According to 86% of real estate agents, staged homes have an effect on buyers, making it easier for them to visualize the property as their own future home.[1] That’s a big return on a relatively small investment.
Still, getting your home ready to sell can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s been lived in and loved for years. You might have too much furniture, bold paint choices, or worn-out finishes you’ve learned to overlook.
But buyers notice everything. And staging helps them see the potential, not the past.
Whether you work with a professional or do it yourself, the goal is the same: Create a clean, open, welcoming space that helps buyers picture themselves living there.
Here’s how to stage your house to sell — on any budget.
What is home staging and why does it matter?
Home staging is more than just tidying up. It’s a marketing strategy designed to help your home appeal to as many buyers as possible, both online and in person.
By rearranging furniture, using neutral colors, and highlighting your home’s best features, staging helps buyers visualize themselves in the space. It turns rooms that feel “lived in” into rooms that feel “move-in ready.”
And it works. According to the National Association of Realtors, 30% of seller’s agents said staging reduced a home’s time on market, and 27% said it increased the offer price by 1–10%.[2]
Staging is also crucial for online listings. With most buyers starting their search on sites like Zillow and Redfin, strong photos can mean the difference between a showing and a scroll-past. A well-staged home photographs better, generates more interest, and creates a stronger first impression before the buyer even steps through the door.
If you want buyers to connect emotionally and act quickly, staging is one of the most effective tools at your disposal.
How to stage a house to sell: 10 expert tips
You don’t need a full renovation or fancy rental furniture to stage your home effectively. In fact, many of the best staging strategies are low-cost (or free). Focus on creating a clean, open, and inviting environment that helps buyers picture themselves living in the space.
Here are 10 tips to get you started.
1. Declutter ruthlessly
Less stuff equals more space. Removing extra furniture, knickknacks, cords, and clutter helps each room feel bigger and more functional. Buyers should be able to see the layout and flow clearly, not get distracted by your belongings.
2. Deep clean everything
A clean home signals good maintenance. Wash windows, scrub grout, wipe baseboards, and clean all surfaces including things like light switches and ceiling fans. Buyers notice the details, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
3. Depersonalize and neutralize
Remove personal items like family photos, trophies, and anything that shows your hobbies, beliefs, or lifestyle. Swap out bold art or loud decor for neutral tones that appeal to a wider audience.
4. Let in natural light
Open curtains and blinds to let sunlight fill the space. Replace dim bulbs with brighter, soft white ones. Bright rooms look larger, cleaner, and more inviting in person and in photos.
5. Use the “3-foot 5-foot” rule
Focus on what buyers will see and touch as they walk through. Anything within 3 feet of their hands — like doorknobs, counters, and faucets — should be spotless. Within 5 feet of their eyes, things should be styled, decluttered, and visually clean.
6. Rearrange furniture for flow
Create easy walkways and conversational groupings. Pull furniture away from walls and highlight each room’s best features (like a fireplace or big window). If a layout feels awkward, repurpose furniture from other rooms or remove pieces entirely.
7. Refresh paint with neutral tones
Painting is one of the easiest and most rewarding updates you can make before selling.
Light, neutral paint colors make rooms feel fresh and bright. Stick to soft gray, beige, or off-white. In smaller rooms, use the same shade as the next room for a seamless flow. You can also match drapery to the walls to visually expand the space.
8. Make minor repairs
Fix anything that’s broken, chipped, or distracting. This includes loose doorknobs, scuffed floors, dripping faucets, or cracked outlet covers. Even small issues can make buyers worry that bigger problems are hiding.
9. Add strategic decor and greenery
Once the basics are done, layer in a few soft touches. Throw pillows, neutral art, a vase of flowers, or a bowl of fruit can help bring a room to life. Keep it minimal — enough to feel warm, but not personal.
10. Boost curb appeal
First impressions matter, which is why curb appeal is so important. Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, sweep the porch, and touch up paint on the front door. Add a clean doormat and a few potted plants if needed. A tidy exterior sets the tone for the entire showing.
How to stage a house to sell on a budget
You don’t have to spend a lot to make your home look its best. In fact, many of the most effective staging strategies are completely free.
Start by decluttering, cleaning, and rearranging what you already have. Then, if your budget allows, layer in a few small upgrades to brighten or modernize key spaces.
