Hi Dave,
We are feeling very overwhelmed about the idea of having to transform our entire home into a magazine worthy space before we sell it. Can you please help us narrow things down and let us know the most important rooms to get dialed in that make the biggest impact on potential buyers?
Sara & Mike – Grand Junction
Sara & Mike,
First of all—take a deep breath. You are not alone in feeling that way. The idea of turning your home into something straight out of HGTV can feel daunting, but I promise you, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Let’s simplify.
According to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyers’ agents weighed in on which rooms have the biggest impact when staged—and the results might surprise you. Not every space in your home needs to be photo-shoot ready. In fact, focusing your energy on just a few key rooms can yield big results without burning you out.
So, what are the top three spaces to prioritize?
Hands down: the Living Room, Primary Bedroom, and Kitchen.
The Living Room topped the list, with 71% of agents saying it’s either very important or somewhat important to stage. That makes sense—it’s where buyers picture themselves relaxing, hosting friends, or curling up with a movie. Make sure it’s tidy, well-lit, and free of overly personal items. If you can arrange the furniture in a way that opens the space and encourages conversation, even better.
Next, the Primary Bedroom is almost equally important—71% of agents said staging here matters. This room should feel like a calm, restful retreat. Think fresh bedding, clean nightstands, and neutral colors. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just clean, uncluttered, and inviting.
The Kitchen comes in third, with 51% of agents saying it’s very or somewhat important to stage. Now, kitchens can be intimidating to tackle, but don’t feel like you need a remodel. Start by decluttering your countertops—remove toasters, paper towel rolls, and the magnet collection on the fridge. A bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers adds a touch of life. Cleanliness is key here, too.
After those three rooms, staging the Dining Room and Yard/Outdoor Space can help round out your presentation if time and budget allow. But here’s the good news: rooms like Guest Bedrooms, Children’s Rooms, and even Bathrooms rank much lower in importance. That doesn’t mean you should ignore them—but it does mean you don’t have to stress about making them picture-perfect.
Here’s your simplified game plan:
• Focus on your Living Room, Primary Bedroom, and Kitchen first.
• Declutter. Clean. Add small, neutral decorative touches.
• Don’t try to do it all—strategic staging is more effective than a complete overhaul.
Remember, buyers don’t need perfection. They just want to envision themselves living there. If your home feels clean, open, and welcoming, that’s more than half the battle.
You’ve got this!