A Quick Glance
| Scenario | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clean, modern furniture already in place | DIY tune‑up | A weekend of decluttering + paint wins. |
| Vacant or dated décor, $3k–$5k budget | Hybrid | Rent key pieces; hire a consult for layout. |
| Luxury or unique floorplan, timeline < 30 days | Full pro staging | Maximize photography & wow factor fast. |
What the Numbers Say
A National Association of REALTORS® report has long noted that professionally staged homes can sell in one‑quarter of the time of non‑staged homes and for near asking price versus a 140‑day average otherwise.
Locally, our own MLS pulls from spring 2024 show:
- +4.2 % average sale‑to‑list bump for professionally staged detached homes in Porter County.
- 11‑day faster median Days on Market compared with DIY‑only listings.
The DIY Route
Time Investment: 15–20 hours over two weekends.
Typical Cost: $500–$1,200 for paint, lighting, storage bins, and a rental POD.
DIY Wins
- Budget‑friendly: Sweat equity saves thousands.
- Personal control: You decide what stays or goes.
- Good enough when furniture is already neutral and scale‑appropriate.
DIY Pitfalls
- Hard to stay objective—emotional attachment clouds judgement.
- Online buyers notice amateur styling in photos.
- May skimp on key repairs (remember: dirt eats equity).
Pro Tip: Even if going DIY, book a one‑hour consult ($200) with a stager for a “punch‑list.”
Hiring a Professional Stager
Time Investment: 2‑hour consult + move‑in day; the pros handle the rest.
Typical Cost: $2,000–$4,500 for an occupied home; $4,500–$8,000 for a 3‑month vacant package.
Pro Wins
- Objectivity: A stager views your house as a product, not a scrapbook.
- Photo perfection: Rentals are chosen to pop on Zillow thumbnails.
- Speed: One‑and‑done in 48 hrs—ideal when job relocation looms.
Pro Pitfalls
- Up‑front cash outlay.
- You’ll live with rented furniture until close.
- Quality varies—vet portfolios and insurance.
ROI Snapshot (Porter Co. spring 2024): Median $3.6k staging fee → $17.4k higher sale price—roughly 5× return.
Hybrid: The Sweet Spot for Most Sellers
Declutter and paint yourself, then pay a pro to merchandise the key rooms (entry, living, primary). Average cost $1,800; still nets a 3× ROI and keeps you in control of kids’ bedrooms and office spaces.
The Bottom Line
- Tight budget + time? DIY with a consult.
- Vacant or high‑end home? Go pro, reap faster offers.
- Somewhere between? Hybrid wins.
BONNIE HAWKSWORTH
REALTOR®
@properties | Dunelife Team
219-309-7638
bonniehawksworth@atproperties.com
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Bonnie Hawksworth
Real Estate Advisor | Dunelife Team
Mobile: 219-309-7638
bonniehawksworth@atproperties.com
All information provided on this website is believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Nothing on this site constitutes legal, financial, or tax advice—visitors should consult the appropriate professionals for guidance specific to their situation. Bonnie Hawksworth, the Dunelife Team, @properties | Christie's International Real Estate and their affiliates, and website owner make no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any content for any purpose and shall not be liable for any loss arising from reliance on the information provided. This website and its owners comply with all Fair Housing Act and Equal Opportunity provisions. Equal Housing Opportunity.