The Benefits Of Staging Your Utah Home For Sale

by Blair Allen

When it comes to selling your home in Utah—whether in Park City, Salt Lake City, or the surrounding areas—first impressions are everything. One of the most effective strategies to attract buyers and maximize your home’s value is home staging. But what exactly makes staging so powerful? Let’s explore the benefits from the perspectives of buyers’ agents and sellers’ agents, and understand why staging can be a game-changer in the competitive Utah real estate market.

Why Home Staging Matters: Insights from Buyers' Agents

According to industry experts:

60% of buyers’ agents say staging affects most buyers’ views of a home most of the time.
An additional 26% report that staging affects buyers, but not always.
A significant 83% confirm that staging helps buyers visualize the property as their future home.

Key Rooms That Impact Buyers:

Buyers focus on certain rooms more than others when assessing a home’s appeal:

Living Room (37%) – The heart of the home where families gather.
Primary Bedroom (34%) – The personal retreat for homeowners.
Kitchen (23%) – The hub for cooking and entertaining.

Buyers’ agents also highlight that their clients value listings with:

Photos (73%)
Traditional physical staging (57%)
Videos (48%)
Virtual tours (43%)

“Staging a home can even increase the dollar value offered by 1%-5% compared to similar, unstaged homes.”

Sellers' Agents Weigh In: Staging Practices & Compensation

Sellers’ agents provide unique perspectives on how staging is implemented:

Only 21% stage all homes prior to listing.
10% stage homes only if they’re difficult to sell.
The most commonly staged rooms mirror buyers' priorities:
- Living Room (91%)
- Primary Bedroom (83%)
- Dining Room (69%)

Staging Costs and Compensation:

Median cost for professional staging services is around $1,500.
When sellers' agents personally stage, the median cost drops to $500.
Compensation varies:
- 26% say it depends on the situation.
- 23% offer staging services personally.
- 17% report sellers pay for staging upfront.

Impact on Sales:

19% of sellers' agents report a 1%-5% increase in offers on staged homes.
About 30% notice slight decreases in time on market when staging is used.

Photos and videos remain vital tools alongside staging for showcasing listings effectively.

The Influence of TV Shows and Family on Buyer Expectations

TV shows have shaped buyer expectations significantly:

Nearly half (48%) of buyers want homes to look like those staged on TV.
Over half (58%) express disappointment when reality doesn’t match TV portrayals.
21% of agents acknowledge TV influences their business.
73% say TV shows set or raise unrealistic buyer expectations.

Despite this influence, 77% of agents are not swayed to stage homes exactly as depicted on TV.

Understanding Buyer Expectations in Utah

Knowing what buyers expect can help sellers tailor their approach:

Most buyers (79%) have clear ideas about where they want to live and features they desire (76%) before beginning their search.
Nearly half (42%) expect the buying process to be difficult; 38% find it even harder than anticipated.
Buyers often bring family members along — about 23% median — who aren’t purchasing but influence decisions.
Typical buyer activity:
- Views a median of 8 homes in person.
- Views about 20 homes virtually.

Over half of buyers' expectations for the number of homes they will see align with what the market actually offers.

Why You Should Stage Your Utah Home

Based on these insights, staging your Utah home can:

Help buyers imagine living there, increasing emotional connection.
Highlight key rooms that influence buying decisions.
Potentially increase your home’s offer price by up to 5%.
Reduce days on market by making your home more appealing quickly.
Enhance marketing materials with beautiful photos, videos, and virtual tours.

If you’re preparing to sell your home in the Utah area, consider partnering with a trusted local agent who understands the nuances of staging and marketing homes effectively. Learn more about selling your home in Park City or Salt Lake City,y with expert guidance.

Ready to Make Your Utah Home Stand Out?

At UtahDigs.com, we specialize in helping sellers present their homes at their best and connect with serious buyers. Contact us today to discuss how strategic home staging can maximize your sale!