When you’re selling your home, presentation matters, and the benefits of home staging are hard to ignore. Simply put, staging can speed up the selling process and often sell a house for more money. It creates a polished, inviting atmosphere that helps buyers instantly connect with the space.

Whether you’re selling your home in Roswell, GA or staging your home in Summerville, SC, a well-staged space can give you a serious edge in today’s market. In this Redfin article, we’ll break down exactly why staging works, how it influences buyers, and what makes it a smart strategy for homeowners looking to maximize their sale.

In this article:
1. Creates a strong first impression
2. It can help you sell faster—and for more
3. Staging offers a strong return on investment
4. Spaces feel bigger, brighter, and more purposeful
5. Staging minimizes distractions
6. It signals a well-cared-for home
7. It helps buyers emotionally “move in”
8. It levels the playing field in competitive markets
9. Makes your listing photos stand out
Benefits of home staging: Is it right for your home sale? 
FAQs: Benefits of home staging

1. Creates a strong first impression

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and that’s especially true when selling your home. From the moment buyers scroll through listing photos or step through the front door, they’re forming opinions in seconds. A well-staged home immediately communicates care, quality, and value.

Here’s how staging sets the tone:

• Boosts curb appeal: Simple touches like fresh landscaping, a clean entryway, and a welcoming doormat make the home feel inviting before buyers even step inside.
• Establishes emotional appeal: Thoughtfully arranged furniture, soft lighting, and neutral decor help buyers feel comfortable and “at home” right away.
• Reduces distractions: A staged space is clean, uncluttered, and free of personal items, allowing buyers to focus on the home, not the seller’s belongings.

“Quality staging stops the scroll, increases foot traffic, creates an emotional connection, and helps buyers envision their ideal life in a new home,” states Kristopher Jenkins, owner and operator of Set The Stage Boise. “When aligned with a proper pricing strategy, staging drives demand, sells homes faster, and leverages stronger offers.” 

2. It can help you sell faster—and for more

One of the biggest advantages of home staging is its impact on the bottom line. A staged home doesn’t just look better—it often performs better on the housing market.

According to industry data, staged homes tend to sell more quickly and may even attract higher offers than similar unstaged properties. Why? Because staging increases perceived value, minimizes flaws, and helps buyers emotionally commit. For instance:

• Staged homes have been shown to sell up to 73% faster than unstaged homes, often closing in about 23–28 days compared to 60–90 days for vacant listings .
• The National Association of Realtors reports that offers on staged homes are typically 1–5% higher than on unstaged properties. 

“A home isn’t just square footage — it has its own story and its own energy. Great home staging brings that story to life, so the right buyers walk in and feel it, see it, and know — this is it, this is home,” states Mary Ann Benoit at Northern Lights Staging and Design. “That knowing is what sells a house quickly and for the best price. And for sellers leaving behind a place that meant everything to them, it offers something even more: the peace of mind that it’s going to exactly the right people.” 

How staging can directly impact your bottom line:

• Reduces time on market. A move-in ready, visually appealing home captures attention faster and encourages buyers to act quickly.
• Signals quality and care. A well-presented space gives the impression the home has been well-maintained, which can increase buyer confidence.
• Creates a sense of urgency. When a home looks desirable, buyers are more likely to compete, leading to multiple offers and stronger negotiating power.
• Maximizes value perception. Even small updates can make your home feel more expensive.

3. Staging offers a strong return on investment

One of the most compelling reasons to stage your home? It often pays for itself—and then some. While staging does come with upfront costs, many sellers see a clear return through faster sales, reduced price drops, and higher final offers.

What makes staging worth it:

• Minimizes the need for price reductions. A well-staged home tends to attract more interest right away, reducing the chance you’ll need to lower your asking price.
• Increases perceived value. Staging makes your home look more polished, functional, and desirable, all of which can lead to stronger offers.
• Shortens time on market. The longer your home sits, the more carrying costs you rack up. Staging helps speed up the process, which can save you money overall.
• Flexible investment. Whether you invest in a full-service stager or opt for strategic DIY improvements, there are ways to stage effectively on any budget.

