Some rooms sell your home more than others—are you focusing on the right ones?

When you're preparing to sell, the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen aren't just spaces—they're deal-makers. According to the 2025 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Staging, these three rooms weigh heavily on buyers’ emotions and offer decisions. If you're aiming to impress, this is where to focus your energy.

WHY THESE ROOMS ARE YOUR SECRET WEAPON

Here's what the 2025 NAR data tells us:

• Living Room: 91% of sellers' agents make sure it’s staged, while 71% of buyers' agents say it strongly influences buyer interest.

• Primary Bedroom: 83% of agents stage it, and 71% of buyers' agents say it plays a major role in the decision process.

• Kitchen: Though fewer agents prioritize staging here, 51% of buyers’ agents say it affects buyers’ overall impression.
  

The impact of staging is no small detail. Nearly half of all buyers now expect homes to look as polished as the ones they see on HGTV. And when homes fall short of that ideal, 58% of buyers admit to being let down.

But here’s the good news: properly staging just these three rooms can help you sell faster and potentially earn 1% to 5% more. That’s a $25,000 difference on a $500,000 sale.

You don’t need a Hollywood-level staging budget to get it right. Here are practical, effective ways to stage these high-impact rooms.

1. Living Room: Set the Tone

This is often the first room buyers walk into—think of it as your home’s handshake.

• Declutter and Depersonalize: Take down family portraits, simplify decor, and create a clean slate.

• Arrange for Connection: Set up furniture to encourage conversation, not just TV watching.

• Choose a Neutral Palette: Whites, beiges, and soft grays photograph beautifully and appeal to more people.

• Let the Light In: Natural light can make any room feel larger and more inviting—keep windows spotless and treatments minimal.

2. Primary Bedroom: Create Calm

Buyers want to feel like they’re stepping into a retreat, not just a room.

• Keep It Simple: Remove extra furniture and aim for a clean, open look.

• Add Soft Touches: Think cozy bedding, tasteful throw pillows, and a soothing rug.

• Use Calming Colors: Stick with soft tones like white, gray, or light blue.

• Tidy Up Closets: Clear out half the contents to highlight the storage potential.

3. Kitchen: Appeal to the Heart

The kitchen is where memories are imagined. It’s also where decisions are made.

• Clear the Counters: Only the essentials should remain—hide the gadgets and clutter.

• Freshen It Up: A bowl of lemons or fresh flowers can make the space feel alive.

• Brighten Things Up: Good lighting matters. Make sure bulbs are working and consider under-cabinet lights to add warmth.

Your Game Plan: Make These Spaces Work for You

Here’s a quick checklist to stay on track:

• Start with Photos: Take snapshots of each room. You'll notice things differently through a camera lens.

• Edit Ruthlessly: Remove more than you think you should. Clean lines help buyers imagine the space as theirs.

• Invest in Cleanliness: Whether you DIY or hire help, every surface should sparkle.

• Reintroduce Style Intentionally: Add back only what elevates the space and adds emotional appeal.

When nearly half of agents say staging shortens market time—and nearly a third say it bumps up offers—those are numbers you can’t afford to ignore.

If you’re thinking of listing your home in Brevard County, now’s the time to prepare your standout spaces. A few thoughtful tweaks could mean a faster sale and a stronger offer. Reach out today if you want personalized advice tailored to your property—because in this market, preparation truly pays off.

Sources: National Association of Realtors