Importance of Home Staging When Selling a Home

The Importance of Home Staging When Selling Your Home

Sell Faster, for More — by Making Buyers Fall in Love

In today’s competitive real estate market, great staging isn’t a luxury — it’s a smart selling strategy. Whether you're listing a starter home in Robbinsdale or a luxury lakefront property in Wayzata, how your home looks online and in person can dramatically impact your final sale price.

As a full-time Realtor, licensed home builder, and investor, I’ve seen staging make the difference between a home that sits... and one that sells in the first week. In fact, staged homes consistently sell faster and for more money than unstaged ones — and there’s solid data to prove it.

Why Staging Works

  • Buyers shop emotionally – When a space looks clean, welcoming, and move-in ready, buyers imagine themselves living there. That emotional connection leads to stronger offers.
  • Staging highlights your home’s strengths – The right layout, lighting, and minimal décor make rooms feel larger, brighter, and more functional.
  • Staged homes photograph better – And since 95% of buyers start online, great photos are your first (and sometimes only) chance to make a strong impression.

What Good Staging Looks Like

  • Decluttered rooms with clear walkways
  • Neutral but inviting color palette
  • Simple, tasteful furnishings — ideally scaled to fit the room
  • Strategic use of light, mirrors, and greenery
  • Minimal personal items (buyers should focus on the home, not your life)

DIY Staging vs. Professional Staging

Many homeowners do a fantastic job of staging with their own furniture and décor — especially with some professional guidance. For vacant homes, or those with dated furnishings, I often recommend a professional staging company. It’s an upfront investment that often returns 5–15x at closing.

Real Example: Staged to Sell in Edina

One of my seller clients had a beautiful 1950s home with original hardwoods, but dark paint and older furnishings. After a professional staging consult and $1,200 in light cosmetic changes (paint, lighting, and rentals), we listed the home. It sold in 3 days for $22,000 over asking.

Want Honest, Practical Staging Advice?

I walk through every home I list with a staging-focused eye — and I’ll tell you exactly what’s worth doing and what’s not. Whether you want to stage it yourself or bring in a pro, I’ll help you position your home for success.

💡 Get my top staging tips here
✉ Schedule a staging walkthrough with me

Joe Houghton
Broker Associate | RE/MAX Results
Minnesota Property Group
📞 (763) 300-2702
🌐 www.mnpropertygroup.com

Location: Minneapolis, MN, USA

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