Who Pays for Staging of the Home for Sale? And How Much it Costs?

Who usually pays for the staging when listing home for sale? Seller or broker?

Generally, the seller pays for home staging.

Seller Responsibility: Staging is considered a pre-marketing expense that can significantly enhance the presentation of the home and attract more buyers.
Broker's role: While some brokers may offer staging as a service, it's not typically included in their standard commission. They may, however, recommend stagers and provide guidance on the staging process.

However, there can be exceptions:

Negotiation: Sellers and agents can negotiate the cost of staging.
Broker Incentives: Some agents may offer to contribute to staging costs, especially if they believe it will significantly increase the home's value and their commission.
Market conditions: In highly competitive seller's markets, agents may be more willing to contribute to staging costs to make a property stand out.

Ultimately, the responsibility for staging costs is determined by the agreement between the seller and their real estate broker.

How Much Staging Usually Costs?

The cost of home staging can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:

Size of the home: Larger homes naturally require more furniture, accessories, and professional styling, will cost more than staging an occupied home, as it often requires renting furniture and accessories.
Scope of the project: A full staging, including furniture rental, accessories, and professional styling, will cost more than a consultation or minor rearranging.
Vacancy status: Staging a vacant home typically costs more than staging an occupied home, as it often requires renting furniture and accessories.
Local Market Conditions: Costs can vary depending on the local real estate market and the availability of staging professionals.
Stager's experience and expertise: Experienced and highly-regarded stagers may charge higher rates.

Here's a general idea of costs:

Consultation: $150 - $600
Staging Services (per month): $500 - $2,000+
Furniture Rental (per month): $500 - $2,000+

As a general rule of thumb, many real estate professionals recommend budgeting 1-3% of the home's list price for staging.

Important Note: These are just estimates, and it's crucial to get quotes from several professional stagers in your area to determine the exact costs for your specific situation.