8 Staging Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

Home staging is a powerful marketing tool for selling homes quickly and for top dollar. And while any real estate professional will tell you that it’s well worth the investment to hire a stager, there are many things that any homeowner can do to prepare their home for sale. Here are eight places to start. 

1. Consider curb appeal.

First impressions are everything, so make sure that potential buyers are impressed from the moment they pull up to your home. That means cleaning up your landscaping, making any needed repairs to the exterior, and giving your front door a fresh coat of paint, if need be — understated tones like black, navy, and forest green have been shown to attract buyers. Finish off the look with a nice, neutral doormat and some pretty planters that complement your home's color scheme.

2. Let in the light.

A home with good natural light is a strong selling feature for many buyers, so make sure you’re letting in as much sunlight as you possibly can. Outside, trim back oversized bushes or vines that may be blocking the light. Inside, consider removing heavy draperies, outdated valances, and broken or inexpensive blinds. If you want to keep some window treatments up while you’re in the house, remember that they should be hung high and wide to give the impression of big windows with lots of light. 

3. Harness the power of paint.

Buyers love a neutral color palette — it makes it easier to imagine a home as their own. You may have loved your fuschia dining room or lime-green bathroom while you lived in the home, but buyers will appreciate having the clean slate that comes from a wash of fresh white paint. And just remember, you can paint your new house any color you like!

4. Depersonalize your space.

You want buyers to feel like they’re walking into their new home — not yours. That’s why we recommend removing super personal items like family photos as well as anything religious or political that may not appeal to potential buyers.

5. Cut the clutter.

Go ahead and get a head start on your packing by boxing up items you don’t use regularly. From your bookshelves and kids’ rooms to medicine cabinets and coat closets, getting rid of unnecessary clutter will make your home look cleaner, fresher, and more spacious.

6. Clear your counters.

Related to the previous point, but specific to kitchens and bathrooms: Clear off your countertops! In the kitchen, tuck away those small appliances and anything else that’s taking up space. In the bathrooms, stick the toiletry bottles, toothbrushes, and bath toys in a basket under the sink. Clear surfaces are infinitely more appealing to buyers, and they’ll look far better than clutter in MLS photos. 

7. Give it a sniff test.

Bad odors can be a real turn-off to potential home buyers. If you have pets, be extra vigilant about cleaning litter boxes and bedding, giving baths, and potentially retiring any rugs or furniture that have gotten a bit too much “love.” When showings are scheduled, avoid cooking with overly fragrant ingredients like curry, garlic, bacon, or onions. Replace your air filters regularly, and consider a strategically placed air purifier (this one's our favorite). If the weather permits, allow fresh air to flow through the house. If you think you may be “nose blind” to odors in your home, ask an honest friend for their feedback. 

8. Hire a stager to help!

Selling a home is one of life’s most stressful experiences. It’s our job as stagers to take the burden of preparing your house for the market off of your shoulders, and make your life easier. Reach out today to find out how we can help!