Selling your home is one of the largest financial transactions you’ll ever make. Yet many homeowners overlook one of the simplest strategies to maximize return on investment: home staging. According to the 2025 Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), staging not only improves the visual appeal of a property but also directly impacts how quickly, and how profitably, a home sells.
Below, we’ll break down why staging matters, what areas of the home to prioritize, and a checklist of improvements sellers should make before listing.
Why Home Staging Matters
Staging Increases a Home’s Value
The numbers don’t lie. Roughly 30% of real estate professionals surveyed by NAR reported that home staging increased a property’s value by anywhere from 1% to 10%. Even a modest boost of 3% on a $400,000 home equates to $12,000 more in the seller’s pocket. For some, staging has led to gains as high as $40,000.
20% of listing agents said staging resulted in 1%–5% higher offers compared to similar un-staged homes.
10% of agents reported an even larger bump, with offers increasing by 6%–10%.
For homeowners weighing whether staging is “worth it,” these numbers make a compelling case.
Staging Leads to Faster Sales
Beyond value, speed is another major advantage. Nearly half of agents say staged homes sell faster than un-staged properties. In a competitive housing market, this can mean the difference between multiple offers within days versus sitting on the market for weeks.
When buyers see a clean, neutral, and well-presented space, they can more easily picture themselves living there. This emotional connection often leads to faster decision-making and stronger offers.
The Power of First Impressions
Today’s buyers start their home search online, scrolling through dozens of photos before deciding which homes to tour in person. Staging plays a huge role here. Some buyers may skip seeing home altogether if it does not present itself a certain way online.
The survey confirms this: one in three buyer’s agents reported that clients were more likely to schedule a showing after seeing professional staging in online photos. In other words, staging boosts your digital curb appeal before anyone steps through the door.
Key Rooms to Stage for Maximum Impact
Not every room carries equal weight in a buyer’s decision. According to the NAR survey, agents prioritize the following spaces when staging:
Living Room – Often the first room buyers see, it sets the tone for the rest of the home.
Primary Bedroom – Buyers want a calming retreat; a staged master suite delivers that vision.
Kitchen – As the heart of the home, a clean and modern kitchen creates instant appeal.
Dining Room – Helps buyers imagine hosting holidays and family gatherings.
Outdoor Spaces – Decks, patios, and backyards showcase lifestyle potential.
Meanwhile, areas like guest bedrooms and children’s rooms rank lower on the priority list. Focus your time and budget where it counts most.
Home Improvement Checklist for Sellers
Not every seller opts for full professional staging. However, even without hiring a stager, simple improvements can elevate a home’s presentation. According to real estate professionals, these are the top pre-listing upgrades that resonate with today’s HGTV-inspired buyers:
Decluttering: Remove excess items to create clean, open spaces.
Deep Cleaning: A spotless home signals that it’s been well cared for.
Curb Appeal Enhancements: Fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs, and a welcoming entryway make a strong first impression.
Professional Photography: Quality listing photos increase online engagement.
Minor Repairs: Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or cracked tiles.
Carpet Cleaning: Fresh carpets improve indoor air quality and appearance.
Depersonalizing: Remove personal photos and décor so buyers can envision themselves in the home.
Fresh Paint: Neutral, modern colors create a bright and inviting atmosphere.
Landscaping: Tidy yards and seasonal flowers boost perceived value.
Re-grouting Tile: Gives kitchens and bathrooms a clean, updated look.
Remove Pets During Showings: Not every buyer is a pet lover; eliminating distractions helps.
Even small adjustments like these can significantly improve how a home shows and ultimately how quickly it sells.
Why Skipping Staging Could Cost You
More than 58% of agents say buyers feel let down when a home doesn’t live up to the high standards they see on home-improvement shows. Failing to stage, or at least follow a professional checklist, can mean fewer showings, longer days on market, and lower offers.
When it comes to selling, presentation matters. A home that photographs beautifully, feels fresh in person, and highlights its best features gives sellers a competitive advantage in any market.
Final Thoughts
Staging isn’t just a cosmetic step, it’s a proven strategy that directly impacts your bottom line. Whether you hire a professional or simply follow a staging checklist, the investment pays dividends in both higher offers and faster closings.
For homeowners serious about maximizing profit, home staging is no longer optional, it’s essential.
King & Edge Real Estate Agents in Boise, Idaho
As experienced Boise real estate agents, we are honored to have the opportunity to serve you and be a part of your real estate journey. Let us guide you towards a successful and rewarding experience, where your goals become our goals, and your vision becomes a reality. Contact us today and discover the unparalleled service and expertise that sets King & Edge Real Estate apart as we help you sell your home in Boise or find your place to call home.
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Ashley Carpenter Boise Real Estate Agent
Even before earning her real estate license, Ashley was enthusiastically developing a passion for real estate! After double majoring in International Relations and Latin American Studies at Holy Names University in Oakland, a brief stint as a campaign fundraiser and interning in her local congressional office taught her, she didn’t like working in politics. Ashley then started applying her administrative skills and marketing insights in the real estate industry, beginning in January of 2017. Looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate? Contact Ashley today to start a conversation about your real estate needs! Ashley is known as the best Spanish-speaking real estate agent in Boise.
