Getting Ready to Sell Your Home? Don't Make This Mistake

Staging your home can sound like an extra, unnecessary expense—especially when sellers are already juggling moving costs, mortgage payments, and repairs. But savvy sellers and agents know: staging is not a cost—it’s an investment.

1. Real ROI: Higher Sale Price

• Nationwide data shows that staged homes often sell for 1–10% more than comparably priced unstaged properties (thetimes.co.uk, homestaginginstitute.com).
• A Zillow-affiliated source reports staged homes fetch 5–15% more .
• Specifically, the National Association of REALTORS® found 19–22% of sellers’ agents saw 1–5% increases in offers on staged listings (nar.realtor).

Let’s do the math:

• At a median listing price of $522K in Columbia (May 2025) (bhg.com, rocket.com),
• A modest 3% staging bump equals $15,660—which easily covers typical staging costs of $1,500–$5,000.

2. Faster Sales Mean Lower Holding Costs

• Staged homes tend to spend 73% less time on the market (homestaginginstitute.com).
• In Columbia, the average days on market is 19 days—up from just 6 days a year ago (redfin.com).
• Even trimming a few extra weeks via staging can save sellers thousands in mortgage, utility, and insurance expenses—and avoid price reductions later.

3. Cutting Through Buyer Fatigue in a Softening Market

• Inventory in Howard County (which includes Columbia) surged by ~177% in May 2025, and Columbia alone saw a 173% uptick in listings compared to April (staged-by-design.com, rocket.com).
• With more homes competing for buyers’ attention, staging becomes essential for making your listing stand out, look professionally polished online, and create emotional connections.
  
  

4. Buyers Want ‘Move-in Ready’

• 83–95% of buyers’ agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize living in the home (staged4more.com).
• Plus, 40% of buyers are more inclined to tour staged homes online (homestaginginstitute.com).

📊 Columbia, MD Market Snapshot (May 2025)

Median List Price $522,000 (+11.1% MoM) (rocket.com)   

Average Value (Zillow) ~$520,000 (+1.6% YoY)   

Days on Market ~19 days   

Inventory 210 homes listed (vs. 77 in April)   

• Takeaway:
  Prices and listings are rising, but sales pace has slowed. That makes staging more critical than ever for sellers looking to stand out.

✅ Staging Strategies That Deliver

1. Target high-return rooms – stage the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen for maximum impact (nar.realtor, thezebra.com).
2. Opt for flexible packages – even a $1,500 consultation or partial staging can yield impressive results while keeping costs in check .
3. Use virtual staging – supplement physical staging with digital décor; it’s cost-effective and perfect for online listings (thezebra.com).

📌 Final Verdict: Worth Every Dollar

• Staging costs typically range from 0.3–1% of the listing price. For a $522K home, that's about $1,500–$5,000 (rocket.com).
• Potential return? A $15K–$30K uplift in sale price easily eclipses staging costs—plus savings from a quicker sale.
• In Columbia’s current market—with high competition and slowing MLS turnover—strategic staging can make or break the difference between a standout listing and a stagnant one.

Recommended Staging Budget Breakdown

• Consultation package (~$500): Expert staging tips, paint and décor advice, DIY plan.
• Partial staging ($1,500–$3,000): Furnish and style 2–3 key rooms.
• Full staging ($3,000–$6,000+): Furnish entire home, including furniture rentals, artwork, accessories.

In Summary

If you’re selling in Columbia, MD, in 2025, staging is a smart, strategic move—especially when:

• The market is shifting from red hot to competitive,
• Inventory is climbing sharply,
• Presentation plays a pivotal role in online marketing.

Spending a few thousand on staging can translate into significant gains—faster sales, higher offers, and a smoother transaction overall.

Interested in staging packages tailored to Howard County or want help creating a compelling staging showcase? Just say the word—at Columbia Home Staging, we're always ready to help!