The Real Value of Home Staging in Pinellas County: A Case Study at 1906 Del Oro

Selling a home isn’t just about square footage and updated appliances. It’s about perception—and creating the right one. For homeowners across Pinellas County, one of the biggest questions that comes up is: Should I renovate before selling, or will staging be enough?

Selling a home isn’t just about square footage and updated appliances. It’s about perception—and creating the right one. For homeowners across Pinellas County, one of the biggest questions that comes up is: Should I renovate before selling, or will staging be enough?

Here’s the thing: renovations can be costly, time-consuming, and often more stressful than they’re worth when you’re already preparing to move. Staging, on the other hand, is a faster, more cost-effective strategy that highlights your home’s strengths and helps buyers connect emotionally.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through why staging often wins over renovation when selling, and I’ll share a real story from right here in Dunedin—how we transformed a completely empty home into a buyer magnet, without any major upgrades or remodeling.

Why Staging? A Real Answer to a Common Question

"Do you really stage every home like that?"

It's one of the questions I get asked the most—and the answer is always YES. Not because it's trendy, or because HGTV told us to. But because it works. In fact, staged homes sell 88% faster and for up to 20% more than their non-staged counterparts.

If you're a numbers person like me, here's some quick math that might catch your attention:

• The average cost of staging a home? About $1,500–$3,000 depending on the size and scope.
• The average return? Realtor.com reports that staged homes can return up to $7,500 extra if they sell in just one day.

But beyond the numbers, staging is what creates an emotional bridge between your home and your buyer. It's what helps someone stop scrolling through listings and say, "This is the one."

Let me walk you through how that played out in real life—right here in Dunedin.

A House with Great Bones (But No Bids)

1906 Del Oro Ct had all the right features: 3 bedrooms, a pool, a great layout, and that classic Florida charm. But despite everything it had going for it, it wasn’t selling.

When I first stepped inside, it was clear what was going on—but not in the way most people think. The home was completely empty. No furniture, no décor, no signs of life. And while that might sound like a blank slate to some, to buyers, it felt cold and disconnected.

An empty home doesn’t invite imagination. It doesn’t help buyers understand the scale of the rooms or how their furniture might fit. Instead of inspiring possibilities, it left them feeling unsure.

The home wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t speaking to buyers.

Renovation vs. Staging: What's the Better Choice?

Before we dive into the emotional science, let’s clear up a big question homeowners often ask: Should I renovate before I sell?

It’s a fair question—after all, we’ve all seen the HGTV shows where new kitchens and gleaming floors seem to guarantee big returns. But the reality in Pinellas County’s real estate market is often different. Here’s why:

Renovation: High Investment, Uncertain Return

Major renovations can cost tens of thousands of dollars and take weeks (or months). You might update the kitchen or redo the bathroom, but there’s no guarantee a buyer will love the finishes you chose—or pay enough to cover the cost. Plus, you’re investing serious time and energy right before making a major move.

Staging: Strategic, Affordable, and Emotionally Powerful

Staging is faster, more affordable, and laser-focused on helping your home feel right to buyers. Instead of replacing countertops, we’re helping potential buyers picture themselves sipping coffee at that countertop.

Think of it this way: renovation changes the house. Staging changes how people see the house.

And when time, budget, and emotional impact matter, staging wins.

The Emotional Science of Staging

Buyers decide within seconds whether they like a home. They're not analyzing square footage or floor plans in those early moments—they're feeling things. And staging is what guides those feelings.

Think of it like this: When you test drive a car, it's spotless. No crumbs in the seat. No toddler toys on the floor. Just the fresh, clean promise of your future.

Your home deserves the same treatment. Because people don’t buy houses—they buy the lifestyle they believe comes with them.

What We Did at 1906 Del Oro

1. Brought the Space to Life

Since the home was completely empty, the first goal was to give it warmth and function. We brought in essential furniture and accessories to help define each space. A cozy seating area in the living room, a simple dining setup, and a styled bedroom gave the home structure and personality.

2. Created a Sense of Scale

Empty rooms can feel deceptively small—or awkwardly large. By adding furniture, we helped buyers visually understand the proportions of each room and how their own items might fit. No guessing games.

