Tips for Working with a Home Stager: A Guide for Homeowners and Agents

Home staging is one of the most effective ways to prepare a property for sale. A professional stager can transform a space into one that appeals to a wide range of buyers, often leading to quicker sales and higher offers. But to get the best results, collaboration between the homeowner, real estate agent, and stager is key. Here are some essential tips when working with a home stager:

1. Trust Their Expertise

Home stagers understand design, buyer psychology, and the local market. While it can be tempting to hold on to personal style choices, remember that staging is about creating a home that appeals to the broadest audience, not just you.

2. Declutter Before They Arrive

One of the best ways to prepare for staging is to declutter. Clearing out excess items gives the stager a clean canvas and ensures that every piece they bring in has maximum impact.

3. Be Open to Neutralizing

Bold colors and personalized décor may be meaningful to you but can distract buyers. A stager may suggest painting walls, removing dated furnishings, or toning down décor to create a more welcoming and neutral backdrop.

4. Communicate Your Goals

Are you hoping to sell quickly, or is maximizing profit your top priority? Share your objectives with your stager so they can tailor their approach accordingly.

5. Ask About Hybrid or Partial Staging

Not every home needs a full staging package. Depending on your budget and the property, your stager may recommend partial staging—focusing on key rooms like the living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom—or even incorporating digital staging solutions.

6. Be Flexible

Sometimes, a stager may recommend moving or storing some of your furniture. While this may feel inconvenient, trust that these changes are designed to highlight your home’s best features.

7. Think of It as an Investment

Professional staging is more than a cosmetic upgrade—it’s a marketing tool. When executed well, it can more than pay for itself through faster sales and higher offers.

Bottom line: Working with a home stager is a partnership. By preparing your home, keeping an open mind, and trusting their expertise, you’ll maximize the impact of your investment and position your property for a successful sale.