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The Power of Home Staging: How It Helps Minnesota Sellers Stand Out

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions aren’t just important — they’re everything.
Buyers decide within seconds whether a home feels right, and that decision often starts with the photos.

That’s where home staging comes in.

At Wits Realty, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-staged home can transform the selling experience — helping listings sell faster, for more money, and with less stress.

Let’s break down why it works and how it can help you, especially here in Minnesota’s ever-changing market.


What Is Home Staging, Exactly?

Home staging is the art of preparing your property so buyers can picture themselves living there.
It’s not decorating — it’s strategic design that highlights your home’s best features, minimizes distractions, and tells a story that resonates with potential buyers.

That might mean rearranging furniture to open up space, bringing in updated art and accessories, or adding warmth through color, lighting, and texture.

In short: staging helps buyers fall in love before they walk through the door.


The Real ROI of Staging

Here’s what the numbers say:

  • According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR 2025 Profile of Home Staging), 81% of buyers say staging makes it easier to visualize a property as their future home.
  • 58% of agents reported that staged homes spend less time on the market.
  • And 23% said staging can increase a home’s value by 1–5% compared to similar, unstaged properties.

That means a $400,000 home could see a $4,000–$20,000 boost — just from looking its best.


Why Staging Matters Even More in Minnesota

In the Twin Cities, staging does more than just make things look nice — it helps your listing shine no matter the season.

  • Winter warmth: When buyers tour homes in January or February, cozy textures, lighting, and subtle seasonal accents help them feel at home — and that emotional connection matters.
  • Spring/summer color: When the market heats up, fresh greenery, airy fabrics, and outdoor vignettes (hello, deck furniture!) help highlight your home’s lifestyle potential.
  • Historic charm: For older Twin Cities homes, thoughtful staging that mixes modern comfort with period character — like pairing clean-lined furniture with classic details — helps buyers appreciate the best of both worlds.
  • Condo or TownhomeLow-maintenance living: For condos and townhomes, staging that highlights smart use of space, natural light, and a clutter-free design helps buyers picture a lifestyle that’s stylish and simple.

What Staging Actually Does for Sellers

  1. Maximizes Space: Rearranges or removes furniture to make rooms feel open and functional.
  2. Highlights Features: Draws attention to fireplaces, windows, or architectural details.
  3. Modernizes the Look: Fresh art, textiles, and decor give your home a more current feel — without a renovation.
  4. Improves Photos: Professional listing photos of a staged home perform significantly better online (and we all know most buyers start there).
  5. Creates Emotional Appeal: Buyers don’t just buy houses — they buy the feeling of “this could be home.”

How We Handle Staging at Wits Realty

Every home and seller are different — that’s why we offer custom staging support through our in-house partner, Golden Hour Home Staging.

Depending on your needs, we can help with:

  • Full home staging: Bringing in furniture, rugs, and accessories for vacant homes.
  • Staging consultations: Walkthroughs with actionable room-by-room recommendations.
  • Occupied staging: Enhancing your existing furniture with curated accents for photos and showings.

Our goal? To make the process easy and effective — helping you create a space that photographs beautifully and wows in person.


Final Takeaway

Home staging isn’t just a nice touch — it’s a proven marketing strategy that helps you sell faster and for more money.

Whether your home is modern, traditional, or something in between, the right staging can make all the difference in how buyers see (and value) your space.

Ready to give your home its moment to shine?
Connect with Wits Realty to learn more about how we help Minnesota homes stand out in any market.


Sources

  • National Association of Realtors (2025). Profile of Home Staging
  • Realtor.com (2024). Why Staging Your Home Still Works in Today’s Market
  • Minnesota Realtors® (2025). Market Report: Twin Cities Seasonal Trends
  • HomeLight (2024). Staging ROI and Buyer Psychology
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