Should You Hire a Professional to Stage Your Home or Can You Do-It-Yourself?

When you’re getting ready to sell your home, presentation matters — but how much does professional staging really impact your sale? For some homes, it’s a worthwhile investment that leads to faster offers and higher prices. For others, simple decluttering and quality photography can deliver nearly the same results for a fraction of the cost.

Here’s what the data says — and how to decide what’s right for your home.

1. What the data says about staging

According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2023 Profile of Home Staging, 81% of buyers’ agents say staging helps clients visualize a property as their future home. Roughly one in five agents say it can increase the sale price by 1–5%, depending on the market and property type.

The average cost for professional staging typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,800 for an occupied home and up to $5,000 or more for a vacant one. That can sound steep — but if it helps a $500,000 home sell for even 2% more, that’s a $10,000 upside.

At the same time, Zillow research consistently shows that listings with professional photos — staged or not — get up to 60% more views and sell faster than those with amateur images. In many cases, decluttering, bright lighting, and good photography can deliver most of the benefits of full staging.

2. When full staging is worth it

While every home is different, there are a few clear cases where staging tends to pay off:

• Vacant homes: Empty rooms look smaller and make it hard for buyers to imagine living there. Staging helps them understand scale and flow.
  
• High-end or unique homes: For properties that rely on emotion and design appeal, professional staging can set the tone and justify premium pricing.
  
• Odd layouts or older finishes: A skilled stager can guide buyers’ eyes to a home’s strengths and help them overlook minor flaws.
  
• Competitive markets: When buyers have many choices, details like staging, lighting, and flow can make your listing the one that stands out.
  
  

Think of staging as a marketing expense — one that can yield a measurable return in the right circumstances.

3. When decluttering and photography are enough

For most owner-occupied homes in good condition, you don’t need to stage every room. A thoughtful decluttering process paired with professional photography can often create the same emotional appeal without the cost.

Here’s what works:

• Start with space: Clear countertops, closets, and corners. You want every room to feel open and easy to navigate.
  
• Simplify your palette: Neutral bedding, light-colored walls, and consistent tones make rooms appear larger and brighter.
  
• Light it right: Replace bulbs, open blinds, and use lamps to eliminate dark corners.
  
• Make it spotless: Professional cleaning often has more impact than professional furniture.
  
• Hire a great photographer: Nothing matters more than your online photos — that’s where every buyer starts their search.
  
  

Many sellers who take this route spend under $500 total and see the same lift in attention and offers as those who stage.

4. Cost vs. value at a glance

‍

5. How Ridley helps you make the call

Ridley’s platform is built for exactly this kind of decision-making.

• Use Ridley Insights to estimate your home’s value and understand what even a small price bump from staging might mean.
  
• In the Ridley dashboard, you can connect directly with photographers, cleaners, and stagers if you want expert help — no need to research or chase quotes.
  
• And when you’re ready, your Ridley listing page ensures that all your preparation — whether full staging or smart decluttering — shows off your home in its best light.
  
  

6. The bottom line

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Staging is about strategy, not furniture. For many sellers, thoughtful decluttering and high-quality photos are enough to stand out. But if your home is vacant, high-end, or in a crowded market, professional staging can be a smart investment.

The key is to think like a marketer — invest where it moves the needle most.

And if you’re still planning your timeline for a spring sale, check out our guide on how early to start preparing to sell your home.

‍

Want to learn more about how Ridley can help you navigate the selling process? Click here to book a consult with our team.