How to Stage Your Home to Sell Fast

Staging a home before listing it for sale can impact how quickly it sells and for how much. Use these staging tips to highlight your home's best features, downplay flaws, and attract more buyers.

Declutter and Depersonalize

Clutter and personal decor make it more complicated for buyers to imagine the home as their own.

● Remove extra furniture. Make each room feel open and spacious.

● Organize closets. Buyers will look at them. Get rid of anything you don't use or need.

● Clean out cabinets. Neatly organize kitchens and bathrooms so they appear spacious.

● Take down personal photos. Let buyers picture their own family's photos on the walls.

● Paint walls with neutral colors. Avoid bold colors or busy patterns. Simple and clean enhances the appeal.

 

Enhance Curb Appeal

A home's exterior and landscaping make the all-important first impression.

● Mow, trim trees, and plant flowers. Well-maintained landscaping has a huge visual impact.

● Power wash siding and clean gutters. Remove grime and mildew to make a home shine.

● Paint or stain the front door. Freshen up the front entrance. Paint the shutters to match.

● Upgrade exterior lighting. Highlight the home's architecture with new fixtures.

● Repair cracked paving. Fix walkways, steps, fences, and other exterior defects.

Style Main Living Spaces

Buyers spend most of their time picturing themselves in the main living areas. Make them shine by:

● Rearranging furniture. Create a sensible flow between rooms.

● Using neutral colors. Avoid bold paint, rugs, and wallpaper.

● Adding stylish accessories. Vases, lamps, and pillows give a model home vibe.

● Updating light fixtures. New overhead lights modernize for less.

● Letting light in. Use sheer curtains and keep windows spotless.

Stage Each Room For Its Purpose

Make bedrooms relaxingly inviting. Give kitchens and baths a sleek, modern feel.

Bedrooms:

● Make beds neatly with hotel-like folded corners.

● Keep surfaces clutter-free.

● Display coordinating bedding and accent pillows.

● Add a plush bench at the foot of the bed.

Kitchens:

● Organize cabinets to look spacious.

● Display a few matching dishes and utensils.

● Put small appliances away in cabinets.

● Use stainless steel or ceramic kitchen accessories.

● Place a lush fruit bowl on the counters.

Bathrooms:

● Coordinate towels, bath rugs, shower curtains.

● Store toiletries out of sight.

● Add matching soap and lotion dispensers.

● Use storage baskets to hide clutter.

● Ensure lighting is bright and flattering.

 

Freshen Up With Paint

Fresh paint is one of the best investments you can make.

● Repaint walls with neutral colors. Avoid bold hues. White and beige work best.

● Brighten trims and cabinets. Crisp white moldings modernize.

● Update kitchen and bath cabinets. On a budget? Just paint the fronts.

● Paint the front door. Curb appeal matters, so pick an inviting color.

Handle Odors and Sounds

Buyers will notice unpleasant smells and noises that you may be used to.

● Clean carpeting and drapes. Shampoo and steam clean to eliminate odors.

● Open windows. Let fresh air circulate before showings. Don't overwhelm with air fresheners.

● Fix dripping faucets. Dripping water puts buyers on alert for problems.

● Lubricate squeaky doors. It draws buyers' attention to the age of the home.

● Drown out nearby noise. Use a sound machine during in-person and virtual showings.

Hire a Staging Professional

Professional stagers can work wonders for about 1% of the home's list price. They will:

● Evaluate what improvements will maximize your home's appeal.

● Accentuate strengths and divert attention from weaknesses.

● Furnish empty rooms so buyers envision the spaces.

● Refine room layouts, furniture arranging, accessorizing.

Pro staging increases selling prices and lowers days on the market.

Showcase the Yard and Patio

Your outdoor spaces can be an advantage over other listings.

● Power wash. Clean patios, decks, fences, siding. Eliminate grime.

● Trim trees and bushes. Keep the yard neatly manicured.

● Plant flowers. Well-tended garden beds demonstrate care.

● Rearrange patio furniture. Create an inviting entertainment space.

● Clean pool. Sparkling blue water adds value.

Conclusion

Staging a home helps it sell faster and for a higher price by showcasing it at its best. Decluttering, decorating for curb appeal, freshening with paint, and repairing flaws make a considerable difference—Accentuate strengths like outdoor spaces. Enlist a professional stager if needed. Proper staging makes your house stand out and sell quickly in any market.