Why Staging Matters When Selling Your Home (And Simple Tips to Get Started)
When you’re preparing to sell your home in Washington State, staging is one of the most effective ways to make a strong first impression, attract serious buyers and potentially increase your sale price. A well-staged home helps buyers visualize themselves living in the space, highlights your home’s best features, and often leads to faster offers and a higher sales price. In popular markets like Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Spokane, buyers move quickly, and your home’s presentation can make a measurable difference.
In fact, multiple real estate studies show that staged homes sell faster and typically receive more and better offers compared to homes that aren’t staged.
Buyers make judgments within seconds of walking through the door (or scrolling through photos), so thoughtful staging can make a meaningful difference.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 82% of buyers’ agents say staging makes it easier for their clients to visualize a property as their future home. Even better, staged homes typically sell 3 to 30 times faster depending on the market and can sell for 6% to 10% more than comparable un-staged homes (Source: NAR).
In Washington’s competitive housing market, where online impressions drive nearly all buyer activity, staging, paired with strong listing photos and SEIO (Search Engine Image Optimization), can significantly increase your visibility and showings.
Benefits of Staging Your Home
1. Buyers see the potential
Staging helps people imagine how they could live in the home. It creates emotional connection, which is often what motivates strong offers. NAR reports that 31% of buyers are more willing to overlook property faults when a home is staged. This is especially important in King, Pierce, and Thurston counties where buyers often tour multiple homes in a day.
2. Highlights your home’s strongest features
A staged home draws attention to natural light, layout, and architectural details and updates while minimizing any flaws. Well-staged homes are reported to receive 1 to 5 more offers on average in highly active markets like Seattle and Tacoma.
3. Makes your listing stand out online and boost your online performance (SEIO)
With more than 95% of Washington buyers starting their search online, high-quality, staged listing photos significantly increase your ranking and time-on-page. Homes with professional staging photos generate up to 40% more clicks, which directly increases showings and potential offers.
4. Can lead to faster and stronger offers
A staged home signals that the property is cared for and move-in ready. This often results in stronger offers and a quicker sale. RESA studies show professionally staged homes spend 73% less time on market compared to un-staged homes. In Washington, where inventory shifts seasonally, this speed can mean tens of thousands saved in carrying costs and higher competition among buyers.
Washington-Staging Statistics Snapshot
82% of buyers say staging makes it easier to visualize a home
Staged homes can sell 6–10% higher
Staged homes sell 3–30x faster (market dependent)
Homes with staged photos get up to 40% more online views
Professionally staged homes spend 73% less time on market
Strong curb appeal can raise perceived value by up to 7%
Simple Staging Tips to Make Your Home Shine
Declutter and depersonalize
Simplified spaces help buyers focus on the home, not the belongings. Remove excess items, family photos, and overly personal décor so buyers can imagine themselves in the space without your stuff.
Deep clean everything
A spotless home feels newer, brighter, inviting, and more move-in-ready, which increases perceived value.
Let the light in
Open blinds, replace dim bulbs, and use warm, natural lighting to make rooms feel larger. This is especially helpful during Washington’s darker fall and winter seasons.
Refresh key spaces
Focus on the rooms that influence buyer decisions most:
• living room
• kitchen
• primary bedroom
These areas carry the most weight with Washington buyers according to NAR. Clean countertops, add fresh linens, and use neutral tones to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Create inviting curb appeal
Trim landscaping, add a new welcome mat, and consider potted plants near the entryway. First impressions start at the curb. Homes with good curb appeal can add up to 7% in perceived value, a meaningful lift in markets like Tacoma or Olympia.
Use simple , modern, neutral décor intentionally
A couple of accent pillows, a throw blanket, or a vase with greenery can add warmth without clutter. Neutral palettes photograph best and help listings look clean and bright on Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com.
Ready to Sell in Washington State? We Can Help.
Whether you're selling in Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, or Spokane, strategic staging can dramatically increase your home’s value and reduce time on market. Staging doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you don’t need to do everything at once. Even small, strategic updates can make a big impact. If you’d like professional help preparing your home for the market, the Mark Horace Real Estate team can guide you through every step, from staging advice to full-service listing support. Our team provides guidance tailored to Washington buyers and local housing trends.