Should I hire a professional stager?
Want to sell faster and get more money? Should you hire a professional stager?
Short answer: usually yes — but only when it moves the needle. Home staging isn’t decoration. It’s a sales strategy. Done right, it changes buyer perception, shortens time on market, and often boosts final offers.
Why staging matters
Buyers decide emotionally, then justify logically. Staging shows the home’s potential. It highlights space, light, flow, and lifestyle. It removes distraction. That makes offers come quicker and cleaner.
When you should hire a professional stager
- Vacant homes: Empty rooms look smaller. Pros add furniture and lighting that show scale and function.
- Higher-priced listings: Small upgrades in presentation have bigger returns on luxury and mid-range homes.
- Competitive markets: If similar homes are listed, staging makes yours stand out.
- Limited selling window: Need to sell fast? Staging speeds buyer decisions.
- You don’t have time or taste: If you can’t depersonalize, declutter, or style to market standards, hire a pro.
When staging may not be necessary
- Minor, budget listings where staging cost would exceed likely price uplift.
- Already professionally renovated and impeccably styled homes.
- If photos and virtual tours are strong and buyer traffic is already high.
Types of staging and costs to expect
- Full-service staging: Designer brings furniture, decor, and installs it. Best for vacant or high-end homes.
- Partial staging or consult: Designer advises, you execute. Lower cost, fast impact.
- Virtual staging: Low-cost option for online photos only; doesn’t help in-person viewings.
Actionable staging checklist (quick wins)
- Declutter and depersonalize: Remove family photos and personal items.
- Deep clean and repair: Fix leaky taps, chipped paint, and sticky doors.
- Neutralize color and décor: Use neutral tones so buyers can imagine themselves.
- Maximize light: Open curtains, use warm bulbs, add mirrors.
- Improve curb appeal: Mow, mulch, add a welcome mat.
How to measure ROI
Set a benchmark: estimated sale price without staging vs expected with staging. Compare staging fee to faster sale and higher offer. A professional stager should present comparable results from past listings.
Final verdict
Hire a professional stager when the expected gain (faster sale, higher offer, better offers) outweighs the fee. For vacant homes, high-value listings, or sellers who need speed, hiring a pro is usually a smart investment. For low-cost properties or already market-ready homes, focus on cost-effective fixes or a consult.
Need a clear plan for your home? Tony Sousa is the local realtor with market-leading staging expertise. He’ll give a practical staging plan and ROI estimate for your listing. Contact Tony for a free staging assessment: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
