Realtors: Let’s Talk About Staging (and who pays for it)

I hear it all the time: “I’d love to stage my listings, but I don’t want to pay for it.”

Here’s the good news — you’re not supposed to.

Staging isn’t a Realtor expense. It’s an investment the seller makes to get the home prepped and market-ready … no different than painting, cleaning, or landscaping.

Statistics indicate that it’s reasonable for sellers to invest between 1-3% of the listing pricing to ready the home. For a $1M property, investing $10,000 to prep it may include the cost for interior work (carpet cleaning, misc fixits, window cleaning), exterior work (cleaning the eaves, fascia, windows, paint touch-ups), exterior landscaping (mulch, weeding).

Staging is also considered part of this 1-3% prep investment.

🏡 Staging is Marketing

To market and sell a home, you need to create a story that buyers can connect with. Staging helps tell that story. It highlights the home’s best features, makes rooms look bigger and brighter and, most importantly, helps buyers connect emotionally (which is what translates to SOLD).

💸 So Who Pays for It?

Typically, the seller covers staging.

BUT, if the budget is tight or there are other factors at play, here are some options to make it work:

  • Split the total cost - Realtor splits the full cost with sellers

  • Realtor pays up front - Realtor pays the up-front cost and recoups the staging cost from the seller once the home has sold

  • Seller pays up front - Seller pays the up-front cost and the Realtor reimburses the staging cost once the home has sold

  • Realtor pays a fixed amount only OR pays to stage key rooms only - Realtor pays up to a certain amount towards the staging fee with the seller paying the remainder (ie. pays up to $500 towards staging). Another option is for the Realtor to cover the cost to stage only the most important areas (living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, dining room).

🤝 Why It’s a Win for You

Keep in mind that, regardless of who pays, what really matters is the home’s presentation. Staged homes attract more buyers, show better in photos, and often sell faster (and for more money!) — which benefits both you and your clients.

Staging doesn’t just help the home sell — it helps you stand out and builds your reputation as a Realtor who goes the extra mile to present beautiful listings.

Need more information?
I’d be happy to help you and your sellers!

julie.b@flairstyleco.com or 519 270 4482