By Anne Dresser Kocur
A home tour lasts only a few minutes, and the first impression often shapes how the rest of the visit goes. I like to help Greenwood Village owners see each room the way a visitor will, with fewer personal items and more open space. The research below comes from the National Association of Realtors, the City of Greenwood Village, and the Census Bureau, and I name each source. Here are five steps to get your home ready for its tours.
Key Takeaways
- Visualization: In NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Staging, 83% of buyers’ agents said staging made it easier for a buyer to envision a property as a future home.
- Priority rooms: The same report says buyers’ agents ranked the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen as the most important rooms to stage.
- Time on market: In that survey, 49% of sellers’ agents said staging reduced the time a home spent on the market.
- Cost: NAR reports a median cost of $1,500 for a staging service and $500 when the listing agent stages the home personally.
Declutter Every Surface First
A clear surface lets a visitor look at the home instead of your belongings. NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Staging found that 51% of listing agents skip staging yet recommend decluttering or correcting property faults.
Declutter Checklist
- Counters: Clear kitchen and bathroom counters down to one or two decorative items.
- Closets: Remove out-of-season clothing so storage spaces look roomy.
- Garage: Move extra boxes to a storage unit so the garage reads as usable space.
Rent a small storage unit if your belongings do not fit in the house. Pack as if you have already moved, since every packed box is one less thing to dust before a tour.
Focus on the Living Room and Primary Bedroom
NAR’s 2025 report ranked the living room first at 37% and the primary bedroom second at 34% among the rooms that agents for purchasers said matter most. It also found that the living room is the room listing agents stage most often, at 91%, followed by the primary bedroom at 83%.
Room Priorities
- Main living area: Arrange seating around one focal point and leave clear walking paths.
- Primary bedroom: Use neutral bedding and clear the nightstands so the room feels calm.
- Guest bedrooms: NAR ranked guest bedrooms lowest at 7%, so spend less effort there.
Start with these two rooms if your time is limited. Add the others as your schedule allows, and keep every room clean and well lit.
Refresh the Kitchen and Dining Room
In NAR’s survey, 69% of listing agents reported staging the dining room, and 68% reported staging the kitchen. Agents for purchasers ranked the kitchen third in importance, at 23%.
Kitchen and Dining Tips
- Table: Set the dining table simply, with a runner or a low centerpiece.
- Appliances: Wipe stainless steel and clear small appliances off the counters.
- Bulbs: Replace dim bulbs with matching warm-white bulbs so evening tours look bright.
Open the blinds before every tour. Natural light makes rooms feel larger and shows off your finishes.
Highlight Outdoor Space and Nearby Trails
The City of Greenwood Village says 5.47 miles of the High Line Canal Trail run through town, and it describes the 59-acre Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve as its largest open space. Your patio or deck can show visitors how the home connects to that outdoor lifestyle.
Outdoor Staging Ideas
- Patio: Set out a small table and two chairs to show how the space can be used.
- Entry path: Sweep walkways and remove hoses and toys from view.
- Neighborhood sheet: Include a simple handout that names nearby city parks, such as Cherryville, Greenwood Pines, and Orchard Hills.
Confirm trail and park details on the city’s website before you put them in a handout. Check your homeowners association rules before you change any landscaping.
Budget for Help Without Overspending
NAR’s 2025 report puts the median cost of a staging service at $1,500, compared with $500 when the listing agent stages the home personally. That cost may look modest next to local home values, since the Census Bureau reports a median owner-occupied home value of $1,237,800 for Greenwood Village in its 2020 to 2024 estimates.
Results to Weigh
- Value: 29% of listing agents in the survey said staging increased the dollar value offered by 1% to 10%.
- Speed: 49% said staging reduced time on the market, including 19% who reported a significant reduction.
- Limits: In the same survey, 12% of buyers’ agents said staging had no effect, so results vary.
These figures reflect agent opinions rather than closed sales data, so treat them as guidance. I can help you decide which rooms are worth a professional’s touch.
FAQs
Where do I start with staging your home for sale Greenwood Village style?
Start by decluttering and cleaning every room, then focus on the living room and primary bedroom. NAR’s 2025 report ranks those rooms among the most important to stage. Add small touches in the kitchen and outdoor space afterward.
How much does staging cost?
NAR reports a median cost of $1,500 for a staging service and $500 when the listing agent stages the home. Your cost depends on the size of the home and the number of rooms. Ask for a written quote before you commit.
Do I have to stage every room?
No. NAR’s survey found the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen rank highest in importance, while guest bedrooms rank lowest. Focus on the high-impact rooms first and keep the others clean and clear.
Contact Anne Dresser Kocur Today
If you plan to list soon, contact
Anne Dresser Kocur today to talk through your staging plan.
