The 3 Rooms that Can Make or Break a Sale

Shelly O'Neil May 12, 2025

Want Top Dollar for Your Home? Focus Here First

Let’s be real—when it comes to selling your home, not every room pulls equal weight. Buyers zero in on a few key spaces, and if you get those right, you're way more likely to attract serious offers (and even some over asking).

According to the 2025 National Association of REALTORS® Home Staging Report, the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen are the top 3 rooms that can make or break a buyer’s impression.

Here’s how to make sure yours stand out—in the best way.

💡 Why These Rooms Matter Most

The numbers tell the story:

Living Room: 91% of sellers’ agents stage this space. 71% of buyers’ agents say it’s super important.
Primary Bedroom: 83% of listings stage the bedroom, and again, 71% of buyers’ agents agree it matters.
Kitchen: Slightly less staged overall, but 51% of buyers’ agents say it influences perception.

And here’s the kicker—48% of buyers expect homes to look like HGTV. So if your space isn’t giving “dream home” vibes, they notice. Staging is no longer just “nice to have”—it’s what buyers expect.

Good news? A well-staged home could sell 1%–5% higher than a non-staged home. That’s potentially $25K extra on a $500,000 house. Worth it? I think so.

You don’t need to break the bank hiring a pro. Here’s how to DIY it smartly:

🛋 The Living Room: First Impressions Count

This is usually the first thing buyers see. Think warm, open, and easy to imagine themselves living in.

Declutter + Depersonalize: Hide the family photos and personal items.
Create a Cozy Layout: Float furniture instead of pushing it against walls.
Keep Colors Neutral: Stick to soft tones—grays, whites, taupes.
Let the Light In: Open the windows, clean the glass, ditch heavy curtains.

🛏 The Primary Bedroom: Create a Retreat

This is where buyers imagine unwinding after a long day. Make it feel calm and clean.

Go Minimal: A bed, nightstands, and maybe a dresser. That’s it.
Add Soft Touches: Layer the bed with cozy pillows and throws.
Stick to Soothing Colors: Whites, blues, and soft grays work best.
Tidy Up the Closets: Buyers peek! Half-full closets feel more spacious.

🍽 The Kitchen: The Deal-Maker

Whether or not they cook, buyers care about the kitchen. It’s where they imagine gathering and hosting.

Clear the Counters: Less is more. Keep only 1-2 things out max.
Fresh Touches: Think a bowl of lemons, fresh flowers, or a cute cookbook.
Light It Up: Replace burned-out bulbs. Add under-cabinet lighting if you can.

✅ Your Quick Action Plan

Here’s your 4-step cheat sheet to nail these rooms:

Take Photos: Look at your spaces like a buyer would.
Declutter Like Crazy: Seriously—take out 50% of the stuff.
Deep Clean: Hire help if needed. Clean sells.
Style Smart: Add back only what enhances the space and makes it feel fresh.

At the end of the day, staging is strategy—not just style.

Nearly half of sellers’ agents said staging shortened time on market, and 29% said it boosted offers. That means less stress for you, more money in your pocket, and a smoother sale.

If you're thinking about listing your home and want advice on where to focus first—or you're not sure how your spaces would show—let's chat. I’m here to help you make the most of your home sale.