3. Added Layers of Comfort

We used rugs, throws, pillows, and art to add depth and texture. These simple elements made the space feel welcoming, not sterile, and helped buyers emotionally connect with the home.

4. Focused on Key Lifestyle Zones

From a reading nook in the primary bedroom to a styled patio space outside, we highlighted how the home supports a relaxed, Florida-friendly lifestyle. We gave purpose to every room, including areas that previously felt undefined.

The Power of Presentation

By the time we were done, 1906 Del Oro looked and felt like a completely different house. The best part? We didn’t renovate anything. We didn’t replace the flooring or remodel the kitchen. We just presented the home differently.

And guess what? The listing went live, and within days, the interest started pouring in.

Common Mistakes Sellers Make When Skipping Staging

Even in a hot real estate market like Pinellas County, homes that aren’t staged often sit longer or sell for less. Why? Because skipping staging can lead to avoidable mistakes, such as:

1. Leaving Rooms Undefined

An empty room doesn’t show function. Buyers are left wondering, “Is this a bedroom? An office? Would my furniture fit?” When spaces aren’t clearly defined, they don’t feel useful or inviting.

2. Overpersonalizing the Décor

At the other extreme, a home that’s overly customized—bold colors, specific themes, heavy family photos—can make it hard for buyers to imagine it as theirs. Staging finds the sweet spot: neutral, but warm.

3. Assuming Buyers Can See Past It

Many sellers think, “Buyers can use their imagination.” In reality, most buyers can’t. That’s why homes that are staged sell faster—they do the emotional and visual work for the buyer.

4. Not Preparing for Photography

Your first showing doesn’t happen in person—it happens online. If your home doesn’t shine in listing photos, you’ve already lost the majority of interested buyers. Staging ensures every corner of your home is photo-ready.

The Florida Buyer’s Mindset

Staging in Florida—and particularly in Pinellas County—is a little different than other parts of the country. Here, buyers aren’t just looking for four walls and a roof. They’re looking for a lifestyle. That often means:

• Natural light and open space
• Indoor-outdoor living
• A calming, vacation-like atmosphere
• Clean finishes and minimal visual clutter

By staging with those values in mind, you’re not just preparing a home—you’re selling a dream. And when you show buyers how your home fits the Florida lifestyle, they’re more likely to act quickly.

By the time we were done, 1906 Del Oro looked and felt like a completely different house. The best part? We didn’t renovate anything. We didn’t replace the flooring or remodel the kitchen. We just presented the home differently.

And guess what? The listing went live, and within days, the interest started pouring in.

What You Can Learn from This

Whether you're selling a home in Dunedin, Clearwater, Palm Harbor—or anywhere in Pinellas County—these principles hold true:

• Buyers buy feelings. Create a space that feels peaceful, welcoming, and open.
• Less is more. Declutter and depersonalize so buyers can picture their life there.
• Staging is not the same as decorating. It’s strategic and intentional.
• You don’t need to spend thousands. Smart staging is about impact, not investment.

Ready to Make Your Home Stand Out?

Every home has hidden potential. And with the right presentation, that potential becomes power.

FAQs

1. Is home staging worth it when selling a house in Florida?

Yes—especially in competitive markets like Pinellas County. Staged homes often sell faster and for more money. Buyers in Florida expect light, open, move-in ready spaces, and staging delivers that look without the need for renovations.

2. Should I renovate or stage before selling?

Staging is usually more cost-effective than renovating. Renovations fix long-term problems, but staging fixes perception—and that’s what sells. Unless there's serious damage or outdated infrastructure, staging should be your first move.

3. What rooms should I prioritize when staging?

The living room, primary bedroom, kitchen, and main bathroom have the most impact. In Florida, the outdoor space is also a huge selling point—don't overlook the patio, lanai, or pool area.

4. Do you offer staging services in Palm Harbor or St. Pete?

Absolutely! I work with sellers across all of Pinellas County, including Dunedin, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, and more. Every home deserves to shine—no matter the ZIP code.