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What Does House Staging Cost? A Complete Guide for Homeowners

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Oct 15, 2025 9 min read
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What Does House Staging Cost? A Complete Guide for Homeowners
Chapters
01
What is House Staging? 
02
Why is House Staging Important? 
03
The Average Cost of House Staging 
04
DIY Staging vs. Professional Staging Costs 
05
Hidden Costs to Consider 
06
Essential Home Staging Tips to Maximize Your Investment 
07
Home Staging Statistics 

House Staging Costs 

What does house staging cost? Here is everything you need to know about staging as you prepare your home for the market!

Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make, and first impressions matter more than ever in today's competitive real estate market. Oftentimes, the difference between a home that lingers on the market and one that sparks a bidding war comes down to presentation. 

If you are preparing to list your Raleigh property, you likely have heard about house staging and are wondering if it is worth the investment. Maybe you are concerned about the upfront costs, or are curious whether your beautifully maintained home even needs staging at all.

The truth is, home staging is about helping buyers fall in love with your home. It is about showcasing the lifestyle your property offers to potential buyers. Whether you are selling a single-family home or a townhome, understanding staging costs and benefits is essential to maximizing your return

In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about staging expenses and how strategic staging can lead to achieving a sale price that exceeds your expectations. 

Let's dive into the world of house staging. 

1. What is House Staging? 

House staging is the process of preparing your home to appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers. It goes far beyond cleaning and decluttering a space. 

Professional staging involves strategically arranging furniture, adding decorations, optimizing lighting, and creating inviting spaces that help buyers envision themselves living in the home.

The goal is simple: showcase your home's best features while minimizing any drawbacks. Staged homes photograph better for online listings, create emotional connections during showings, and often sell faster and for higher prices than their unstaged counterparts.

During the home staging process, the most significant focal points will be the living room, kitchen, dining room, main bedroom, bonus or office spaces, and bathrooms

When hiring a professional home stager, they will typically charge an initial fee to evaluate your home and plan a list of things to do as you prepare your home for the market. 

Beautiful kitchen that is staged for homebuyers

2. Why is House Staging Important? 

According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes typically sell 73% faster than non-staged homes. Even more impressive, properly staged properties can sell for 20% more than expected.

When buyers have multiple options, staging helps your property stand out in online searches and during in-person showings. Since 99% of millennial homebuyers start their search online, professional photos of a beautifully staged home are essential for generating interest and securing showings.

Beyond the financial benefits, staging helps buyers emotionally connect with your space. An empty house feels cold and impersonal, while an overly personalized home filled with family photos and quirky decorations can make it difficult for buyers to imagine their own lives unfolding there.

3. The Average Cost of House Staging 

While you are still weighing your options for staging your home, rest assured that you have so many options. Looking to your trusted real estate agent to help guide you through this process would be best.

Many seasoned agents have been through this before and can go through your home and make recommendations. Other times, sellers choose to do it themselves, with successful results. 

The bottom line is time and money. If you want to save time, spending a little more money will save you time and stress by hiring the pros to come in and handle it for you.

The cost of staging varies significantly based on several factors, but here's what homeowners can typically expect:

Initial Consultation: $300-$600 is the average for a consultation. Most stagers offer an initial walk-through consultation where they assess your home and provide recommendations. Some may credit this fee toward full staging services if you hire them.

Vacant Home Staging: $2,000-$5,000+ for initial setup. For empty properties, expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for the initial furniture rental and staging setup. Monthly rental fees typically range from $500 to $1,200 if your home stays on the market longer than 30 days.

Occupied Home Staging: $1,000-$3,000 if the home is occupied. If you're still living in the home, stagers can work with your existing furniture, which significantly reduces costs. They'll rearrange what you have, recommend items to store, and might bring in a few accent pieces.

Per-Room Staging: $200-$800 per room. Some companies offer per-room pricing, which can be budget-friendly if you only need to stage key areas like the living room, master bedroom, and kitchen.

Luxury Home Staging: This can cost $5,000-$15,000 and upwards. High-end properties require premium furniture, artwork, and accessories to match the home's caliber, which increases costs accordingly.

Staged bedroom with bed and nightstands

4. DIY Staging vs. Professional Staging Costs 

Budget-conscious sellers might wonder if they can stage themselves. While DIY staging is certainly an option, it's important to understand the trade-offs. 

If you have great taste and organizational skills, this could be a straightforward task for you to accomplish. Simple changes may be all your house needs to prepare for the market, and are often the most cost-effective for home staging.

Tasks like repainting your walls with a fresh and neutral coat of paint, rearranging your furniture, and adding new throw pillows and fresh towels to your bathroom may be all you need to sell your house.

Get rid of any obstacles that interfere with the home's natural flow. Walk through your home with a fresh set of eyes, or even invite your friends over to help you determine any awkward design choices you may need help recognizing. 

The average cost for DIY staging is about $200-$800. You will spend money on paint, minor decorative updates, and perhaps renting a few key furniture pieces. However, without professional expertise, you might miss opportunities to maximize your home's appeal. 

