How to Find a Top Staging Company Near Me

Keep up on staging trends: The National Association of Realtors (NAR) maintains a blog resource called Styled, Staged & Sold. It provides content produced by professional home staging and style experts from throughout the country.

What to look for when hiring a staging company

Here are some key factors to consider when you begin your hunt for a staging company near me:

• Experience and portfolio: Look for companies with a proven track record and examples of past work. Reviewing portfolios of staged homes can give you a sense of their style, expertise, and the kinds of properties they work with.
• Credentials and affiliations: Reputable staging companies are often members of professional organizations, like RESA or ASHSR. These affiliations indicate a commitment to industry standards.
• Range of services offered: Some companies provide full-service staging, from consultations to furniture rentals, while others focus on virtual staging. You’ll want a company that focuses on staging rather than interior design.
• Pricing transparency: Staging costs can vary, so look for a company with clear, upfront pricing. Be wary of companies that won’t provide estimates or have hidden fees.
• Client reviews and testimonials: Check online reviews or ask for client references. Positive feedback and testimonials are good indicators of reliability and quality.
• Flexibility and communication: A good staging company will listen to your needs, offer flexibility in scheduling, and communicate clearly. This ensures a smoother process from consultation to staging completion.
• Turnaround time: Ask about timelines, from consultation to completion. Virtual staging may only require a day or two to shoot and enhance photos, but this won’t be as effective for buyers touring your home.

Source: (Francesca Tosolini/ Unsplash)

How much does it cost to stage a house?

The cost of staging a house can vary widely based on several factors, including the home’s size, the type of staging required (partial or full), and the property’s location. Generally, homeowners can expect to spend between $800 and $3,000 for initial consultations and basic staging, with costs reaching $5,000 or more for comprehensive staging of larger, vacant properties. According to Angi, the average cost of staging for typical U.S. homeowners is $1,839.

Here’s a quick breakdown of typical staging costs:

• Initial consultation: $150 to $600 – A professional stager assesses your home, providing recommendations on furniture, decor, and layout.
• Furniture rental: $500 – $600 per month – This estimate can vary depending on the size of the home and the amount of furniture you need.
• Occupied home staging: $800 to $2,500 – The stager rearranges your existing furniture and adds decor to enhance key rooms.
• Vacant home staging: $2,000 to $5,000+ – A higher investment, as stagers supply furniture and decor to stage empty rooms.

Your final staging costs will also depend on the location of your home. The average cost of staging in Denver is just over $1,000 while the typical cost in Los Angeles is $4,000. Below are some metro area estimates from Angi.com.

Staging cost examples by location

What are the benefits of home staging?

While the cost of staging can feel substantial, it often pays off by attracting more buyers and helping your home sell more quickly and for a higher price. According to a HomeLight survey of more than 1,000 top real estate agents throughout the country, a professionally staged home can sell for up to 13% more than an unstaged home. Using a median home price of $420,000, that could mean up to $55,000 more in proceeds.

Here’s how staging can help your property stand out in a competitive market and benefit you as a seller:

• Creates a great first impression: Staged homes tend to look cleaner, more inviting, and better maintained. When buyers see photos online or walk through in person, a staged property has a greater chance of leaving a positive impression.
• Helps buyers visualize the space: Staging allows buyers to imagine how they might use the space themselves. By placing furniture and decor strategically, staging showcases each room’s functionality and purpose.
• Increases perceived value: Staging can make a home feel larger, more updated, and generally more valuable. This often justifies the asking price and may encourage buyers to place competitive offers.
• Speeds up the sale: Staged homes typically sell faster than unstaged ones. When a home looks move-in ready, buyers are often more motivated to act quickly.
• Boosts listing photos: With online listings being crucial in attracting buyers, well-staged rooms photograph better, capturing attention in crowded listings and driving more foot traffic to your home.

FAQs on a staging company near me

Can a real estate agent help with staging?
Yes, many real estate agents have connections with local staging companies or can provide staging advice. Some agents may even offer staging as part of their service to help market your home effectively.

Can I rent furniture to stage my home?
Absolutely. Many staging companies offer furniture rental options, especially for vacant homes, so you don’t need to purchase new items. This approach helps create a polished look without a long-term commitment.

Which rooms are most important to stage?
According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, your living room is the most important staged room for buyers (39%), followed by your primary bedroom (36%) and then the kitchen (30%). Dining areas can also be impactful. Many top agents also recommend staging your outdoor areas.

Can I cut costs by only staging key rooms?
Yes, focusing on key rooms — like the living area and primary bedroom — can reduce costs while still presenting a well-staged look. Talk to your stager about partial staging options for more budget-friendly solutions.

Can I stage my home myself?
You can DIY stage your home, especially if you’re comfortable with design basics and have a good eye for layout. However, professional stagers offer expertise and access to furniture and decor that can significantly enhance your home’s appeal.

Can I virtually stage my empty home?
Yes, virtual staging is an option for vacant homes and can be cost-effective. It involves digitally adding furniture to photos of your home, giving online viewers a sense of each room’s potential without the cost of physical staging. While faster and more affordable, virtual staging is typically not as effective with home shoppers touring your home.

How long does staging typically take?
Most staging can be completed within a few days, though larger or vacant homes may require more time. Be sure to plan with your stager to fit your timeline for listing photos and showings.

Does staging guarantee a higher sale price?
While it doesn’t guarantee a higher price, most top real estate agents say staging will boost a home’s perceived value and help it sell faster, which may lead to better offers.

A top agent will know a staging company near me

Partnering with a knowledgeable real estate agent can make all the difference when selling your home. Top agents know which local staging companies have the expertise to significantly increase your home’s appeal and help it stand out to buyers. From identifying the right stager to coordinating the process, an experienced agent can streamline the entire preparation and sale.

Looking for a trusted agent? Use HomeLight’s Agent Match platform to connect with a top local agent who understands the value of staging and has the right connections to make your home market-ready. We analyze over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews to determine which agent is best for you based on your needs.

Header Image Source: (Francesca Tosolini/ Unsplash)