The Rooms That Matter Most When You’re Getting Ready to Sell

With more homes on the market, buyers have plenty of options—which means your home needs to stand out from the moment they walk in. One of the most effective ways to make that happen? Thoughtful, intentional staging.

So, What Exactly Is Home Staging?

It’s not about making your home look like a showroom or the cover of a design magazine. It’s about creating a warm, welcoming space that feels move-in ready—so buyers can instantly picture themselves living there.

Staging doesn’t have to mean a full makeover. Sometimes, just a few simple changes—like decluttering, rearranging furniture, or adding the right lighting—can go a long way. The level of staging depends on your home, your goals, and your budget, but even a small investment in this area can make a big difference.

In fact, according to a recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes that are staged tend to sell faster and for a higher price than homes that aren’t staged at all.

Which Rooms Matter Most?

The best part? You probably don’t need to stage your entire home to make a real impact.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyers’ agents say certain rooms carry the most weight when it comes to staging—and focusing on those key spaces can make a big difference (see graph below):

As you can see, the spaces that leave the biggest impression on buyers are the ones they imagine themselves using every day—like the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen.

That’s helpful as a general guide, but there’s no substitute for advice tailored to your specific home and market. That’s where I come in.

How I Help You Decide What’s Worth Doing

Because I’m constantly in and out of homes with buyers, I know what catches their eye—and what turns them off. I hear their comments during showings, walkthroughs, and open houses, and I use that firsthand feedback to help my sellers make smart, strategic choices.

That might mean:

• Removing personal photos and clutter to help buyers picture their own lives in the space

• Rearranging furniture to create better flow and make rooms feel more spacious

• Swapping or adjusting decor—like art, lighting, or plants—to freshen things up

Sometimes, that’s all a home needs. But if your house is empty or could benefit from a more dramatic change, I can also help you decide if bringing in a professional stager is worth it. Just know that extra level of service comes at a higher cost.

According to NAR, the median amount spent when hiring a staging service is about $1,500—compared to $500 when the agent does the staging themselves.

Either way, I’ll walk you through the options, help you weigh the pros and cons, and make sure your home shows at its very best—based on your timeline, your budget, and what buyers are expecting at your price point.

Bottom Line

Staging doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive—it just needs to help potential buyers picture themselves living in your home. When we work together, I’ll help you determine the level of staging that fits your home, your goals, and your budget.

Curious which room in your house could make the biggest impact?

Let’s walk through it together. I’ll give you honest, practical advice on what will make your home stand out to buyers—so you can sell with confidence.