Short answer: Yes. Professionally staged homes sell faster and for more money, often enough to cover the staging cost many times over.

Here's what the numbers actually show, plus a real example of how staging helped our clients net $100,000 more than expected.

Real Results: The Oakton Home That Sold $100K Over Asking

We recently took over a listing in Oakton for our clients, Karen and Scott. The first thing we did was clear out most of their belongings and professionally stage the home, at no cost to them.

On the very first day the listing went live, we received an offer $100,000 over asking price with no contingencies. The transaction was seamless.

That's the power of proper presentation. Buyers see what they want to see, and staging helps them fall in love faster.

The Data Behind Staging ROI

According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell significantly faster and for more money than unstaged ones:

• 81% of buyers' agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home
• Staged homes spend 73% less time on market compared to non-staged homes
• Professionally staged homes typically net sellers 5% to 15% more than unstaged properties

On a $600,000 home, that's an extra $30,000 to $90,000. The staging investment usually runs between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the size and scope.

The math works.

What Professional Staging Actually Involves

Professional staging isn't just moving your furniture around or adding a few throw pillows.

It's a strategic approach to showcasing your home's best features:

• Decluttering and depersonalizing to help buyers see themselves in the space
• Bringing in furniture and décor that fits the home's style and scale
• Optimizing room layout to maximize space and flow
• Adding finishing touches like artwork, plants, and accessories
• Maintaining the staging throughout the listing period

Our staging coordinator manages the entire process so you don't have to coordinate multiple vendors or make dozens of decisions.

When Staging Makes the Biggest Difference

Staging provides the most value in these situations:

Vacant homes. Empty rooms photograph poorly and feel cold. Buyers struggle to understand scale and functionality. Staged vacant homes sell 88% faster than unstaged ones, according to the Real Estate Staging Association.

Homes with outdated décor. Your furniture might be comfortable, but if it's 20 years old, it makes the entire house feel dated. Buyers will always compare your home to others on the market.

Higher price points. The more expensive the home, the more competition matters. Staging helps justify premium pricing and attracts serious buyers who expect move-in ready presentation.

Competitive markets. When buyers have multiple options, presentation becomes the tiebreaker. The home that shows better wins.

Staging vs. Price Reductions

Here's something most sellers don't consider: a poorly presented home that sits on the market will eventually need a price reduction to attract buyers.

That price reduction is permanent. It's recorded in the property history forever.

Staging costs are one-time and recoverable through a higher sale price. A $5,000 price reduction to move an unstaged home costs you $5,000. Spending $5,000 on staging that nets you an extra $30,000 is a very different outcome.

The first impression happens online. Your listing photos are everything. Buyers decide in seconds whether to schedule a showing or keep scrolling.

What to Look for in Staging Services

Not all staging services are equal. Here's what matters:

Included in the service. Many agents charge separately for staging or skip it entirely. That should tell you something about their commitment to getting you top dollar.

Project management approach. You shouldn't have to coordinate staging yourself. The right team handles everything from consultation to setup to maintenance.

Professional photography afterward. Staging without professional photos is pointless. The two work together to create the online presentation that drives showings.

Experience with your market. Staging styles that work in one area might not resonate in another. Local expertise matters.

The Bottom Line

You can't sell your house twice. You get one chance to make a first impression, and that impression now happens online before buyers ever walk through the door.

Professionally staged homes consistently sell faster and for more money. The data proves it. Our clients' results prove it.

If you're serious about getting top dollar and minimizing days on market, staging isn't optional. It's one of the smartest investments you can make in the selling process.

Selling your home in Northern Virginia? Our VIP Seller Program includes professional staging at no additional cost, plus comprehensive project management so you don't have to coordinate a thing. Learn more about our approach.