Staging 101

Preparing to sell your home and move on to your next chapter can be thrilling, but it can also feel overwhelming. The thought of getting everything in your home “show ready” can easily make you feel stressed. However, staging your home is crucial, and studies show that it can significantly increase the perceived value. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (2021 Profile of Home Staging):

• 47% of buyers’ agents say home staging impacts buyers' view of the property.

• 82% of buyers’ agents feel staging helps buyers envision the home as their future space.

• The living room is the most important area to stage (46%), followed by the master bedroom (43%) and the kitchen (35%).

To sell your home quickly and for top dollar, staging is a must—but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are 10 things you can do yourself to get your home in top shape for buyers.

1. Declutter and Depersonalize
Decluttering is one of the most important steps in preparing your home for sale. Start by packing, tossing, or donating anything you don’t need or use, including items in closets, cabinets, and the garage. Clear off surfaces like kitchen counters and desks to make your home feel larger and more polished.
In addition, depersonalizing is key. Buyers need to envision themselves in your home, so remove personal items like family photos or unique décor. Go room by room and make everything feel neutral, open, and inviting. If you're unsure, have a friend help you identify items that may need to go.

2. Clean, Clean, Clean
Cleaning your home from top to bottom is essential. This includes deep-cleaning carpets, scrubbing grout, washing windows, cleaning cabinets, dusting light fixtures, and even pressure washing the exterior. A clean home gives the impression that it’s been well-maintained and cared for, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

3. Address Odors
The smell of your home can significantly impact how buyers perceive it. Remove any unpleasant odors, like mold, pets, or strong food smells. Consider introducing a subtle, pleasant scent with a natural method like boiling cinnamon sticks, baking cookies, or using an essential oil diffuser. Just be sure not to overwhelm visitors with heavy fragrances.

4. Let in the Light
A well-lit home feels bright and welcoming. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light, and replace any burnt-out light bulbs. If some rooms are particularly dark, add extra lighting, such as lamps. Before showings, be sure to turn on all lights in your home.

5. Paint
If your walls are looking worn or you have dark paint, consider giving your home a fresh coat of paint. Stick with light, neutral colors that make spaces feel brighter and more spacious. Don’t forget to touch up any scuffs or dents in the walls to ensure your home looks well-maintained.

6. Add Life to the Space
After decluttering and cleaning, breathe life back into your home. Fresh flowers, small plants, or bowls of fruit can brighten up your space. Take care of the exterior as well by trimming trees and shrubs, mowing the lawn, and cleaning up any debris. First impressions matter, so make sure your home’s curb appeal is just as inviting as the interior.

7. Optimize the Flow
Consider the flow of your home to ensure it’s functional and inviting. Remove furniture that makes a space feel cramped or awkward. Arrange pieces in a way that makes the space feel open and easy to navigate. This allows buyers to better imagine how they would use the space.

8. Set the Table
If your dining area is part of the tour, setting the table can help create an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication. Simple touches like clean, fresh linens can make your home feel more polished and put-together.

9. Use Luxurious Linens
To create a resort-like feel, invest in fresh, clean linens for your bedrooms and bathrooms. Opt for white bedding and towels for a classic, clean look. Remember, these linens should always be "show ready," so be sure to have alternatives for daily use.

10. Tackle Minor Repairs
Before listing your home, address any small repairs you’ve been putting off—whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or adjusting a sticky door. Buyers will notice these small issues, and they could make them question the overall condition of the house. Taking care of these fixes will show buyers that the home is well-maintained and ready to move into.

By following these steps, you can effectively stage your home without breaking the bank, increasing its appeal to potential buyers and helping you get the best price.