert DeFalco Realty:

Ready to get started? Contact us today for your free consultation and discover how strategic staging can transform your selling experience.

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