We get asked some version of this question often, “Should I stage my small, moderately priced home?” Or “Do I need to stage my home? It’s not a luxury listing!” “Does home staging really matter for moderately priced homes?” Yes. Yes you should. It matters!

No matter a home's price point, staging makes a SIGNIFICANT difference because ALL homes need to appeal to a buyer.

First, the statistics

Here are some statistics from the most recent Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). But keep reading for examples of stagings for homes listed around $400,000.

91% of buyers' agents say home staging had an affect on most or some buyers. Only 7% said it has no effect!
82% of buyers’ agents say that staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.
83% of agents say that [great] photos are more important than ever. Let’s face it, buyers are shopping online and the photos need to eye catching or they are swiped away. Home staging creates great photos!

Watch this as Dawn talks about a few of our stagings.

Now the specifics

Now on to specifics about why to stage a smaller and/or moderately priced home. Home buyers in moderate price ranges care just as much about where they live as those hunting for million dollar listings. Who doesn’t desire a place where we can see ourselves living our best lives?

Moderate Home 1! This home received an above asking price the first week on market. We staged; we un-staged; and were very happy, as were the realtor, sellers and buyers.

Staged Ryte staged two homes in 2022 priced at or below $400,000. And they were relatively small. In both cases, the realtor told the home owners that he could sell their homes for one price if they didn’t stage, and he could sell for a greater price when staged. Both owners agreed to staging (who doesn’t want more money?).

Moderate Home 1 was a complete renovation. We came in and fully staged the home…and it received multiple offers over asking in the first week. This was one of those homes where we stage…and then come back in short order to un-stage. We love when this happens and don’t mind one little bit.
Moderate Home 2 was an older lake cottage. We styled the home and it received an offer in the first week. The home owners ultimately decided to take the property off the market and keep the home.
On another note, we staged a luxury property that had been removed from the market because it wasn’t getting much interest. We came in styled and staged it, and the realtor tells us showings have more than doubled.

Staged homes at any price show more and…

Our staged homes show more, receive offers more quickly, and sell above listing. You don’t need to have a luxury home to benefit from home staging. Any sized home can benefit! Most important rooms to stage? Living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen.

How is your home going to stand out from the rest? Do you need a refresh for your home to show at its best in photos and when home buyers are visiting? We dove into our archive for this blog post, “The Biggest Home Staging Mistakes.” Some good tips for styling on your own.

Want to understand our process from walk-through to proposal to staging? Read this blog post “How Does Home Staging Work?”

2023 is different

2023 is going to be a tougher market than the past three years. Home sales have slowed; there’s more inventory than there was just after COVID, when so many people were moving to the Berkshires, Northwestern Connecticut, and Dutchess Couny, NY. Each home needs to stand out from the rest.

Bottom line, home staging matters for all homes at all price levels. Follow us on our socials especially Instagram @stagedryte to see our stagings and staging life. And contact us when you’re ready to stage!