4. Spaces feel bigger, brighter, and more purposeful

One of the most powerful (and underrated) benefits of home staging is how it transforms the way a space feels. Even if you can’t add square footage, staging can make rooms appear larger, lighter, and more functional.

When buyers walk into an empty or cluttered space, it’s hard for them to visualize its potential. But when a room is staged with intention, every square foot works harder.

What staging does to elevate rooms:

• Strategic furniture placement opens up rooms. Arranging furniture away from walls and in conversation-friendly groupings creates flow and emphasizes usable space.
• Light is maximized. Staging often includes removing heavy drapes, using mirrors, and choosing lighter textiles to reflect natural light and make rooms feel airy.
• Awkward areas get defined. That random alcove becomes a home office nook. A narrow hallway gets brightened with art and lighting to feel like part of the home.
• Decluttering creates visual breathing room. Clean surfaces and minimal decor allow the room’s size to shine.

Caroline Lusk, owner and operations director at Set The Stage Southwest Missouri suggests, “Home staging allows sellers to present their property in its best possible light by enhancing flow, highlighting key features, and creating a warm, elevated atmosphere. It helps buyers better visualize themselves and the lifestyle possibilities in the space, which can increase emotional connection to a home. Well-staged homes often sell faster and can attract stronger offers, especially in competitive markets.”

>> See: How to Stage Your Home to Sell: 5 Tips to Attract Buyers

5. Staging minimizes distractions

When buyers tour a home, they want to focus on the space—not your personal belongings, bold design choices, or cluttered countertops. Staging helps eliminate anything that might pull attention away from what really matters: the home itself.

Why staging keeps attention on the space, not the stuff:

• Neutral decor appeals to more buyers. Staging tones down strong personal styles so the home feels more universally appealing.
• Clutter is cleared away. Too many items can make a space feel smaller or chaotic. Staging introduces balance and breathing room.
• Personal items are removed. Family photos, collections, and overly customized rooms can make it harder for buyers to picture themselves living there.
• Focal points are emphasized. Whether it’s a fireplace, bay window, or high ceiling, staging draws attention to the home’s standout features, not distractions.

6. It signals a well-cared-for home

A thoughtfully staged home sends a subtle but powerful message to buyers: this home has been cared for.

When buyers see clean lines, tidy rooms, and intentional design choices, they naturally assume the rest of the home, like the plumbing, roof, and HVAC, has been equally well maintained. That feeling of confidence can make a big difference when it’s time to make an offer.

How staging signals that a home has been well cared for:

• Shows attention to detail. Fresh linens, clean floors, and styled shelves suggest a homeowner who’s attentive and proactive.
• Reinforces the idea of “move-in ready.” A staged home looks prepared for its next chapter, minimizing concerns about hidden maintenance issues.
• Builds trust. Buyers are more likely to assume the home has been well kept if it looks polished and organized.
• Reduces red flags. An unstaged home with clutter or worn furnishings can raise doubts, even if the structure itself is in great shape.

7. It helps buyers emotionally “move in”

Buying a home isn’t just a financial decision, it’s an emotional one. Staging helps buyers picture what life could look like in your home, which can be the tipping point between browsing and making an offer.

“Staging is really about closing the gap between what a buyer sees and what they can imagine. Most people struggle to look past clutter, dated furniture, or an awkward layout. Staging does that work for them,” says the team at The Home Staging Institute. “When the home already feels livable and aspirational, buyers stop mentally renovating and start emotionally moving in. Buyers are making emotional decisions, not rational ones. Staging removes distractions, highlights what’s great about the home, and makes the decision to buy feel easy.”

Instead of walking into an empty room and trying to imagine where the couch might go, staging creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that tells a story. It’s easier to fall in love with a space that already feels like home.

Why staging makes it easier for buyers to fall in love with the home:

• Rooms feel lived-in, not lifeless. A cozy throw or a well-placed book helps the space feel lived-in without distracting buyers.
• Each space has a clear purpose. That awkward nook becomes a reading corner or workstation, helping buyers envision how they’d use the space.
• Mood and lighting are thoughtfully curated. Soft lighting and cohesive design elements guide buyers from room to room, making the whole home feel harmonious.

