The Advantages of Staging a Home in the Portland Metro Market
When it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter—especially in Portland's competitive real estate market.
One of the most effective ways to make a lasting impression is through professional home staging. You may have heard the term before, but what does staging really offer, and how can it impact your bottom line as a seller? Let’s dive into the benefits of staging your home, backed by research and real-world experience.
The Power of Staging: More Eyes, More Offers
Staging is all about presenting your home in its best light, allowing buyers to envision themselves living in the space. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, 83% of buyer's agents said staging a home made it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home. Additionally, homes that are staged tend to spend less time on the market and can sell for more. In fact, staged homes have been shown to fetch between 1% and 5% higher sale prices than non-staged properties. That may not seem like a huge margin at first glance, but on a $500,000 home, it could mean an extra $25,000 in your pocket.
Think of it this way: the more buyers you attract, the more competition, and the greater likelihood of multiple offers. A staged home not only captures attention in person but also stands out in online listings—an absolute must in today's digital-driven real estate market.
A Story of Transformation: From Clean-Up to Contract
We recently had the pleasure of working with a brother and sister who inherited a family home in Hillsboro. The house had great bones, but it hadn’t been updated in years and was in desperate need of a refresh. Determined to maximize its value, the siblings rolled up their sleeves and put in countless hours of elbow grease, scrubbing every corner and adding modern touches like fresh paint and new light fixtures.
While their efforts made a big difference, we recommended they take it a step further and invest in professional staging. At first, they were hesitant—after all, they had already put in so much hard work! But after some discussion, they decided to follow our advice and bring in a staging company to fully showcase the home’s potential.
The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. What had been a clean but empty house became a warm, inviting space that buyers couldn’t stop talking about. The staged furniture, fresh linens, and modern decor highlighted the home’s best features, making it feel updated, spacious, and move-in ready. Within one week, the house was under contract—and for over the asking price. Needless to say, the brother and sister were stunned by how much staging added to the sale. It was clear that the investment in staging had more than paid off.
For our sellers with occupied homes planning to stage their property, we offer a complimentary design consultation. This service helps incorporate your own furniture into the staging plan, potentially saving on costs while enhancing your home’s appeal.
Virtual Staging: A Modern Solution
While traditional staging involves physically furnishing a home, virtual staging is becoming a popular and cost-effective alternative. Using advanced technology, photos of your empty home can be digitally furnished to create the same inviting atmosphere buyers crave. According to Realtor.com, while some buyers prefer seeing the physical setup, many are open to virtual staging as long as it's disclosed upfront. In fact, virtual staging can be a game-changer for online listings, making vacant homes appear lively and desirable without the cost of full-scale physical staging.
Virtual staging is particularly useful for homes where it's not possible or practical to stage in person—like homes in need of quick market entry. It’s an ideal solution for sellers looking to save on costs while still presenting their home in the best light for online shoppers, who often make initial decisions based solely on listing photos.
The ROI of Staging
When you view staging as an investment rather than an expense, the returns are often undeniable. Staging costs can vary, typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 in the industry, but we work hard to secure the best value for our sellers. On average, our clients spend between $2,000 and $3,000 for the first month, with subsequent months priced at 30% of the initial cost if needed. In a competitive market like Portland, this investment can make all the difference—staging helps your home stand out, attracting more buyers, generating greater interest, and often leading to higher offers.
A Before-and-After to Remember
We even created a before-and-after video showcasing a home that underwent staging, and the transformation was incredible. The difference was night and day—what started as an empty, uninviting space became a polished, cozy home ready for the market. Kim shares the advantages of staging in detail in the video, and it’s worth a watch if you're still on the fence about whether it’s right for your home.
Conclusion: Staging Delivers Results
Whether it’s traditional or virtual, staging is an incredibly powerful tool in today’s real estate market. If you’re looking to sell your home quickly and for top dollar, staging can provide that extra boost you need to stand out. And, as the brother and sister duo we worked with discovered, the investment in staging often pays for itself—and then some.
At Campbell Salgado Real Estate Group, we understand that selling your home is a big decision, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. .
From prepping your home for sale to strategizing with professional stagers, we bring a creative and personalized approach to every listing. In the Portland market, where buyer competition is high, staging is one of the best ways to maximize your home’s appeal and value. If you’re curious about how staging could transform your home, reach out to us for more advice or to schedule a consultation. Just give us a call or text at 503-951-8547 for a complimentary, no-pressure consultation. Let’s work together to showcase your home at its best!
