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
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