Staging Your Portland Home: Why This Matters More Than You Think

Nona is Always Right, Sometimes

I recently had a disagreement with my mom. This is not an uncommon turn of events – she is an old Italian nona who doesn't budge when she knows she is right. The only snag: this time, she wasn't right. Like many boomers, my mom has been "aging in place." This is the trend of older adults living independently in their own homes rather than moving to a retirement community or facility. For my mom, downsizing is around the corner.  But when it comes time to sell, my mom is unconvinced about the value of staging her home. However, I believe when we understand the sizeable impact of staging, it makes complete sense.

In this current Portland real estate market, first impressions aren't just important—they're everything. A homebuyer decides within minutes, sometimes seconds, if your property could be "the one." Staging your home with furniture is a powerful strategy to secure that emotional connection, often resulting in a faster sale and a higher price tag.

The Power of an Empty Room (or Lack Thereof)

The primary reason to stage with furniture boils down to visualization. An empty room, while a blank canvas in theory, is difficult for most buyers to size up. Without context, buyers struggle to determine if a king-size bed will fit, if a living area is too narrow for a sofa, or how a specific corner could function as a home office. Furniture provides that essential spatial context. It defines the purpose of each room, guides the eye, and helps potential buyers mentally move in their own lives and belongings.

Furthermore, an empty house can feel cold, stark, and uninviting. Staging creates a warm, aspirational environment that allows buyers to imagine a comfortable lifestyle within those walls.

The "My Stuff Is Good Enough" Trap

Many homeowners believe their existing furniture is adequate for staging. This is a common and costly misconception. Your home is no longer a personal sanctuary; it is a product for sale. The goal shifts from accommodating your personal taste to appealing to the broadest possible range of buyers. 

Your well-loved, comfortable sectional might be perfect for family movie night, but it might also be oversized for the room, showing signs of wear, or highly personal in style (e.g., a specific floral pattern or bold color). Staging furniture is curated to be neutral, stylish, and appropriately scaled to maximize space and minimize personal distractions. A professional stager uses pieces that are current, clean, and in perfect condition—creating a "model home" look that your current furnishings, however nice, likely cannot achieve.

Potential Costs in the Portland Metro Area

The cost of staging varies based on the size of your home and the extent of the service (e.g., staging an entire house vs. just key rooms). It is an investment, but one with a significant potential return.

In the Portland metro area, you can expect the following typical ranges:

• Full Staging (Vacant Homes): For a typical 3-bedroom home, initial installation costs often range from $1,500 to $3,000+.

• Monthly Rental Fees: Staging packages usually include the first month's furniture rental. If the house hasn't sold in that time, you'll typically pay a monthly renewal fee, often 25-50% of the initial cost (e.g., $500-$1,500 per month) until the property closes.

While an added expense, staging your home is one of the most effective ways to ensure it stands out online and in person, making the investment well worth it for a quicker, more profitable sale. And if – like my mom – some of your furniture was purchased during the Clinton administration, staging may be just the thing for your home. 

-Matt Smith, Real Estate Advisor | Cascade Hasson Sotheby's International Realty