8. It levels the playing field in competitive markets

In a crowded real estate market, standing out is everything and staging gives your home that extra edge. When buyers are touring multiple homes in the same price range or neighborhood, the ones that feel polished, welcoming, and thoughtfully presented tend to rise to the top.

Here’s how staging helps you compete:

• Creates memorable first impressions. When buyers are seeing several homes in a day, the well-staged one is the one they’ll remember.
• Elevates your home against similar listings. Staging helps your home stand out, even if the square footage or location is nearly identical to others nearby.
• Minimizes buyer hesitation. When a home looks clean, organized, and move-in ready, buyers are less likely to delay or second-guess.
• Encourages stronger offers. A staged home can feel more premium, which may motivate buyers to offer closer to asking, or even above.

9. Makes your listing photos stand out

In today’s market, your home’s first showing usually happens online, and that means great listing photos are essential. Staging plays a major role in making your photos eye-catching, clean, and professional-looking.

Buyers are scrolling through dozens of listings in a matter of minutes. If your photos don’t stand out, they’ll keep on scrolling.

The visual advantages staging brings to your listing:

• Staged homes photograph better. Thoughtful furniture placement, good lighting, and clutter-free surfaces help each room look polished and spacious.
• Color and balance are optimized. Staging brings in textures, soft neutrals, and symmetry, making photos more visually pleasing.
• Rooms look purposeful and complete. Empty rooms can look cold or confusing in photos, staging helps buyers understand how a space can function.

Benefits of home staging: Is it right for your home sale? 

If you’re looking to sell quickly, attract serious buyers, and possibly increase your sale price, the benefits of home staging are hard to ignore. In a competitive market, small details matter. Staging helps your home rise to the top.

So, is home staging right for your sale? If your goal is to maximize value and attract serious buyers, it’s likely a smart choice.

FAQs: Benefits of home staging

Is staging worth the cost?

Yes—many sellers find that the return on investment outweighs the upfront cost. Professionally staged homes often sell quicker and for more money than comparable unstaged properties.

>> Read: How Much Does it Cost to Stage a House?

Does staging a house increase value?

Staging doesn’t directly raise your home’s appraised value, but it can absolutely increase its perceived value which often leads to stronger offers and a higher final sale price. In competitive markets, that perception can be the difference between getting list price and getting more.

Can I stage my home myself?

Absolutely. While professional stagers bring expertise and inventory, DIY staging can still be effective. Focus on decluttering, deep cleaning, rearranging furniture for flow, and adding neutral, welcoming touches.

>> Dive in: How to Stage a House Inexpensively and Quickly: 17 Hacks for a Fast Sale for Less

Do I need to stage every room?

Not necessarily. Prioritize high-impact areas like the living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and entryway. Secondary spaces (like guest rooms or storage areas) can often be simplified.

How does home staging affect listing photos?

Staged homes tend to photograph more cleanly and attractively, leading to more clicks online—and more buyers through the door. In today’s digital-first market, this can be a major advantage.

Is staging necessary in a hot market?

Even in a seller’s market, staging can help you maximize your home’s appeal and final sale price. When buyers are competing, a beautifully presented home can drive up urgency and perceived value.

>> Check out: Is It a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market?

Choosing a new place to live isn’t just about picking somewhere with four walls and a roof.

Lifestyle, location, convenience and good neighbours are as important as any other factor.

Fortunately, a new model of co-living, or ‘uncommon living’, is about to hit Australia with the launch of The Switch in Perth.

The Switch is an ‘uncommon living’ community in Perth.

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“Co-living is a trend that really seems to be accelerating,” explains realestate.com.au economist, Anne Flaherty.

“It’s still relatively new in Australia, but globally the concept has been around for quite a while now, particularly in the US and digital nomad hubs in places like Southeast Asia.

“I think the rise in remote working we’ve seen around the world will actually increase demand for these kinds of properties.”

Find out the benefits of co-living and what it’s all about.

1. A creative lifestyle

A key premise of co-living is to facilitate a community of like-minded people, with particular suitability for young professionals, entrepreneurs, digital nomads and students.

Work or hang out in a variety of common spaces — with workshops and pop-up events to encourage residents to explore their potential.

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To meet the needs of this cohort, The Switch has incorporated a range of suitable amenities, such as fully furnished rooms, flexible leases, co-working spaces, podcasting rooms, a retail precinct and more.

