How much does it cost to stage a house?
Quick insights
- Staging an empty home may cost anywhere from about $500 to $3,000+. Smaller consultations or partial staging could cost a few hundred dollars.
- The total cost depends on the size of the home, location, and how much rented furniture you need.
- Staging can help buyers imagine themselves living in your home, which may affect interest and purchase price.
Selling your home can spark many feelings all at once. Maybe you’ve cleaned, decluttered and even repainted. But is home staging necessary to sell your home? And how much does it cost to stage a home?
Let’s break down the typical cost of staging and some tips on how to stage your home that could save money.
What is home staging?
Home staging is preparing a home for sale, so it appeals to a range of prospective buyers. This typically includes rearranging existing furniture, adding rented pieces and improving the lighting. The goal isn’t to erase the personality of the seller; it’s to create a clean, inviting space where homebuyers can imagine their own lives unfolding.
How much does it cost to stage a house?
The cost of staging a house can vary depending on several key factors. According to HomeAdvisor®, most homeowners spend between $832 and $2,922, with an average cost near $1,849. The home’s size, the level of staging needed and whether the home is vacant can affect price. Here’s some more detail:
Home staging consultation
Some home stagers offer a walk-through and writeup for a flat fee. This may work well if you plan to use only your existing furniture and want a professional opinion.
- Estimated range: $150 to $500
Occupied home staging
If you’re still currently living in the home, a stager might rearrange furniture, add signature pieces and bring in more décor. Costs could vary based on the size of the space and how much work or furniture is added.
- Estimated range: $800 to $2,500+
Vacant home staging
Empty homes may require full furniture rental, at least for key rooms like the living, dining and bedroom. Besides the furniture cost, the rental time may cost more per month.
- Estimated range: $2,000 to $3,000+ for the first month
Factors that influence the cost of home staging
Not all homes require the same level of staging. There are a few variables that may influence the total cost:
- Size of the home: Different types of houses and their size will impact the cost to stage. A two-bedroom condo, for example, will likely require fewer furnishings than a four-bedroom single-family home.
- Vacant vs. occupied: Vacant homes usually cost more to stage because furniture and décor must be rented in full.
- Length of rental: Staging contracts may be priced for an initial 30-day period. Monthly extensions can cost more if the home remains on the market.
- Local market: In a fast-moving real estate market, sellers might skip full staging. In slower markets, staging could help a property stand out.
- Scope of service: Some sellers opt for only styling and photography, while other sellers may choose full-service staging (think rental furniture and décor).
How to save on home staging costs
There are ways you may reduce staging costs without sacrificing presentation. Consider these approaches:
- Request a staging consultation instead of full-service staging. A stager can walk through your home and give professional recommendations. Those could include new furniture placement, lighting and décor updates. Then, you can make the changes yourself instead of paying for full furniture rental.
- Stage only high-traffic rooms like the living room and primary bedroom. Prioritizing just a few key rooms may help reduce staging costs but still make a good first impression for buyers.
- Deep clean, declutter and depersonalize before hiring a stager. Remove excess furniture, clearing countertops and packing away personal items. This may minimize how much additional consultation and styling is suggested for staging.
- Ask your real estate agent if they offer any support. Some real estate agents may provide light décor, coordinate a consultation or have partnerships with local stagers. Any of these could potentially lower expenses.
- Compare multiple local staging quotes. Pricing, rental timelines and included services can vary. Review a few proposals to help find an option that aligns with your budget.
In summary
Home staging costs will vary based on the service. That could mean a few hundred dollars for a consultation to several thousand dollars for full-service staging. Staging aims to enhance the presentation of the home and create more interest among potential homebuyers. However, strategic rearrangement and strong listing photos could generate buyer buzz, too. Every home and real estate market is a little different. The right approach to home staging depends on your personal goals, timeline and budget.
