Should You Stage Your Home Before Selling?

By Steve Zajdzinski

With over 24 years in Real Estate and experience as a former Director of Sales for the largest private homebuilder in Northern Arizona, Steve has over 2 decades of real estate experience including 15 years in the new home industry.

One of the most common questions I hear from homeowners is, “Should I stage my home before putting it on the market?” The honest answer? It depends.

In some cases, staging can make a significant difference. In others, thoughtful preparation and presentation can go a long way on their own. The key is knowing when staging is worth the investment and how to do it smartly without overspending.

Over the years, I’ve worked with all types of sellers. I’ve seen homes linger on the market because they felt dark, cluttered, or simply didn’t connect with buyers. I’ve also seen homes that sold within days with no costly staging required because the seller took a few strategic, high-impact steps.

At the end of the day, staging isn’t about perfection; it’s about helping buyers picture their own life in the space. That connection is what creates momentum and ultimately offers.

When staging makes the most sense. There are a few situations where staging can make a major difference:

• Vacant homes: Empty rooms can appear smaller and colder, making it hard for buyers to visualize the layout and scale.

• Unusual layouts: If your home has a unique floor plan, staging can help show how each space functions. In Arizona, many homes have open floor plans or unique indoor-outdoor flow, which can be hard for buyers to fully visualize when the space is empty. Staging can help highlight how to furnish large desert-style living rooms, courtyards, or multi-use spaces.

You might also consider how staging can soften tile or other hard flooring surfaces common in Arizona homes. And for those with Southwestern or Spanish-style architecture, thoughtful staging shows the versatility and warmth these homes can offer.

• Competitive markets: In areas where buyers have options, staging can help your home stand out.

That said, full-scale professional staging isn’t always necessary. Sometimes, light staging or thoughtful decor updates are enough, especially if your home is already well-maintained and in a hot market. 

Budget-friendly staging alternatives. Full staging packages can be pricey, but you don’t need to go all-in to make your home shine. Here are a few practical, cost-effective steps that often deliver a strong return:

• Declutter: Remove excess furniture and personal items to make rooms feel bigger and more neutral.

• Depersonalize: Take down family photos and niche decor so buyers can focus on the home, not the current owner.

• Add light: Replace dim bulbs with brighter ones, open curtains or use sheer window treatments to let in natural light, and use mirrors to reflect it, balancing brightness and warmth especially during Arizona’s intense afternoon sun.

• Fresh touches: Add inexpensive updates like a bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen, new towels in the bathroom, or crisp bedding in the primary bedroom.

If you’re staging on a budget, focus on high-impact areas like the living room, kitchen, and main bedroom; those are the spaces buyers pay the most attention to.

When staging may not be necessary. In some situations, staging won’t dramatically affect your sale:

• Low inventory markets: If demand is high and homes are selling quickly, staging may not move the needle.

• Tight budget: If you’re already pricing aggressively or investing in repairs, staging might not be the best use of resources.

• Strong condition: If your home already shows well and photographs beautifully, a deep clean and light touch may be enough.

• Staging is a tool, not a requirement. It works best when it’s part of a thoughtful, strategic approach tailored to your home and your market.

So, should you stage your home before selling? If you want to sell quickly and for top dollar, some level of staging usually helps. But it doesn’t have to be expensive or over-the-top. The right approach depends on your home, your timeline, and your market conditions.

Thinking of selling and not sure where to start? Feel free to call or email me. I’d be happy to walk through your home, offer honest recommendations, and help you decide whether staging would add value in your case.