Should You Stage Your Flip? What the Data Says
When it comes to selling a fix and flip property, you’ve already made dozens of smart decisions - picking the neighborhood, designing the renovation, and pricing the home. But one big question remains: should you stage it?
Staging can feel like an unnecessary expense, especially when you’re watching your margins closely. But the data paints a different picture - and if you want to maximize your resale price and sell fast, staging could be your flip’s secret weapon.
What is Home Staging?
Staging is the process of furnishing and decorating a property to make it feel move-in ready and emotionally appealing to buyers. This can involve rented furniture, tasteful decor, lighting adjustments, and layout optimization to make rooms appear larger and more functional.
What the Data Says About Staging
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
81% of buyers say staging made it easier to visualize the property as their future home.
27% of agents reported that staged homes sold for 1-5% more than similar unstaged homes.
Homes that are staged sell 3 to 30 times faster than unstaged properties in many markets.
In short: staging helps homes sell faster and for more - two major wins for fix and flip investors
Is Staging Worth the Cost?
Staging usually costs $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the size of the home and level of service. While that might seem steep, consider this:
A $250,000 home that sells for 3% more nets $7,500 extra profit
A faster sale reduces holding costs like insurance, utilities, and property taxes
Staging can help justify a higher asking price in competitive markets
For many investors, staging is a strategic marketing expense, not a luxury.
When to Stage - and When to Skip It
Consider staging when:
The home is higher-end or in a move-in-ready neighborhood
The layout is awkward or small and needs definition
You’re flipping in a buyer’s market with lots of competition
You want high-quality listing photos to drive traffic online
You might skip staging if:
If a lower-end property where buyers expect to do their own decorating
You already have strong demand and low competition
You’re listing it as-is to appeal to investors or landlords
How Barnett REI Finance Can Help
At Barnett REI Finance, we know the little decisions - like staging - can make a big impact on your profit. That’s why we structure our fix-and-flip loans to give investors the flexibility where it matters.
Whether you’re budgeting for staging, landscaping, or a design upgrade, our fast, reliable financing helps you act quickly and maximize resale value.
Final Word: Stage Smart, Sell Strong
Staging isn’t just about making a home look pretty - it’s about creating an emotional connection that drives offers. In today’s market, that connection can be the difference between sitting and selling.
If you’re serious about building a high-performing fix-and-flip business in 2025, staging might just be the best return on investment you make.