If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, you’ve probably heard that staging your home is one of the best ways to attract buyers. But you’ve probably also wondered, “How much does it cost to stage a house in Georgia?”
Staging does play a big role in the perception of your home and how confidently it can enter competitive markets. That said, most sellers aren’t sure if they want to try full home staging, DIY staging, or even virtual staging to keep costs down.
In this guide, we’ll break down home staging costs and look at options for various budgets. Then, we’ll get into exactly why staging can help you sell faster and for more money.
The Quick Answer: Average Home Staging Costs in Georgia
The average cost to stage a house in Georgia will vary considerably from one property to the next. First and foremost, the size of the property will factor in, and whether you’ll be using professional staging, vacant home staging, or just a few updates with your existing furniture.
Altogether, most homeowners will spend between a few hundred and a couple thousand dollars on staging costs. An initial consultation with a professional home stager will range from about $100 to more than $500.
Full home staging or physical staging for a single-family home or two-story house may run between $1,500 and $6,000, especially if you need furniture rental or rented furniture. The more square footage that needs to be staged, the higher that bill will climb.
Staging prices can also shift depending on the local market and demand. In fast-moving areas of the Georgia real estate market, staging becomes even more valuable because well-presented homes tend to draw more buyers and more offers.
How Staging Fees Break Down (It’s More Than Just Furniture)
Staging isn’t just about putting a few chairs in a room. The total staging costs include professional time, design planning, furniture, setup, cleanup, and sometimes photography or storage.
The Fixed Cost: Initial Design Consultation
Most projects will start with an initial consultation with a professional stager or a representative from a professional staging company. They’ll tour your home and talk about how to highlight its strengths. You’ll get guidance on rearranging furniture and what to update before getting pictures. These consultations are typically available for a flat fee.
The Variable Cost: Monthly Furniture Rental Fees
Empty homes or those that lack appeal may need an ongoing staging arrangement. These usually come with a monthly rental fee, but the costs can grow quickly. Select only what you need, from the whole house, down to essential spaces, or even just the primary bedroom.
The Hidden Costs: Moving, Storage, and Professional Photography
There’s more to staging services than furniture rental and some interior design. There’s the labor needed for packing and moving things in and out of your storage and living spaces. Storing things while you prep to move is also yet another expense that you’ll need to account for if that’s the route you want to go. You’ll also need to think about the cost of professional photos, which are critical for online listings and filling open houses.
Occupied vs. Vacant Staging: Price Differences
The cost of staging services in Georgia will depend quite heavily on whether the home is occupied or vacant. Occupied homes typically cost less to prepare because you can still use your own furniture. Vacant home staging, on the other hand, usually requires either rented furniture or getting additional owned furniture out of storage.
Occupied homes typically only need a consultation, followed by some minor updates and some rearranging. Vacant properties are much different. They often give the buyers no sense of scale, warmth, or home.
A vacant home usually requires physical staging in the living room, kitchen, primary bedroom, and other essential spaces. Adding rented furniture, artwork, and neutral decor boosts your home’s appeal and helps it compete with the best listings in your local market.
Does Staging Actually Increase Your Home’s Final Sale Price?
One of the biggest questions for Georgia homeowners is whether staging expenses are a worthwhile investment. No matter what data you look at, time and time again, it shows that staged homes tend to sell faster. Staging also helps your property sell for closer to your asking price. Some sellers who stage wisely and prepare accordingly can actually increase their asking price slightly.
The ROI of Staging in the Current GA Market
A well-staged home is critical for cultivating an emotional connection with the buyer. Ideally, a prospective buyer will walk in, see a clean and organized space, and immediately imagine themselves living in it. This leads to stronger offers, fewer objections, and ultimately, fewer delays.
When comparing the return on investment to what you spend on staging expenses, many homeowners find the difference worthwhile. If you’re also wondering whether you should adjust your selling strategy, this is where agent performance plays a role. You can learn more about evaluating agent fit and finding an agent who works for you.
Budget Staging Alternatives for Georgia Sellers
Staging doesn’t have to break the bank. Many Georgia homeowners want to improve their home’s presentation without paying for a full design package, especially when they’re trying to save money or simply don’t have much time. These alternatives let you boost your home’s appeal while keeping your budget under control.
DIY Staging & Decluttering
DIY staging gives you the chance to update your home using minimal funds and a little creativity.
Start by removing clutter, organizing shelves, and highlighting the strongest features of each room. Upgrading light fixtures, adding fresh flowers, and improving natural light can make the home feel brighter and more welcoming.
You can also make a big difference by simply rearranging furniture to open pathways and show off the room’s size. Even small touches help buyers see a property that’s well cared for and ready for its next chapter.
Virtual Staging (The Cheaper Tech Solution)
Virtual staging has become a popular option for sellers who want to improve their online listings without investing in physical furniture. A designer edits your listing photos to add tasteful decor, attractive layouts, and proportional furnishings that help buyers understand the space.
Virtual staging is significantly cheaper than physical staging and often works best when you want to save money while still attracting click-through interest. Since many Georgia buyers begin their home search online, virtual staging can make a big impact on first impressions.
Soft Staging
Soft staging uses subtle accents to improve the feel of a single-family home or two-story house without filling it with large pieces of furniture. Items like throw pillows, bedding, greenery, and minimal decor make a space feel inviting without overwhelming it.
Soft staging works especially well when you want buyers to picture their future home while keeping your overall staging costs low. It’s a good middle ground for homeowners who want a polished look without paying for full-scale staging.
The “Zero-Cost” Alternative: Selling Your House Fast for Cash in Georgia
When it comes down to it, some homeowners just don’t want to spend the time or money on house staging. To avoid this, many sellers are turning to cash buyers for easy offers and fast closing.
Why Cash Buyers Don’t Require Staging
Cash buyers focus mainly on the condition of the property itself, as well as its location and its potential. They don’t care about the furniture, cosmetic fixes, or having the home be move-in ready.
Calculate the Savings
If you’re comparing staging to a fast cash sale, look at how much you spend on a full setup. A typical Georgia staging package might include design fees, a flat fee consultation, a monthly rental fee for furniture, decor updates, and ongoing maintenance.
Over two or three months, the cost to stage can grow to far more than you might be expecting for a “quick” home sale. This makes a cash sale option incredibly attractive for cities in the Columbus area, like Phenix City and Fort Mitchell, where moving fast might matter more than squeezing every dime out of the deal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staging Costs
How much should you spend on staging?
This is a big question, but there’s no single “best” answer. Your staging budget will depend on your home sale goals and overall financial situation.
Does a house sell better empty or staged?
In most cases, staged homes sell faster or for higher prices than empty or non-staged homes. That said, staging is far more important for vacant homes, which can feel cold, flat, and uninviting to potential buyers.
Who pays for staging: the realtor or the seller?
Usually, the seller pays for the staging costs. However, your real estate agent may offer a credit for a flat fee arrangement for a basic consult.
Is staging a vacant home worth the money?
Staging a vacant home is almost always worth the money. The only exception would be if you’re selling to a cash buyer, in which case, save your money.
Conclusion
Staging will always be one of the best ways to help your Georgia home shine in today’s market. No matter what level of staging you choose, every step you take to improve your home’s appeal goes towards attracting better potential buyers and more appealing offers.
If you decide staging isn’t the right investment for your property, there are simpler options. Choosing a simpler option can eliminate the hassle and potential expense of a well-staged home, while speeding up the sale process. To skip the stress and get a cash offer for your home, reach out to Assured Property Solutions today.