10 Home Staging Tips That Will Maximize Your Sale Price

First impressions matter, especially in real estate. Buyers often make snap judgments based on looks, usually starting with the photo. But it continues with the ambiance they feel as they step into your home for the first time. That’s why selling a house is about crafting a welcoming atmosphere where potential buyers envision your home as their future home. 

Home staging is a powerful tool that can transform your home into one of many possibilities. Every detail plays a role in making your home irresistible in a competitive market. You create an inviting environment that resonates with buyers through thoughtful decor choices and strategic enhancements. Even better–studies have shown the right staging does boost the sale price anywhere from 1-5%! 

So if you want to make more from your home sale and hopefully get off the market quicker, home staging is one tactic to use. Apply these ten essential home staging tips chosen for how they can help any homeowner maximize your sale price while ensuring your cherished space feels welcoming.

Declutter and Depersonalize Your Space

Strangers will walk into your home and ask, “Can I live here?” To help them say “yes,” you must let your home’s best features shine. That’s really hard if a lot of “stuff” is in the way.

That’s why we recommend decluttering and depersonalizing your living spaces. It's not just about making your home look neat. It allows potential customers to see themselves cooking in the kitchen or hosting friends for a game night.

Feeling overwhelmed as you look around? A few tips to get started:

Decluttering: Focus on the main living areas first–living rooms and kitchens. The first goal is to clear off any countertops and declutter shelves. Remove excess items such as old magazines, rarely used appliances and personal collections. 

Sort your items into categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, or Trash. Most importantly, don’t let the items linger in piles around your home. Put anything that’s trash right away in the trash bin. List any for-sale items right away, too. Make that donation run happen fast. Open up the spaces quickly to see what you’re working with.

After the main living areas, move into other high-volume areas like pantries, bedrooms, and home offices. Organize closets and cabinets to show off their space.

Depersonalize: Personal items can distract buyers and hinder them from picturing the house as their future home.

• Remove family photos, personal awards, and bespoke artwork
• Consider replacing any bold or uniquely themed decor with more neutral options
• Aim for a universally appealing look

These steps aren’t about erasing your home's personality but showcasing its potential to a broad audience. The goal is to create a backdrop that allows buyers to see themselves in the home and its future. You can still leave the art and design touches that make the space warm and inviting without reflecting a too-personal narrative. 

Enhance Natural Light and Use Strategic Lighting

Natural light makes spaces feel larger and more welcoming. To achieve this:

• Keep windows clean to maximize natural light.
• Use light or sheer curtains. These keep the privacy but still let in light.
• Add mirrors to darker areas or rooms to reflect light.
• Choose light wall colors to encourage light reflection.
• Trim outdoor foliage to reduce interior shadows.

For strategic lighting:

• Install dimmer switches. These adjust the light for the time of day and mood.
• Layer lighting: Combine ambient, task, and accent lights for versatility.
• Upgrade fixtures to designs that complement room size and style.
• Consider smart bulbs that adjust lighting brightness and warmth based on need.

Choose a Neutral Color Palette

Real estate agents and professional stagers agree that the neutral color palette appeals to the widest range of potential homebuyers. Neutral colors such as beige, tan, white, and light gray are versatile and tend to make rooms appear larger and more luminous. The colors create a blank canvas that lets buyers picture their belongings in the space.

Tips for Selecting Neutral Colors:

• Consistency: Maintain a cohesive look using the same color palette throughout the home.
• Accents: Add a pop of color with accessories to add warmth and personality without overwhelming the space.
• Balance: Combine various textures and shades of neutral colors to add depth and interest.

Preferences shift over time. The choices made when you purchased your home might not align with the current market's preferences. For instance, grays were popular in the 2010s, but in the 2020s, it shifted to more earth tones. Real estate professionals have insight into these interior design trends. Ask for guidance on selecting the most appealing color scheme for today's buyers.

Optimize Curb Appeal for First Impressions

As they say in real estate, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." Remember that before a prospective buyer steps foot inside, they are making judgments from photos or the street.

Make your home stand out with:

• Updated Front Door: Apply fresh paint to your front door to make it welcoming. Neutral colors appeal to more buyers.
• Landscaping: Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and plant flowers for a pop of color.
• Walkway Clearing: The path to the front must be clear and inviting. Consider power-washing to remove stains and refresh the look.
• Lighting: Outdoor lighting must be functional and illuminate the path to the door.

First impressions matter tremendously in the selling process. Increasing curb appeal lures more buyers to come see the home in person and fall in love at first sight.

Define the Purpose of Each Room

Each room in your home needs to have a focus. This is a critical step in the staging process. The design follows the function.

For instance, stage the living room as a welcoming and comfortable gathering space. A guest bedroom must be set up to showcase its best use for visitors or as a home office. The dining area suggests an inviting area for family meals and holiday celebrations. 

Each room's purpose should be evident and inviting. Here’s how to define the purpose of the key areas:

• Living Room: Sitting area with comfortable seating and a focal point like a fireplace or television.
• Kitchen: Well-organized cooking space with clear counters and a small eating area if space permits.
• Bedroom: A restful sleeping area with the bed as a focal point and minimal personal items.
• Guest Bedroom/Home Office: Set up with a bed and a desk, demonstrating versatility.
• Dining Area: A clear dining space with a table set for a simple meal.

Remember, a well-defined space resonates with the buyer’s sense of belonging. It can be the defining factor in the selling process.

Use Furniture to Create Flow and Space

When staging your home to sell, use the furniture arrangement to create an inviting space. Remember, the goal is to highlight the strengths of your home. Furniture arrangements influence the sense of flow and spaciousness.

