Selling your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make, and in today’s competitive market, making a lasting first impression is non-negotiable. It’s not just about showcasing a house; it’s about helping potential buyers envision their future and fall in love with a lifestyle. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2025 Profile of Home Staging, 83% of buyer’s agents say staging makes it easier for a buyer to envision the property as their future home. But does investing in professional home staging deliver enough value to justify the cost?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging is the strategic process of preparing a home for sale to make it more appealing to buyers. This may include:
- Decluttering and depersonalizing the space
- Rearranging or replacing furniture
- Adding modern decor or accessories
- Enhancing lighting and ambiance
- Making minor repairs or updates
The goal? To help potential buyers emotionally connect with the space and see themselves living in it.
Staging Options Compared
The world of home staging has evolved, offering various approaches to suit different budgets and needs.
DIY Home Staging
- Budget-friendly
- Requires time, energy, and an eye for design
- Often limited in resources and may lack a neutral, modern appeal
- Risks of emotional bias in how spaces are presented
Real Estate Agent-Assisted Staging
- Some agents offer light staging or referrals to staging partners
- May include basic decluttering and layout advice
- Usually doesn’t involve furniture or major design upgrades
Professional Home Staging (Physical)
- Full-service: consultation, furniture rental, decor, installation
- Designed to appeal to the widest audience
- Most effective in elevating the home’s perceived value
Virtual Home Staging (A 2025 Trendsetter)
This rapidly growing trend involves digitally adding furniture, decor, and even making virtual renovations to listing photos of empty or dated rooms.
- Significantly cheaper than physical staging.
- Offers unlimited design options and quick turnaround times (24-48 hours).
- Requires transparency (e.g., “Virtually Staged” disclaimer) to avoid misrepresentation. Often combined with original photos for full disclosure.
Costs of Home Staging
Staging costs vary depending on the home size, location, and level of service. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Type of Staging | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Notes |
| Initial Consultation Only | $150 – $600 | For expert advice and a DIY action plan. |
| Partial Staging (Key Rooms) | $1,000 – $2,500 | Focuses on living room, master bedroom, kitchen (most important rooms for buyers). |
| Full-Home Staging (Physical) | $2,000 – $7,500+ | For larger homes or those requiring full furniture rentals. These costs typically cover an initial period (e.g., 1-3 months); extended periods may incur additional monthly rental fees. |
| Virtual Staging | $25 – $100 per image | A standard MLS package (8-12 photos) typically ranges from $350-$900. Offers significant savings compared to physical staging. |
DIY costs may include:
- Paint, minor repairs, cleaning supplies
- Storage units or rentals
- New decor or furniture
- Your personal time and effort
In Edmonton, staging a standard 3-bedroom home may range between $1,500 and $3,500 for full professional staging.
Drawbacks of DIY Home Staging
- Design Missteps: Poor furniture placement or outdated decor can work against you
- Emotional Bias: Sellers often struggle to see their home objectively
- Market Misalignment: DIY efforts may not reflect current buyer preferences. Visit our blog to see 7 common DIY staging mistakes.
- Time-Consuming: From decluttering to decor shopping, it adds stress
Benefits of Professional Home Staging
Enhanced First Impressions
Staging highlights your home’s strengths, creating a polished, welcoming look that attracts buyers instantly.
Increased Sale Price
- 75% of sellers report a higher sale price after staging
- Buyers may pay 1% to 5% more for a well-staged home
- Coldwell Banker found staged homes sell for 6%+ above asking price
Faster Sale
- Staged homes spend 73% less time on the market
- On average, staged homes sell in 40 days vs. 100+ days for unstaged homes
Better Online Presence
Professional staging enhances listing photos, helping your home stand out on MLS, Zillow, or Realtor.ca
Competitive Edge
In competitive markets like home staging in Edmonton, staging can be the deciding factor between a quick sale and a stale listing.
Highlights Key Features
Stagers emphasize unique aspects: large windows, open layouts, fireplaces, or making your kitchen a showstopper
Reduces Stress
Stagers handle everything, from design to furniture delivery, so you can focus on moving