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n the competitive world of real estate, where online research is a crucial step in the home-buying process, first impressions are everything. Buyers increasingly expect homes to look like they belong on TV design shows or Instagram reels. According to the National Association of REALTORS' "2025 Profile of Home Staging" survey, about half of real estate agents report that buyers heading into a house hunt expect homes to be professionally staged for television.

    This may explain why over 58% of real estate professionals reported that buyers were disappointed when homes didn't live up to their TV expectations. A staggering 73% of agents blame home design shows for creating unrealistic expectations. To meet buyers' rising expectations and avoid disappointment, many real estate agents turn to home staging, which can have a measurable impact on the home's market performance.

    Home staging is "merchandising" a property, says Cara Ameer, a real estate broker. It creates an experience when a buyer walks through the home, defining spaces and lifestyle looks. The benefits of staging include helping buyers visualize how they'd live in the property (83% of agents agree), resulting in higher offers (30% of agents report a 1-10% increase in value), and reducing time on the market.

    Real estate professionals also note that staging can boost a home's sales price by up to 10%. To meet buyers' expectations, agents recommend staging key areas such as living rooms, primary bedrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and outdoor spaces. While many agents see the value in home staging, only 21% of sellers' agents stage all listings prior to sale.

    The costs involved with home staging can be a barrier for listing agents, with a median cost of around $1,500 for using a staging service. However, alternatives such as decluttering and minor repairs can also make a significant difference in preparing homes for sale.