Why Staging Homes Is Important in 2025
Why Staging Homes Is Important in Today's Real Estate Market
When a home goes up for sale, buyers make decisions fast. Most of the time, their first impression happens online, not in person.
Home staging is important because it makes homes look better in photos, helps buyers understand the space, and makes it easier for them to picture living there. When buyers connect with a home early, it often leads to more showings, faster sales, and better offers.
This isn't just a guess. Data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) shows that staged homes usually perform better than unstaged homes in almost every way.
How Home Staging Helps Buyers Visualize the Space
Buying a home is an emotional decision. Buyers want to imagine their life in the home, not just look at empty rooms.
Staging helps with that. NAR reports that about 82–83% of buyers' agents say staging helps buyers see a home as their future home. Almost half of agents also say staging changes how buyers feel about a property.
Empty rooms can feel confusing or small. Staged rooms show how furniture fits and how the space can be used. This makes buyers feel more comfortable and confident.
Why Home Staging Matters for Online Listings
Most buyers start their home search online. In fact, 96% of buyers use the internet when looking for a home.
Because of this, photos matter a lot. Agents say that about one in three buyers is more likely to book a showing after seeing staged photos. If a home doesn't look good online, many buyers will skip it and move on to the next listing.
In many cases, staging decides whether a home gets shown at all.
Does Staging a Home Help It Sell Faster?
Homes that sell quickly usually get strong interest early. Homes that sit on the market too long can make buyers worry that something is wrong.
Staging helps avoid that problem. Data shows that staged homes can sell three to thirty times faster than unstaged homes. About half of agents say staged homes sell faster, and professionally staged homes can spend up to 73% less time on the market.
By making a strong first impression, staging helps buyers act sooner.
Does Staging Increase a Home's Sale Price?
Staging can also help sellers get more money for their home.
According to NAR and the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), sellers usually spend about 1% of the home's price on staging. In return, about 75% of sellers see a 5–15% return over asking price. Around 30% of agents say staging increases a home's value by 1–10%.
For a $400,000 home, that can mean an extra $4,000 to $40,000. The average cost of staging is often around $400, making it a smart investment.
Why Staging Helps With Both Speed and Price
Most home improvements help with either selling faster or getting a higher price. Staging often helps with both.
About 30% of agents say staged homes get higher offers, and around half say they sell faster. Some reports even show staged homes selling for up to 25% more than unstaged homes.
This is why staging is no longer seen as optional.
Focus on the Rooms That Matter Most
Staging works best when it focuses on the most important rooms. NAR says buyers care most about:
- Living rooms
- Primary bedrooms
- Kitchens
These rooms shape how buyers feel about the entire home. Other rooms usually matter less.
Why Home Staging Is Now a Must in 2025
The data tells a clear story. Buyers shop online first. Photos shape their first impression. Staging helps buyers understand the space and imagine living there.
Because of this, 81% of buyers' agents now say staging is a must, not just a nice extra.
The Bottom Line
Staging homes is important because it helps buyers picture the space, brings in more interest online, reduces time on the market, and often leads to higher offers—all for a relatively low cost.
In today's online-first housing market, staging is one of the easiest ways to get better results for sellers and agents.