Staging on a Budget: $50, $500, and $5,000 Versions

As a real estate professional, one of the most common questions I hear from sellers is:
“Do I need to stage my home?”

My answer? If you want top dollar, yes—but that doesn’t mean you need a Hollywood-sized budget either. Whether you’re working with $50 or $5,000, there is a smart way to elevate your space and capture buyers’ attention.

In this guide, I’ll break down how you can make your home shine at three different budget levels—so you can choose the right fit for your goals.

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The $50 Makeover: The Declutter & Shine Special

Perfect for: DIYers, budget-conscious sellers, or last-minute listings.

What to do:

• Declutter ruthlessly – If you wouldn’t see it in a model home, box it up. Less is more.
• Clean up – The cleaner the better. Kitchens and Bathrooms get the best ROI on cleaning and is where buyers are the most particular.
• Add life with greenery – Grab a $12 plant or fresh flowers.
• Swap out small items – New shower curtains, or throw pillows can work wonders to freshen up a room

Pro Tip: Put a lightly scented candle or diffuser near the entry—but don’t overdo it. You want “subtly cozy,” not “I’m hiding a litter box.” Vanilla is the most widely preferred scent.

The $500 Upgrade: Polished & Photo-Ready

Perfect for: Sellers who want to stand out in online listings and open houses and give a fresh feeling to the home.

What to do (in addition to the above):

• Paint touch-ups – A gallon of paint and an afternoon can go a looong way in neutralizing loud colors or well lived in walls. Even the smell of fresh paint will have buyer associating the home as new and fresh.
• Hire a cleaning service – Not just a simple clean – hiring for a deep clean saves you hours and makes a huge visual difference. Baseboards, fans, garage, interior/exterior windows and screen. All the places that don’t get cleaned as regularly.
• Dress the beds like a hotel – Upgrade to neutral, layered bedding with throws and accent pillows for that 5-star resort feel.

The $5,000 Pro-Level Staging: Full Glam Mode

Perfect for: Vacant homes, luxury listings, or highly competitive markets.

What to expect from professional staging:

• Consultation – A designer visits the property to tailor the look to the individual property and buyer demographic.  A design plan is created and each piece of furniture/accessories are hand selected.
• Full furniture rental including movers and installation for 2-3 months for the main living spaces, primary bedroom. Kitchen and bathroom accessories are generally included as well.

No matter your budget, staging is about telling a story. You’re not just selling a home—you’re selling the potential for a new life. And with even a few small changes, you can transform a space from “meh” to “must-have.”

Want help figuring out what version makes the most sense for your home? Let’s talk—I’d be happy to walk you through your options or connect you with trusted stagers in the area.