Is Home Staging Worth It? What the Research Says (and What I See in South Denver)

If you're getting ready to sell, you've probably wondered whether staging your home before you list is worth the effort. As both a Realtor® and an interior designer, I have strong opinions on this one. But opinions aren't evidence, so let's start with the data.

What the research says

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) publishes a yearly Profile of Home Staging. Here are a few findings from the 2025 report:

• 83% of buyers' agents said staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize a property as their future home.
• Buyers' agents said staging the living room matters most to buyers (37%).
• Agents most often stage the living room, the primary bedroom and the dining room.
• NAR's summary reports that 29% of agents saw staging raise the dollar value of a home by 1% to 10%.
• Sellers' agents reported a median staging cost of about $1,500.

You can read the full results on NAR's Profile of Home Staging page.

What the data doesn't say

Staging isn't magic, and I won't promise you a specific price bump. Results vary from home to home, and staging can't fix a bad price or a major condition problem. What it does is help the right buyers connect with your home faster, and that matters most in the first two weeks on the market.

What I see in South Denver

Here's what I notice working with sellers across Aurora, Centennial, Parker and Denver:

• Homes that sell well are priced competitively and presented in their best condition.
• Homes that sit for months are usually overpriced, in poor condition, or poorly marketed, often with cell phone photos and a flat listing description.
• A deep clean plus staging creates a move-in ready first impression, which is what buyers are scrolling for online.

Where to start (if you only do three things)

1. Declutter and deep clean. Clear counters and closets, and make it sparkle.
2. Style the living room. It's the room buyers say matters most, so give it a clear purpose with a defined seating area.
3. Make the primary bedroom feel like a retreat, with simple bedding, soft lighting and clear surfaces.

How I do it

I'm a designer first, so staging is part of how I work, not an upsell. Staging is included for every client I list with. I walk through your home, plan what to keep, move and add, and style it so it photographs well and shows well.

Not selling yet, but your home needs a refresh? I also offer in-person styling sessions and paint color consults around Aurora, Centennial, Parker and Denver.

Curious what your home might need? Book a free 15-minute call and we'll talk it through. And if you want the bigger picture on selling, my free South Denver 2026 Market Guide covers what sellers are doing to get top results.