✨ Who Pays for Staging? The Answer May Surprise You✨

Recently, I was called in by an agent who was getting a new listing. Despite being in a beautiful location, the owner-occupied house had sat on the market for months with little interest under a different agent — and I could see why! Among other challenges, the sellers had LOTS of personalized wild animal decor. And I mean LOTS. 🐻🦌🦆

The former agent just didn't know of any other presentation options. But the new agent stepped out in faith and paid for me to do a Marketable Home Staging Consultation and also get it ready for photos. The seller followed my advice and the house was transformed, leading to many more interested buyers and a quick and successful sale.

Of course the agent was pleased that her small investment went so far, but noted, "If they had staged like this from the start, they would have sold it a long time ago." Seeing something like this can make you stop and re-evaluate how to handle staging discussions and costs in the future.

Deciding who covers staging costs can be a tricky conversation. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, this can create tension between agents and sellers — especially when it is not discussed or clarified upfront. As an agent, navigating financial responsibilities while ensuring listings are presented in their best light is a delicate balance.

Remember, one major "pro" for you is that even paying for the Consultation will set you apart and help you win more listings, especially in competitive markets.

Six Strategies I Have Seen Agents Use to Pay for Staging Fees:

The key is finding what works best for you.

ACTION TIPS after you find a payment option that you want to try: Always frame it as a perk for listing with you, even if you are not paying for it but only recommending it. Include it in your listing presentation as a matter of course — this makes introducing it so much easier and sets you apart from competing agents. Have a handout about occupied home staging that you can include in your listing package; it should focus on the whys and benefits, as well as a description of services.

Tell them that you do this with "all" your listings (if you will be doing so going forward), so they don't think you have singled them out. Use "Lived-in" vs. "Ready to sell" photos to show them the difference staging an owner-occupied home makes.