By: Kayla Alvarado | Licensed Real Estate Salesperson | Plush Properties
In today’s real estate market, first impressions matter more than ever. With buyers scrolling through dozens of listings online before ever stepping foot into a home, presentation can be the deciding factor between a showing and a swipe past. That’s where professional home staging comes in.
At Plush Properties, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-staged property not only captures more interest — it often sells faster and for a higher price.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging is the process of preparing and presenting a property in a way that highlights its best features, maximizes space, and helps buyers emotionally connect to the home. It often involves:
- Removing personal items or clutter
- Rearranging or replacing furniture
- Using neutral color palettes
- Adding lighting, accessories, and textures
- Enhancing curb appeal and entry areas
Staging is not about decorating — it’s about marketing. It helps a property look its absolute best in listing photos and during in-person showings.
The Data Behind Staging and Selling Price
Recent industry data shows a clear advantage for staged homes:
- Staged homes sell for 5% to 10% more on average compared to non-staged homes.
- 83% of buyers’ agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home.
- Homes that are professionally staged spend 33% to 50% less time on the market than those that are not.
In a competitive market, that price boost and time savings can mean the difference between a smooth closing and a stagnant listing.
Why Staging Works
- Online Appeal
The majority of buyers begin their search online. Staged homes produce stronger photos and generate more clicks, which directly impacts the number of showings scheduled. - Emotional Connection
Buyers don’t just purchase based on square footage — they buy based on how a space makes them feel. Staging helps create warmth, comfort, and vision. - Perceived Value
A well-staged home suggests that the seller has maintained the property. It creates a sense of quality that justifies a stronger offer. - Broad Appeal
Neutral, modern staging creates a blank canvas. It helps buyers look past personal tastes and imagine how they could live in the space.
Before-and-After: The Market Impact
Let’s consider a real example:
- A 3-bedroom home in Essex County was listed unstaged at $579,000. After 45 days and no offers, it was professionally staged, rephotographed, and relisted at $589,000. It sold within 10 days for $600,000.
- Another home in Brooklyn sat on the market for over 60 days with minimal traffic. Post-staging, it went under contract in 7 days and closed at full asking.
These stories are not rare — they're the result of strategic preparation and effective presentation.
Sellers: Increase Your Home’s Market Value
If you're considering selling, staging is one of the highest ROI investments you can make. At Plush Properties, we offer staging consultations and can connect you with professional stagers who understand your neighborhood’s buyer profile.
Before you list, let’s talk staging. You may be leaving money on the table without it.
Contact Plush Properties today for a free consultation on how to stage your home for maximum value.
Agents: Enhance Your Listings with Expert Staging
If you're a real estate agent with a new listing, we can help you build a winning staging strategy that attracts serious buyers and delivers better offers. Whether you’re selling a condo, a townhouse, or a luxury home, our team supports you with the tools and expertise you need to showcase it right.
Reach out to Plush Properties for agent resources and staging support designed to elevate your listings.
Plush Properties
Where luxury meets strategy. Let us help you make every square foot count.
For the latest updates and more personalized advice on interior design and how these changes may impact the sale of your home, contact Kayla Alvarado, [email protected], Licensed Real Estate Agent and design advisor for Plush Properties Luxury Real Estate and homes sales.
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Kayla Alvarado is a dedicated real estate salesperson and interior design specialist with over 8 years of experience in interior design, Kayla brings a trained eye for style, space, and potential to every real estate transaction..… Read full bio |