If you’re preparing to sell a home in Indianapolis or the surrounding cities, you’re probably wondering whether staging is worth it in today’s market. The answer, backed by the 2025 National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Profile of Home Staging, is a clear yes. At Set the Stage Indianapolis, we see these benefits every day. But it’s helpful to look at what the nationwide data confirms.
Staging Helps Homes Sell for More
According to NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Staging, 29% of sellers’ agents reported that staging increased the dollar value offered on a home by 1–10%.
That means on a $350,000 home the median price point in Central Indiana, staging could potentially influence offers by thousands of dollars.
Buyers’ agents reported similar values. 17% said that staging resulted in offers 1–5% higher compared to similar, unstaged homes. In a competitive market where buyers compare dozens of listings, that visual advantage matters.
At a recent project in Carmel, the sellers hired us to stage their home before listing. After seeing the transformation, their agent recommended raising the asking price by $5,000. The very first showing resulted in a full-price offer that was immediately accepted!
Not only did staging drive stronger buyer interest, but the added value more than covered the cost of staging, putting extra money directly into the sellers’ pockets.
Another powerful reminder that staging isn’t an expense… it’s an investment with real returns.
Staged Homes Spend Less Time on the Market
Time on market is one of the top concerns we hear from Indianapolis sellers. NAR’s report shows that 79% of sellers’ agents reported staging reduced the time a home stays on the market when staging was used.
This means staged homes move quicker, which aligns with what we see locally. Even though NAR does not release Indianapolis-specific staging performance data, our experience across Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, Noblesville and surrounding areas consistently mirrors the national trend: buyers make decisions faster when a home is beautifully and thoughtfully presented.
Why Staging Works: What Buyers Say
The 2025 NAR report makes one point overwhelmingly clear: staging impacts how buyers feel during a showing.
83% of buyers’ agents said staging made it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home.
This is why Set the Stage Indianapolis focuses on clean lines, modern appeal, neutral palettes, and layouts that highlight flow and functionality, the exact features buyers respond to.
Which Rooms Matter Most? NAR Says These Are Essential
NAR’s data shows that certain rooms offer the highest return when staged:
- Living room (91%)
- Primary bedroom (83%)
- Dining room (69%)
- Kitchen (68%)
These are the same spaces buyers linger in during showings, and they heavily influence the emotional connection that leads to a strong offer. It’s no coincidence these are the minimum rooms included in all of our staging packages, in addition to the foyer, main floor bathroom, and primary bathroom in order to create that immediate WOW factor when sellers step into a home!
Professional Staging Is More Affordable Than You Think
With our staging packages starting at just $3,000, the potential return is substantial. Time and again, our staged listings sell faster and for thousands more, making staging one of the highest-ROI investments a seller can make.
Ready to Sell Faster and for More?
If you’re listing a home anywhere in Central Indiana, Set the Stage Indianapolis is here to help you transform your property into a buyer-magnet. Our professional staging emphasizes warm, inviting, market-driven designs that resonate with today’s Indianapolis buyers.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get your home market-ready, with as little as $1, 500 deposit.
