Home Staging Survey: Homebuyers Say This Room Is The "Most Important" To Get Top Dollar
Want Top Dollar for Your Home? Start by Staging the Living Room
According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Profile of Home Staging, 37% of buyers’ agents say the living room is the most important room to stage. The primary bedroom (34%) and kitchen (23%) follow closely.
Whether buyers are paying cash or working with a lender, they tour homes with a critical eye. Staging helps them visualize living in the space and can lead to faster sales and higher offers. Want to impress buyers? Start with the rooms that matter most.
- Home staging—whether done by a realtor or third-party service—prepares your home to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
- Top rooms to stage: The living room ranks highest (37%), followed by the primary bedroom (34%) and kitchen (23%).
- Impact on offers: 17% of buyers’ agents say staging can increase offers by 1% to 5%, making it a smart investment.
Key Takeaways
What Is Home Staging—and Is It Worth the Cost?
Home staging is a professional service that prepares your home to appeal to potential buyers. The goal? Help them picture themselves living there. This often involves rearranging furniture, decluttering, and adding neutral, stylish touches that highlight your home’s best features.
- Median cost: $1,500 with a staging service, or around $500 if done by your real estate agent.
- Why it matters: Staged homes often sell faster and may receive higher offers—up to 5% more, according to some agents.
Staging That Sells: Give Buyers the TV-Ready Living Room They Crave
Nearly 48% of agents say buyers want homes that look like they were staged for television. That means clean lines, neutral tones, curated decor, and a layout that feels both spacious and inviting.
To nail the ideal visual presentation:
- Use minimalist furniture arrangements to open up the space
- Stick to a neutral color palette that appeals to a wide audience
- Add layered lighting and styled shelving for warmth and dimension
- Incorporate greenery and glass accents to create a fresh, airy vibe
Does Home Staging Really Work? Here’s What Agents Say
Staging isn’t just about aesthetics it can shape buyer perception and influence outcomes:
- 60% of buyers’ agents say staging impacts how buyers view a home most of the time.
- 17% of agents report that staged homes receive offers 1% to 5% higher than unstaged ones.
- 30% of agents observed that staging helps homes spend less time on the market.
While 41% saw no change in offer amounts, the perception boost and faster sales make staging a strategic move. Want to maximize impact? Start with the living room it’s the most influential space.
If you're preparing to sell your home, chances are you're also planning to buy. While staging and pricing your current property, take time to evaluate top mortgage lenders for your next purchase.
Compare interest rates, loan options, and closing timelines
Look for lenders with strong customer service and digital tools
Use prequalification to understand your borrowing power
The Bottom Line
Staging your home especially the living room can significantly influence how buyers perceive your space. According to the National Association of Realtors, 37% of agents say the living room is the most important room to stage.
Done right, staging can:
- Increase offer amounts by 1% to 5%
- Reduce time on market
- Help buyers emotionally connect with your home
Whether you're working with a pro or DIY-ing with your agent, focus on clean lines, neutral tones, and a layout that feels open and inviting.
