BiggerPockets

Or has the market rebounded enough to not need to bother with staging anymore?

There is little to no staging in my farms. It never really caught on where I am, even in many the higher priced areas, even when it really was a buyers market. Where I am, it's all about price and location, and staging can't address that. I would do a limited amount if I had a property with challenging space(s). So many rehabbers here are working on thin margins and trying to make up for it in volume. Staging is the last thing on their minds. Of course, a property sitting on the market from more than 30 days would get their attention, but that's just not happening right now.

In my market I have staged properties in the top tier ($600K+). The cost is not significant to me since my wife does most of the work.
It also depends on what buyers you are attracting. In my market Buyers who are upgrading are more receptive to a staged home.

Investors who are looking for rentals tend to see the other aspects (ease of maintenance etc.)

Marie,

What cities do you primarily concentrate on in the Central valley?