Do Realtors Usually Pay for Staging?

When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are everything. A beautifully staged property can attract more buyers, create emotional connection, and often lead to faster sales and better offers. But one question that often comes up—especially among homeowners and builders—is: Do realtors usually pay for staging?

The short answer is: it depends. While realtors may play a role in coordinating or recommending staging, they are not typically the ones footing the bill—especially when it comes to model home staging services for builders or developers.

In this blog, we’ll explore who typically pays for staging, how the responsibility varies depending on the property type, and why staging remains a valuable tool in any sales strategy. Whether you’re a builder preparing to showcase a new development, a seller with a spec home, or a real estate professional managing listings, understanding how staging works—and who covers the cost—can help you plan more effectively.

The Role of Staging in the Home Selling Process

Home staging has evolved far beyond the basics of fluffing pillows and adding flowers. Today’s model home staging companies offer professional, design-driven solutions that help properties stand out—online and in person.

This is particularly true for new construction staging, spec home staging, and demonstration home staging, where builders and developers are presenting homes that have never been lived in. Empty rooms can feel cold and impersonal. Without furnishings, it’s hard for buyers to picture how spaces function, especially in open floor plans.

Staging a model home gives each space purpose, makes architectural features pop, and helps buyers feel emotionally connected. It’s not just about décor—it’s about strategy.

So, Do Realtors Usually Cover the Cost?

In most cases, realtors do not directly pay for staging, especially when it comes to builder or developer listings. While agents may recommend staging or even coordinate the process on behalf of a seller, the cost is typically covered by the homeowner, builder, or developer.

Here’s how it usually breaks down:

1. For Builders and Developers

In the case of model home staging, spec home staging, or Roseville new construction staging, it’s the builder or development company that pays for staging services. This is considered part of the marketing investment. The home is their product, and staging helps position that product in the best possible light.

Builders view staging as an extension of their brand and a tool to increase buyer engagement. It also allows them to produce better listing photos, host stronger open houses, and reduce time on market—all of which save money and improve profitability over time.

2. For Resale Homes

In resale situations, the answer varies. Some listing agents may offer to cover the cost of staging as part of their marketing strategy—especially for high-end listings or in competitive markets. However, more commonly, the agent will suggest staging and leave it up to the homeowner to approve and fund the service.

Some agents may offer to split the cost, deduct it from their commission, or refer sellers to trusted staging providers with flexible payment options. In most cases, though, the homeowner still bears the primary financial responsibility.

Why Realtors Recommend Staging (Even If They Don’t Pay for It)

While most realtors don’t directly pay for staging, they almost always encourage it—because they’ve seen firsthand the impact it makes. Professionally staged homes are:

• Easier to photograph
• More appealing in online listings
• Better at creating emotional connection during showings
• Quicker to sell, often for closer to the asking price

For staging for builders, the benefits are even more pronounced. With multiple similar homes often listed within the same development, staged homes stand out and give potential buyers a clear sense of value.

Who Should Pay for Staging? A Strategic Perspective

The question of who should pay really comes down to who benefits most. In the case of new construction, builders benefit directly from faster sales, stronger offers, and a more attractive brand image. As such, it makes sense for the cost to be built into the marketing budget for the home or community.

For resale homes, homeowners often find that staging is a smart investment that leads to a better bottom line. Many sellers see a return in the form of a faster sale or higher offer—even if they initially hesitated to spend money upfront.

To help decide how to approach staging for your next project, visit our Ultimate Guide to Model Home Staging Services in Placer County for a comprehensive look at what’s included, how the process works, and what to expect.

Working With the Right Staging Company

Whether you’re a builder launching a new model suite or a realtor managing multiple listings, partnering with a reliable staging team makes all the difference. Professional stagers with experience in Placer County model home staging and model home staging Sacramento understand the local buyer, the competitive landscape, and how to present homes in a way that speaks directly to what buyers want.

To explore trusted staging providers in your area, check out our Top Model Home Staging Companies in Placer County for a curated list of professionals specializing in new construction staging, spec home projects, and more.

So—do realtors usually pay for staging? Not usually. But they almost always recommend it, especially when the benefits are clear. For builders, developers, and sellers alike, staging is an investment in presentation, perception, and ultimately, profitability.

Whether you’re preparing a model home, looking to move a spec property, or building out a demonstration suite, staging helps your homes stand out from the crowd. And while the costs are typically absorbed by the property owner or builder, the return often speaks for itself.

Let’s Talk Staging

If you’re ready to make your listing shine, Heathers Houses is here to help. We specialize in model home staging services tailored to the unique needs of builders, developers, and real estate professionals across Placer County and the Greater Sacramento area.

Call us today at 530-887-9709
Send us a message to schedule a consultation or get more information about our staging packages.