The Real Value of Home Staging — And the Powerhouse Partners I Trust to Deliver It

If you’ve ever walked into a perfectly styled home and thought, “Wow, I could live here,” — that’s the power of staging. It’s not just decorating — it’s strategic marketing. As a REALTOR®, one of the most important things I advise my sellers to consider before going on the market is this: stage to sell, not to live.

According to Realtor.com, staged homes often sell faster and for more money. Why? Because staging helps buyers envision themselves in the space. It takes the guesswork out of how a room could function or feel. And when done right, it’s magic.

💸 What Does Home Staging Cost — And Is It Worth It?

The cost of staging depends on the size and scope of the property, but here’s a quick breakdown:

• Consultation only: $250–$800

• Occupied staging (using existing furniture): $800–$2,000

• Vacant home, full-service staging: $2,000–$6,000+ depending on square footage

While that may sound like a lot, sellers often make that money back (and then some) with quicker sales and stronger offers. A beautifully staged home stands out in listing photos, generates more foot traffic, and creates emotional attachment — which is exactly what we want in this market.

🛋 Virtual vs. Physical Staging: What's the Difference?

In the digital age, virtual staging has become increasingly popular. It’s typically more affordable (ranging from $30–$150 per image) and is a great tool for marketing — especially for vacant homes. But while virtual staging is great for online appeal, physical staging has a different kind of power:

In my experience, virtual staging is a great supplement, but if the budget allows, nothing compares to walking into a beautifully staged home. That’s when buyers fall in love.

🌟 My Trusted Staging Partners

There are plenty of talented stagers in the Bay Area and beyond — but when it comes to referring my clients, these are the professionals I trust most. They’re creative, consistent, market-savvy, and understand how to highlight a home’s full potential. Each brings a unique aesthetic, so I tailor the partnership based on your home’s needs and buyer profile.

✨ Jovanah – HomeStaging by JC

If your home needs sophisticated, lifestyle-driven design with an emphasis on emotional appeal, Jovanah delivers every time. Her staging is modern, elegant, and highly intentional. It speaks directly to the hearts of today's buyers.
🔗 Explore her work

✨ Kat Stone – Stage the Bay

Kat brings a refined, curated aesthetic to every project. She knows how to blend contemporary trends with timeless elements to create spaces that photograph beautifully and resonate in person. Her work is perfect for homes that need a fresh, elevated touch.
🔗 View Kat’s portfolio

✨ Kristi Miranda – Miranda Home Design

Kristi has a gift for creating warmth and flow through staging. Her style is approachable, modern, and versatile — ideal for everything from family homes to transitional spaces. She’s collaborative, intuitive, and deeply thoughtful in her work.
🔗 Learn more about Kristi

Ready to Sell Smarter?

Staging isn’t just a service — it’s a strategy. And when you pair professional staging with savvy marketing and a strong agent (👋🏽 that’s me), you create a compelling package that today’s buyers can’t resist.

Thinking about selling this year? Let’s talk about how staging — and my curated team of experts — can help you maximize your home’s value, minimize your time on the market, and stand out from the crowd.

📲 Text or call me at 510-692-2720
📩 Email: [email protected]
💻 Get your free home valuation: arielledixon.com/home-valuation