“We’ve got large common spaces that bring people together,” The Switch co-founder Craig Oliver shares.

“We’ve also got strong events programs and partnerships that allow you to learn new skills, for example, how to start a new business.

“It basically enhances the community aspects of the living conditions within the building. The common facilities allow for everybody to come together, along with the events, activities and engagement aspects.”

2. Co-working spaces

Another drawcard for co-living is that the facilities are set-up for co-working.

“We have one floor that’s an open plan co-working space,” Oliver starts. “We’ve got a mixture of flexible working desks, where you can sit down and ‘plug in and play’, or there are a range of meeting spaces around, including a podcasting room.

“There’s also a theatre on the same floor where you can facilitate lectures. We’ll have partners come in and present on their businesses or teach new skills and so forth. It’s properly fitted-out lecture area that guests and residents can use.”

3. Flexible living

Flexibility at The Switch comes in a few different forms. Firstly, lease terms.

“We have the ability to tailor a lease to the circumstances of the individual,” Oliver explains.

“You can get up to a maximum one year lease, which you can then keep renewing for as long as you want. However, if you want a three or six month lease, or you’re over here with work and you’ve only got a month in Perth, you can put in a request for your required leasing contract and we can facilitate that.”

These furnished apartments come with flexible lease terms.

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Secondly, the types of accommodation at The Switch allow you to live as privately or communally as you like. There are shared apartments for those looking for something slightly cheaper and more communal, or private studios.

“The premise of the building is a great location and building strong community with those around you,” Oliver says. “However, you have ability to have privacy with a number of different living options — like, the studios give you have that option of residential privacy.”

Meanwhile, the shared apartments can also be leased with a group of friends.

“If you know four people you want to share an apartment with, you can do that,” Oliver adds. “If you’re just by yourself and you want to come in to that environment where you can meet people, we’ll facilitate the rest of the residence for you.”

Finally, there are optional add-ons for those who want to splurge on extras.

“If you want to do dry cleaning, you can add that on. If you want to have your room cleaned, you can add that on. If you want a fully-fitted kitchen with plates and cutlery, plus sheets and towels and so forth, that can be added as well.”

4. Bills included

Everything at The Switch is included in your rental cost, making The Switch ideal for folks who want a no-fuss, established rental.

The Switch has its own state-of-the-art gym.

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Flaherty confirms that rental accommodation in Perth is growing in scarcity in the face of high demand. Those looking around similar locations to the Switch are likely to find rents climbing in the coming years.

“First of all, The Switch is more cost effective for people to rent,” she says, adding that weekly median rents in Perth CBD are $450 and set to grow. Meanwhile, rents at The Switch start from $265 per week.

“Secondly they come with a community, which is especially attractive for people travelling to a new city where they may not know anyone.”

5. A central location

Finally, one of the greatest features of The Switch is its centrality. Located on Wellington St in the CBD, it’s right across from your main public transport hub and in the heart of the city’s action.

The location is not only ideal for students of the nearby universities, but also for young entrepreneurs who want to establish themselves in the bustling CBD.

Flaherty points out that while most cities in Australia have undergone major population shifts out of their CBDs, Perth has seen the opposite.

“Perth has been bucking lots of trends over the last year. We’ve actually seen a sharp reduction in office vacancy in Perth, so there’s more demand for office space than there was even before the pandemic,” she says.

“What that means is that we’ve got more people working in cities and we know people are more likely to live nearby to where they work. So, that’s supporting [inner city] rental demand as well.”

Meanwhile, ‘uncommon living’ allows you to live where you work and occupy desk space in one of the most sought-after cities in Australia.

All pictures supplied by The Switch.

This article was originally published on
4 Apr 2023 at 12:16pm
but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.

If community, liveability and sustainability are on your property checklist, buying into a new land development could make good sense.

For most people, buying a home is a huge emotional and financial milestone so it’s best to take some time to decide on the best way forward for your family’s circumstances.

Buying a new house and land package or building off the plan can suit a range of households, from first-home buyers looking to get a foot in the door to upgraders seeking more room to move; and downsizers keen on a low maintenance lifestyle.

Here are seven benefits of a new house and land package purchase.

