Home staging, although initially counter-intuitive, involves decorating your house to attract potential buyers and can significantly enhance the financial returns from your home sale. Despite the upfront cost, evidence suggests that it is a worthwhile investment. By Realtors.com: ''On average, staged homes tend to sell 88% faster and for 10-20% more than their non-staged counterparts, a statistic not to be overlooked.''

Now, let's delve into the specifics of home staging costs, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether it aligns with your budget and priorities.

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How much does home staging cost?

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The cost of home staging varies based on factors such as home size and the extent of staging required. Generally, the expense increases with the value of the property. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:

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• Initial Design Consultation: Typically, an initial design consultation can range from $250 to $600, depending on the hours spent onsite.

•  Lease Fees for Furniture: If furniture items need to be leased, the cost can range from $200 to $600 per month per room. For a fully staged 2,000-square-foot home, this could amount to approximately $2,000 to $2,400.

•  Contract Terms: Home staging often involves a two to three-month minimum contract, even if the home sells quickly. This contractual commitment impacts the overall cost.

 

However, there's a potential cost-saving strategy. If you opt for light staging without introducing heavy furniture, expenses can drop significantly. By avoiding monthly lease fees on substantial furniture, costs can be reduced.

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Additionally, virtual methods may be employed for adding heavy pieces. This can be a cost-effective alternative for empty houses and is sometimes included in listing packages.

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Ultimately, the decision on whether to invest in home staging should be guided by a professional stager's assessment during an onsite visit. This assessment will aid in identifying the most efficient and cost-effective strategies to elevate your property's attractiveness and optimize returns.

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What can cost extra?

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Additional costs may arise during the home staging process, influencing the overall project budget. Here are factors that can contribute to extra expenses:

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• New Accessories: While stagers often utilize existing homeowner belongings like knickknacks and art, there are instances where new accessories such as towels, flowers, and fruit are needed to enhance the overall presentation. These purchases can incrementally add to the project's cost.

• Layout Challenges: The layout of your home can impact costs, particularly if heavy lifting is required in a multistory house. In such cases, hiring additional help to move furniture may be necessary, increasing the overall expense.

• Renting Furniture for Vacant Homes: For completely vacant homes, where the owner has already moved out, the additional expense of renting all furniture and décor items is incurred to create an appealing and furnished look for potential buyers.

• Storage Costs: If you possess a surplus of belongings, especially antiques or items acquired through a shopping addiction, putting excess items into storage may be necessary. The monthly rental fee for storage adds to the overall staging costs.

• Painting Expenses: A crucial investment for staging success is the cost of painting a room. A fresh coat in a 12-by-12 square foot room can cost around $200 for a DIYer or $400 to $700 if left to professionals. This expense contributes to creating a fresh and appealing ambiance, enhancing the overall staging impact.

 

Considering these potential additional costs is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the financial aspects of home staging. Working closely with a professional stager can help you navigate these considerations and optimize your investment for the best results.

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How to save on home staging

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• Focus on Key Areas: Instead of staging the entire house, concentrate on the main areas that potential buyers prioritize—the kitchen, living room, dining room, and master bedroom. This targeted approach allows you to enhance the most impactful spaces without incurring unnecessary costs.

• Selective Staging: Opt for a selective staging strategy by limiting the staging efforts to specific rooms. This not only saves on expenses but also allows you to allocate resources more efficiently to areas that truly benefit from staging.

•  Consultation Only: Instead of a full staging service, consider engaging a home stager for a consultation. During this session, the stager provides valuable insights and suggestions to maximize the potential of each room. This option is more cost-effective, typically priced at $250 up to two hours.

• Complimentary Consultations: Some real estate agencies, like ours, offer complimentary staging consultations for sellers listing their homes through them.This presents a notable cost-saving advantage and an extra benefit for our clients

Remember, the ultimate savings from home staging come in the form of a faster home sale at a better price, avoiding months of carrying costs. Properly staged homes are more appealing to buyers, making the investment in staging a wise and financially sound decision. Feel free to inquire with your BLIS agent for more details on our complimentary staging consultations.