To help inspire you, here are some common staging ideas, organized by average cost.
| Cost | Staging ideas |
|---|---|
| $ | Declutter and deep clean, rearrange furniture, open curtains, remove personal items, borrow decor or furniture, trim the lawn, clear off counters |
| $$ | Buy new throw pillows or neutral curtains, touch up paint, replace cabinet hardware, add a few potted plants, swap in modern light bulbs or lamp shades |
| $$$ | Repaint a room in a light neutral color, add a small rug or runner, replace a dated light fixture, purchase low-cost furniture from a resale store or rental service |
If your budget is tight, focus on the areas that matter most to buyers, like the living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom. Small improvements in these spaces can make a big difference.
How much does it cost to stage a house to sell
Staging costs can vary widely depending on your home’s size, condition, and whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a professional.
Here's a quick breakdown of typical staging services and what they cost in 2025:
| Service | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation | $150–600 |
| Full-service home staging | $1,000–3,000+ |
| Furniture rental (vacant home) | $500–600 per room, per month |
| Virtual staging | $40–200 per room |
| DIY staging | Often under $100 |
According to the National Association of Realtors, every $100 spent on staging results in a $400 return.[2] That makes it one of the highest-ROI improvements you can make before listing your home.
If you’re on a tight budget, start by:
- Staging just the key rooms (living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom)
- Borrowing furniture or decor from friends and family
- Shopping secondhand for neutral accessories
- Doing your own deep cleaning and decluttering
The most important thing isn’t how much you spend: It’s making your home feel clean, spacious, and easy for buyers to imagine themselves living in it.
Virtual staging
Virtual staging is a budget-friendly alternative to physical staging, especially for vacant homes. Instead of bringing in real furniture, a designer uses digital tools to add lifelike furniture, rugs, art, and decor to your listing photos.
This is a great option for sellers who:
- Have already moved out
- Want to save on staging costs
- Know their buyers are shopping online first
High-quality virtual staging can help each room look warm, functional, and move-in ready without actually furnishing the home.
Many buyers scroll through Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com before they ever book a showing. Virtually staged photos help your home stand out online and give buyers a sense of scale and possibility.
Popular virtual staging platforms include BoxBrownie, roOomy, and VirtualStaging.com. Prices typically range from $40 to $200 per room, depending on the provider and level of customization.
Just make sure your agent clearly labels any images that have been virtually staged. MLS rules in many areas require transparency to avoid misleading buyers.
Virtual staging works best when the home is clean, clutter-free, vacant, and freshly painted. It doesn’t replace real-world prep, but it can be a powerful tool to attract attention online.
Do staged homes sell for more?
Yes, staged homes typically sell for more, and also sell faster.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 20% of seller’s agents said staging increased the dollar value of the home by 1–5%, and 10% said it increased the value by 6–10%. Other reports estimate that staged homes sell for up to 17% more than similar unstaged homes, depending on the market.
Staging helps homes stand out by creating an emotional connection. It gives buyers the feeling that the home is well cared for and move-in ready. It also improves listing photos, which is often the first impression buyers get.
Homes that look clean, bright, and welcoming tend to sell faster. In fact, 49% of seller’s agents said staging reduced the time the home spent on the market.[3]
Even a few simple updates can make a big difference in how buyers see your home.
Get expert advice on staging and selling
🎯 Want expert advice on how to stage your home to sell fast — without breaking the bank? Clever can connect you with a top local agent who’ll help you prep, price, and stage your home right. Call us at 1-833-2-CLEVER or get started online today.
FAQ
This rule helps you focus on what buyers are most likely to notice. Anything within 3 feet of reach — like light switches, doorknobs, and surfaces near entryways — should be spotless. Within 5 feet of eye level, things should be tidy, styled, and clutter-free.
Think of what a buyer will see and touch as they walk through each room. That’s where to focus your effort.
Yes, staging is worth it at any price point. Buyers are more likely to make strong offers on homes that feel clean, welcoming, and move-in ready — even modest ones.
Staging doesn’t have to be expensive. Cleaning, decluttering, and rearranging furniture are all forms of staging. If your home is vacant, you don’t need full furniture sets. Some sellers use creative stand-ins, like two fold-out tables with a comforter to suggest a bed.
Even small touches, like a bowl of fruit on the counter or a throw blanket on a chair, can make a big difference.
Focus on the areas that have the biggest impact: the living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom. These are the spaces where buyers tend to spend the most time, both during a showing and in real life. If you’re short on time or budget, it’s okay to skip secondary bedrooms or unfinished basements.