1. Affordability

One of the most desirable aspects of buying into a new land development is the affordability factor. Often opting for a new estate means being able to customise your home to your needs for a cheaper price than buying an established property.

“Potentially the biggest advantage of buying into a new suburb is greater affordability compared to inner-city areas,” Mr Satterley said.

“This comparative affordability can result in greater long term capital growth benefits as your parcel of land appreciates over time at a better rate. Coupled with current record low interest rate, buying into new suburbs in the current market has become a very attractive prospect for many Australians.”

Often opting for a new estate means being able to customise your home to your needs for a cheaper price than buying an established property. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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Ms Mackenzie said many new developments offered multiple housing options that suited a variety of budgets. It’s also important to remember that the purchase will cover two loans, one for the land and one for the house construction.

“You can purchase the land and engage your own builder to customise your home to your specific needs and budget or you can choose from a range of house and land packages with pre-determined designs and features, at pre-set prices,” she said.

“A number of government initiatives, such as stamp duty concessions for first home buyers, can also make purchasing or building a home in a new development a more affordable option.”

Mr Saeed said new developments were often sought out by budget-conscious buyers.

“The budget stretches further and there are many more affordable options for the homebuyer, with different home designs and land sizes to choose from,” he said.

“Plus, there can be a six-month gap from when land goes on sale and a deposit is paid to when the land is titled. This can give the purchaser some extra time to save.”

2. Stamp duty savings

Because you are technically only purchasing land, with a separate contract for the construction, your stamp duty payable on the land cost compared to an establish home is much lower. In some states buyers may be exempt from paying stamp duty altogether.

Read more about understanding stamp duty.

3. Community spirit

“A new estate offers a strong sense of community,” said Khurram Saeed, co-founder of Melbourne-based land developer, Resi Ventures.

“Everyone is new to the estate and has common goals of purchasing their dream home, whether they are a first or second home buyer. So, it creates a neighbourly vibe where they look out for each other and the welfare of the estate.”

Communities often host events to bring residents together. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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Stephanie Mackenzie, Stockland’s General Manager – Communities Sales, said new developments attracted a community of new residents which helped build authentic grassroots networks.

She said it’s not uncommon for residents to host activities together such as outdoor movie nights and outdoor fitness.

4. Thoughtful design and amenities

With easy access to public transport, shopping centres, schools and recreation a priority for many households, extensive work goes into designing estates to ensure they have the amenities that residents want.

“The land development space is a highly competitive market, and developers are always looking at ways to improve their design and win new purchasers over their competition,” said Satterley chief executive Nigel Satterley.

“This means that to succeed, new developments must be well located and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of parks and amenities.

5. Liveability

Flexible working arrangements mean many people are spending more time at home.

Open space, playgrounds, parks and recreation options have become even more important for a balanced lifestyle.

“Parks and recreation areas including walking and bike paths are a key part of building connected communities as they provide spaces where people can relax, exercise, catch up with neighbours, friends and family, and where the kids can play,” said Mr Satterley.

Playgrounds and parks are commonly built into the design. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

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Ms Mackenzie said new land developments should cater for residents in all stages of life, and also consider their changing needs.

“New land developments – or master-planned developments – are created with a clear vision of the wants and needs of the entire community, both now and into the future,” Ms Mackenzie said.

“Liveability is boosted through open green spaces, walking and cycling paths, and parks and sporting facilities for all residents and the community to enjoy,” she said.

6. Tax benefits

If you’re an investor you could be up for some serious savings at tax time due to something called depreciation.

Read our guide on claiming depreciation on an investment property.

You’ll also need to get your head around negative gearing, which will also give you savings at tax time as the Australian government currently rewards investors for increasing rental housing stock.

7. Shiny and new

If the thought of maintaining an older home, with all their quirks, brings a shudder down your spine then you can breathe a sigh of relief because new homes require next to no maintenance.

Nothing says luxury like brand new. Picture: Metricon

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Your new home will be covered by building warranties and insurance that are regulated by state government consumer groups and the timeframe in which you’re covered will differ depending on which state you’re in. Be sure to check what you’re covered for before signing the contract.

This article was originally published on
23 Sep 2021 at 5:10pm
but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.