If you’re selling your home in Des Moines, IA, you have two options. List it as-is and hope for the best—or stage it and make thousands more on the final sale.
Most sellers hesitate. They think home staging is an extra expense—a “nice to have,” and not a necessity. They assume buyers will “see past” an empty or cluttered home. But that assumption costs them thousands.
The numbers prove it. Staged homes sell faster and for more money.
Do the math. If you’re selling a $500,000 home, a 5% increase is an extra $25,000 in your pocket. If you’re selling a $300,000 home, a 10% increase means $30,000 more. Now, compare that to the cost of staging. The ROI is undeniable.
ROI Breakdown: How Staging Pays for Itself
Most home staging investments are a fraction of a price drop. Yet, too many sellers skip it—only to reduce their asking price when their home sits too long.
Let’s break it down:
Scenario 1: You list without staging. The results are typically:
– Fewer showings.
– Lower perceived value.
– Multiple price reductions.
Final sale price: $15,000–$30,000 less than expected.
Scenario 2: You stage your home.
– Stronger buyer interest.
– Higher perceived value.
– Faster offers.
Final sale price: $10,000–$40,000 more than expected.
The difference is night and day.
Buyers Are Willing to Pay More for “Move-In Ready” Homes
Ask yourself: Would you rather buy a home that’s beautifully styled, inviting, and move-in ready—or one that feels outdated, cluttered, or vacant?
Buyers don’t just look at square footage. They buy based on feeling. A staged home looks polished. It feels luxurious. It justifies a higher offer.
And here’s the key: Buyers perceive staged homes as better maintained than unstaged ones—even if nothing has been updated. That perception alone adds thousands to your final sale price.
The Hidden Cost of a Stale Listing
Every day your home sits on the market, you’re losing leverage. A fresh listing generates excitement. But after a few weeks, buyers wonder, “Why hasn’t this sold yet?”
Longer days on market equates to more lowball offers. Staging ensures your home commands top dollar from day one. It creates urgency. It makes buyers act fast because they know a well-presented home won’t last.
The “Staging vs. Price Reduction” Myth
Think you’ll just “wait and see” before staging? Here’s why that’s a mistake. A price reduction is always bigger than the cost of staging. If your home doesn’t sell, you’ll end up dropping the price by $10,000, $20,000, or more. It’s simple math: spend less upfront and make more at closing.
Sellers Who Skip Staging Regret It
Every seller who doesn’t stage realizes too late that it would have saved them money. The real estate market isn’t forgiving. If your home doesn’t grab attention, buyers move on. If it lingers too long, you lose negotiating power. The truth is staging isn’t optional anymore. It’s the fastest way to maximize your sale price.
Maximize Your Sale Price Today
If you’re selling in Des Moines, IA, don’t leave money on the table. At Sell it Well Home Staging, we turn homes into high-value, buyer-ready spaces that sell fast. Contact us today.
