How much should you spend on staging?

This is a great question, and it’s one we get a lot at Staged to Sell. The “old” rule of thumb used to be 1% of the list price. However, as home sale prices have increased much faster than staging cost, today 0.5% is a better starting point for most homes in the Phoenix metro area.

This means staging makes more sense than ever. Getting top dollar for your home will usually more than offset the relatively small cost of staging.

The real answer to the question though - is that cost varies based on the property, the neighborhood or area, the expectations and the market. Just like homes vary in price from $100 thousand to $10 million, staging cost will vary from $1,000 to $100,000.

Determining how much to spend on staging depends on several factors, including your home's value, local market conditions, and your budget. A general guideline is to allocate between 0.5% and 2% of your home's listing price for staging. For example, if your home is priced at $600,000, spending $3,000 to $12,000 on staging can be a reasonable investment.

Consider the home's condition and how much work it requires to appeal to buyers. If the property is vacant or outdated, it may require more extensive staging, pushing costs toward the higher end of the range. For occupied homes in good condition, a professional consultation and minor touch-ups may suffice, reducing costs.

Keep in mind that staging can lead to a faster sale and potentially a higher sale price, often justifying the expense. Always weigh staging costs against the expected return and consult with your real estate agent to tailor your approach to your specific market.
At Staged to Sell, we take into account the home size, the number of rooms in the home we are staging, the luxury level of the home, and to a lesser extent the logistics of the home such as stairs or elevators, parking, and access.