Does Home Staging Work in a Seller’s Market? Why It Still Adds Value

Despite news reports suggesting a cooling real estate market, sellers remain in a position of strength. Record-low inventory levels are driving home prices upward across Canada, with the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) noting a significant 8.8 per cent drop in new listings this past July compared to the previous month. Key markets, including the GTA, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary, have felt these declines most acutely.

Given that homes seem to be selling with minimal effort, sellers might question if investing in professional home staging is truly necessary. However, industry experts argue that in today’s environment, staging is more critical than ever.

The Art and Strategy of Staging

For Dawn Chapnick, principal designer and owner of Dawn Chapnick Designs, staging is far more than rearranging furniture. With over 17 years of experience, Chapnick views the process as a creative art form essential for maximizing a home’s value.

“Staging continues to be an important way to help buyers visualize the potential of a space they may not have otherwise considered and, ultimately, earns sellers top dollar,” says Chapnick. Her approach focuses on accentuating a home’s positive features and smoothing over the limitations of challenging layouts to create a high-impact “wow” factor.

The data supports this perspective. A 2020 survey by the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) of 13,000 homes found that 85 per cent of staged properties sold for 5 to 25 per cent above their listing price. Furthermore, these homes moved quickly, spending an average of only 25 days on the market.

Standing Out in a Crowd

Heather Johnson, founder of HouseLife Services, emphasizes that in a seller’s market, competition is fierce. Staging is the key to making a property truly memorable.

Johnson uses her background in media and marketing to understand how specific demographics influence purchasing decisions. Her firm provides a “turnkey” experience, employing a full team of painters, electricians, and project planners to transform spaces. She notes that even small, overlooked areas—like a quirky alcove—can be converted into high-value functional spaces, such as home offices, which are currently in high demand among remote professionals.

The Digital Evolution

The pandemic has accelerated the need for digital visibility. As virtual tours and social media become the primary way buyers scout properties, stagers are adapting by prioritizing their online presence.

Maya Merchant, lead at Digital Entourage Media Production, highlights how social media has become a vital tool for the industry. “Posting ‘before and after’ shots on Instagram is proving highly successful,” Merchant notes. “This type of engaging content is incredibly effective at demonstrating a stager’s professional skill set and attracting potential buyers.”

Summary: The Competitive Edge

While it may be tempting to list a home as-is, the evidence is clear: professional staging does more than just make a home look nice—it creates an emotional connection, optimizes functionality, and provides a measurable financial return. In a market where inventory is low and buyer expectations are high, staging is the strategic advantage that turns a simple sale into a standout success.

Planning your next move? Let’s make it your best one yet. Reach out to Kent Galigao, Realtor at C21 Percy Fulton +1 226 332 8538 to start your property search today.