To Stage or Not to Stage

Smart Selling: Knowing When to Skip the Staging Step

When it comes time to sell your home, one of the most common questions is whether you should stage your home. Staging can make a strong first impression—but it’s not always necessary, especially for longtime homeowners preparing to downsize.

If you’ve lived in your home for many years, you’ve likely accumulated memories, character, and perhaps a few dated finishes. For many older adults, the idea of investing time and money into staging or updates can feel overwhelming, or simply not practical.

Here’s the truth: staging doesn’t always make sense.

When Staging May Not Be Worth It

If your home requires updates or repairs, staging won’t necessarily change buyers’ perceptions. In fact, when a home is clearly dated or will be sold as-is, buyers tend to focus more on location, layout, and potential—not décor.

Vacant homes are another consideration. Full-home staging can come with a significant price tag, and the return on investment isn’t guaranteed. While a staged home can sell faster or for slightly more, that’s not true in every market or for every property.

What to Do Instead

Instead of full-scale staging, you might benefit from simple, strategic improvements, such as decluttering, deep cleaning, or adding a few fresh touches like updated lighting or neutral paint. These changes can make a big difference without requiring a large investment.

Before making any decisions, get a second opinion from your real estate agent. An experienced agent will help you evaluate your specific market, your home’s condition, and your goals to determine whether staging is worth it, or if your time and money are better spent elsewhere.

Ready to Talk About Your Next Move?

If you’re preparing to downsize or sell your longtime home, let’s discuss what makes sense for your unique situation. I’ll help you focus on the steps that deliver the best results, without unnecessary stress or expense.