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Stage It to Sell It: Why First Impressions Matter More Than Ever

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Stage It to Sell It: Why First Impressions Matter More Than Ever

With today’s real estate market offering buyers more options, it’s important to be intentional about how your home shows. One of the most effective ways to make a great first impression? Home staging.

WHAT IS HOME STAGING – REALLY?
Staging isn’t about making your home look like it belongs on the cover of a magazine. It’s about creating a warm, inviting space that feels move-in ready, so buyers can easily picture themselves living there.

Staging can range from simple adjustments to more involved updates, depending on your home, your budget, and your goals. Even small changes—like rearranging furniture or adding some fresh decor—can make a big impact on how buyers perceive your space.

According to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes that are staged not only sell faster, but often for more money than homes that aren’t staged at all.

FOCUS ON THE ROOMS THAT MATTER MOST
The good news?

You don’t have to stage every inch of your home.

NAR data shows that certain rooms have a much bigger influence on buyers’ impressions. According to buyer’s agents, the most important spaces to stage are:

• Living Room

• Primary Bedroom

• Kitchen

These are the rooms where people envision themselves relaxing, hosting, and spending time—so a little effort here can go a long way.

HOW THE LINDA FILBY TEAM CAN HELP

Not sure where to start?

That’s where the Linda Filby Team comes in.

We have firsthand insight into what buyers in lower Westchester are looking for. We gather feedback from showings, open houses, and conversations with other agents, and can guide you on what staging steps will give you the best return.

Some of the suggestions we make are:

  • Decluttering and removing personal items like family photos
  • Rearranging furniture to improve flow and make rooms feel more spacious
  • Adding greenery, updated art, or accessories to freshen things up

According to NAR:

“The median dollar value spent when using a staging service was $1,500, compared to $500 when the sellers’ agent personally staged the home.”

A great agent will help you weigh the pros and cons based on your budget, your timeline, and the condition of your home. They’ll also consider how long similar homes are taking to sell and what buyers expect at your price point.

BOTTOM LINE
Staging doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive—it just needs to help buyers feel at home.

Whether it’s a quick refresh or a full staging plan, the Linda Filby Team will help you determine the right level of effort to make your home stand out and sell with confidence.

Curious which room in your home could make the biggest impact on buyers? Ask us about our complimentary staging services! Let’s walk through it together and talk about the best ways to show off your space. 

FEATURED HOMES STAGED BY THE LINDA FILBY TEAM