Do Staged Homes Sell for More? The Real ROI for Gig Harbor Sellers
Why staging matters
Staging Sets the Tone in Photos
Dominic Wilkerson of Dom Does Media, who shoots for many of the top agents in the Gig Harbor market, says:
“I love to photograph a home when it is staged. It helps tell the story of what the home feels like. An empty room can also be confusing in photographs without something to anchor it and convey the size and layout.”
Since 98% of buyers start their home search online, how your home looks on a screen—often on a phone—determines whether it makes the cut. Staging ensures your photos tell a story buyers want to step into.
What the Stats Say
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
82% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.
97% of agents recommend decluttering before listing.
“The other 3% are misinformed,” says Paige Schulte, founder of Neighborhood Experts Real Estate.
At Neighborhood Experts, staging isn’t optional—it’s included. “Even if your favorite designer picked out all your furniture, staging is strongly advised,” Paige adds.
Emily Pleau of Clementine Design explains:
“Staging helps present a house in its best light. For lived-in homes, it’s about decluttering and depersonalizing. For vacant homes, it’s bringing in furniture, art, and decor so a buyer can see it as a home. Staging gives meaning and purpose to a space.”
The Power of First Impressions
Currently, the market has tipped to favor buyers. With more inventory available, the most compelling home wins. That means cleaning, staging, landscaping, and completing deferred maintenance aren’t optional—they’re mandatory if you want top dollar.
Your agent and photographer should obsess over every detail, because the first impression happens online. And as we all know, first impressions matter.
Got Stage Fright?
Don’t Worry—You’re Not Alone
Sellers often feel overwhelmed, but you don’t need to be a designer. Top stagers thrive on making your home shine while keeping it neutral enough for broad appeal.
“When a home has been thoughtfully edited, staged, and professionally photographed, it will stand out. Staged homes not only sell faster but also receive higher offers,” says Pleau.
What Does a Stager Actually Do?
Stagers work with sellers in three main scenarios:
Occupied styling (working with your current furniture, editing, and adding pieces)
Partial staging (for homes where only some rooms are empty)
Full vacant staging (bringing in furniture, art, and decor for the entire home)
They’ll walk through with your agent, make recommendations, and bring in inventory designed to highlight your home’s best features.
A Visual Transformation Buyers Love
“Staging is what brings a home alive,” says Christina Fitzer of Coldwell Banker Danforth.
She explains that staging takes an “okay” home to a Restoration Hardware dream home. Buyers walk in and can instantly envision their future there.
Professional stagers carefully curate inventory, choosing pieces with texture, neutral tones, and modern appeal. Fresh greenery, unique decor, and quality details make staged spaces irresistible.
Do Staged Homes Sell Faster?
Staged homes don’t just look better—they also sell faster.
According to the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes sell 87% faster than non-staged homes.
Why? Because a polished, move-in-ready space eliminates doubt and creates emotional connection. Faster decisions mean fewer price drops, less risk of becoming a stale listing, and stronger momentum from day one.
A Better Return on Investment
The Full-Service Listing Experience
Top agents provide more than pricing strategies and negotiations. A full-service team includes designer input, cleaning, staging, repairs, and media. Every detail is designed to maximize buyer appeal.
From Media to Marketing Impact
Staging works hand-in-hand with digital marketing tools such as:
Drone photography
3D tours
Lifestyle videos
Social media reels
Full listing websites
Buyers don’t just see your home—they imagine themselves living there. That emotional connection translates into stronger offers.
Virtual Staging: A Word of Caution
There’s a time and place for virtual staging, but it should be rare. At Neighborhood Experts, out of 350+ homes sold, it was only used four times—always for very specific reasons (like during COVID restrictions).
Why avoid it? The buyer’s online experience doesn’t match reality when they step inside, which leads to disappointment and broken trust. Unless there’s a strong reason, stick with real staging.
Key Takeaways & FAQS
Key Takeaways
Staging matters. It helps homes stand out online, creates stronger first impressions, and emotionally connects with buyers.
Staged homes sell faster and for more. Stats show staged homes can sell 87% faster and for up to 15% more.
It’s worth the investment. Many top agents (like Neighborhood Experts) cover staging for their clients because it leads to better outcomes.
Real beats virtual. Virtual staging has its place, but real staging creates the in-person wow factor buyers need.
FAQs About Home Staging
Do staged homes sell better than empty homes?
Yes—staged homes typically sell faster and for higher prices because buyers can better visualize the space.
Do staged houses appraise higher?
While staging doesn’t directly change appraisals, it can help a home sell quickly and at stronger price points, which supports a higher perceived value.
How much does staging add to the value of a home?
On average, staged homes sell for 15% more compared to non-staged homes.
What is the disadvantage of home staging?
The main disadvantage is cost—but when your agent covers staging (as many top agents do), the upside far outweighs the expense.
Do most realtors pay for staging?
Not all. Nationally, only about 31% of listing agents stage every home. However, many top-tier agents in Gig Harbor include it as part of their full-service approach.
Ready to stage your home to sell faster and for more?
Let’s make it compelling, market-ready, and irresistible to buyers—online and in person.
Reach out to Paige Schulte and the Neighborhood Experts team for full-service listing support, including complimentary staging.