Professional staging, on the other hand, costs more upfront, but the return is substantial. If staging helps your home sell even one week faster, you can save money on mortgage payments, utilities, and carrying costs. For most homeowners, professional staging is worth the investment. 

clean and staged kitchen with stainless steel appliances

5. Hidden Costs to Consider 

When budgeting for staging, factor in these potential additional expenses:

  • Extended rental fees if your home doesn't sell within the initial staging period
  • Storage costs for your personal belongings during staging
  • Professional photography (essential for showcasing your staged home online)
  • Touch-up cleaning between showings to maintain the staged appearance
  • Utility costs for keeping the home at comfortable temperatures during showings

6. Essential Home Staging Tips to Maximize Your Investment 

Whether you are working with a professional stager or tackling some preparation yourself, these proven staging strategies will help you get the most value from your investment:

Neutralize Your Color Palette 

Bold accent walls and vibrant colors might reflect your personality, but they can turn away potential buyers. Stick to neutral tones like soft grays, warm beiges, and crisp whites. 

These colors make spaces feel larger, brighter, and allow buyers to envision their own style. If you have bright purple or lime green walls, a fresh coat of neutral paint is one of the best investments you can make

Light is Important 

Bright, well-lit homes feel more inviting and spacious. Open all curtains and blinds during showings to maximize natural light. Replace any burned-out bulbs and consider upgrading to higher-wattage LED bulbs in darker rooms.

Add floor or table lamps to dim corners. Lighting can make or break a space, and it's one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make.

Remove Personal Items 

Remove family photos, personalized artwork, religious items, and collections that reflect your specific tastes. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in the space, which is difficult when your personal history is on display.

Create Clear Traffic Flow 

Remove excess furniture that makes rooms feel cramped or creates awkward traffic patterns. Each room should have an obvious purpose and easy movement throughout.

If buyers have to navigate around furniture or turn sideways to walk through spaces, you have too much.

Style Surfaces 

Kitchen and bathroom counters should be nearly bare, so make sure to remove small appliances, toiletries, and clutter. Incorporating fresh flowers, a bowl of lemons, or a stack of coffee table books can add life throughout the home without personalizing.

living room and dining table staged in a home for sale

Boost Curb Appeal 

Buyers form opinions before they even enter your home, which is why curb appeal is essential. Ensure your lawn is mowed, edges are trimmed, and landscaping is neat.

Add fresh mulch to beds ($150-$300), plant colorful flowers in pots near the entrance ($50-$100), power wash the exterior and walkways ($200-$400), and make sure your front door is clean and inviting. 

Highlight Key Features 

Draw attention to your home's best assets. If you have beautiful hardwood floors, showcase them by removing or minimizing area rugs. If you have great built-in shelving, style it attractively with books and minimal decorations. 

Architectural details like crown molding, fireplaces, or bay windows should be emphasized, not hidden by furniture or clutter.

Garage and Storage Areas 

Buyers will open closets, peek in the garage, and check storage spaces. These areas should be organized and no more than 50% full to demonstrate ample storage capacity.

Install shelving units if needed, use clear bins to organize items, and remove anything you do not absolutely need. A cluttered garage signals a lack of storage space, even in a large home.

7. Home Staging Statistics 

Here are some interesting statistics about home staging according to the National Association of Realtors

  • 51% of buyer agents cited that home staging affected a buyer's view of the home. 
  • 81% of buyer agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize themselves living in the home. 
  • The most common rooms that were staged include the living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and dining room. 
  • $600 is the median amount spent when using a staging service. 

staged office in a home with a desk and unique decorations

Methodology 

Data was sourced from the National Association of Realtors to determine the cost to stage a home. 

FAQs 

What is the three-foot-five-foot rule for staging? 

The three-foot by five-foot rule is a home staging technique that ensures that a space looks good at a three-foot view up close and a five-foot view further away. 

Do realtors or sellers pay for staging? 

Typically, sellers are the ones who pay for home staging costs. However, in some cases, a seller may sometimes split the cost with a real estate agent, depending on the situation. 

Does staging increase home value? 

Yes, home staging can increase home value and make it more attractive to buyers. Not only do staged homes tend to sell faster, but it typically results in a positive return on investment. 

Final Thoughts on Home Staging 

As you consider whether to invest in house staging, remember that you are not just spending money; you are making a strategic investment. A well-staged home typically generates more showing requests, receives stronger offers, and often sparks competitive bidding situations that drive the price up.

If you are still on the fence, consider starting with a staging consultation. For a few hundred dollars, a professional can walk through your home and provide specific recommendations.

You might discover that your home needs only minor adjustments, or you might learn that full staging would be a game-changer for your particular property. Either way, you will have expert insights to guide your decision.

Are you moving to Raleigh and ready to learn more about how staging could benefit your home sale? Contact Raleigh Realty today for a personalized consultation and market analysis.

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
What is House Staging? 
02
Why is House Staging Important? 
03
The Average Cost of House Staging 
04
DIY Staging vs. Professional Staging Costs 
05
Hidden Costs to Consider 
06
Essential Home Staging Tips to Maximize Your Investment 
07
Home Staging Statistics 

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