1. Watch the Proportion: Select furniture that fits the scale of the room. Too large can overwhelm the space, while too small can make it feel off.
2. Create Conversation Areas: In living rooms, arrange seating to encourage conversation and easy movement through the space.
3. Think Visibility and Traffic: Clear paths to highlight the natural flow from room to room.
4. Functionality: Design each purpose in mind, like a reading corner in the bedroom or a workstation in a guest bedroom.
5. Float Your Furniture: Instead of pushing all furniture against walls, float pieces in the middle of the room define areas and improve the sense of space.
6. Mirrors: Reflecting light makes a space feel larger and more open.

Remember, the fewer items in a room, the larger it will seem. Go for a minimalist approach. Let each piece of furniture contribute to a harmonious flow.

Incorporate Attractive Accessories and Décor

Transforming your home into a buyer's dream rests on the small details that evoke an emotional connection. The accessories and décor play a vital role. A few tricks to upping the game when home staging:

• Layer in Texture: Use throw pillows, blankets, and rugs to add warmth and texture. These elements can make rooms feel lived-in and cozy.
• Highlight Focal Points: Place a striking vase or artwork above the fireplace to draw the eye and create a memorable visual.
• Add Greenery: Potted plants or fresh flowers bring life to a space and purify the air.
• Arrange Books and Magazines: Neatly stacked or arranged reading material can add charm to coffee tables or bookshelves when done correctly.
• Inject a Pop of Color: Touches of color through accessories contrast a neutral room.
• Use Mirrors: Strategically place mirrors to make spaces feel larger and brighter.

Remember, the goal is to create a universally appealing environment that suggests the lifestyle they aspire to. Keep it stylish yet minimal.

Clean and Maintain All Surfaces

When preparing your home for the market, cleanliness shows your home has been loved and well taken care of. Decluttering is just the beginning. Take additional measures starting at home staging and keep it through the contract process: 

• Deep Clean: Pay attention to floors, countertops, and walls. That includes wiping down baseboards.
• Regular Dusting: Prevent dust accumulation on surfaces like blinds, ceiling fans, and furniture.
• Sparkling Windows: Clean windows inside and out to maximize natural light.
• Update Fixtures: Ensure all hardware and fixtures are clean.
• Bathroom and Kitchen TLC: These rooms can make or break a sale. Make every tile and toilet bowl sparkle.
• Curb Appeal: Don't forget the exterior surfaces. Pressure wash siding, decks, and walkways.

Attention to cleanliness resonates with buyers. A well-maintained property leaves a lasting impression and potentially drives up the value of your home. 

Focus on the Kitchen and Bathrooms

Focusing on the kitchen and bathrooms can be highly advantageous when preparing your home to hit the market. These areas are critical in the eyes of potential home buyers. Kitchens often influence their purchase decision.

Kitchen

• Declutter: Clear countertops, leaving only a few essential items for a tidy look.
• Clean Thoroughly: Every surface should sparkle, from appliances to the backsplash.
• Neutral Colors: Painting cabinets or walls in neutral tones appeals to a broader range of buyers.
• Update Hardware: Replace old knobs and pulls with modern hardware to refresh the look.
• Pop of Color: A strategically placed vase or bowl of fruit adds warmth and visual interest.

Bathrooms

• Deep Clean: Shining fixtures and grout are non-negotiable. Scrub every nook with quality cleaning supplies.
• Minimal Decor: A simple, fresh shower curtain and new towels transform the space.
• Repair: Fix any leaks or running toilets to avoid red flags for buyers.
• Fresh Coat: A neutral paint can do wonders if a bathroom looks dated.
• Odor Free: Ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated and smells clean, using subtle air fresheners if needed.

Remember, the kitchen and bathrooms are pivotal during sales. Keep them extra clean as you work through home staging and home showings.

Invest in Professional Photography for Online Listings

Investing in professional photography is a game-changer for home staging and selling. Despite the leaps in technology affording us high-quality cameras on our mobile phones, properties showcased through professional photos consistently sell faster and for better prices.

Here's why professional imagery makes a difference:

• Quality and Clarity: Professional photographers possess the skill and know-how to capture the best angles and lighting, ensuring your property looks inviting and bright.
• Professional Edge: High-caliber images create a powerful first impression.

Types of Professional Photos to Consider:

• Standard Interior/Exterior Shots: For a comprehensive display of the property.
• Drone Imagery: Share an impressive overview, especially for properties with expansive outdoor features.
• Virtual Walkthroughs: Allows potential customers to experience a guided tour of the home from anywhere, which can enhance the sales pitch and shorten the time to contract.

Discuss the specific needs of your property with your listing real estate agent. Properties benefit from different photography styles to maximize the appeal of your home.

Next steps to getting the best price for your home

Starting early can be a game-changer when preparing to sell. As a homeowner, it's understandable that your property means much to you. Approach the selling process methodically, and let professional real estate agents and stagers guide you through each step.

Prepare to maximize your home’s value through:

1. Initial Conversation: Speak with experienced agents or professional home stagers, even if you're not ready to sell. They may provide valuable sales tips customized to your home and local real estate market.
2. Make a Plan: Determine which changes or updates could improve your home’s appeal. Prioritize them based on impact and budget. Your timeline to sell may also influence what you can do.
3. Neutral Palette: Updating to a fresh coat of paint in neutral colors will broaden your home’s attractiveness.
4. Focused Updates: Accentuate key areas with modernized trends to catch a buyer's eye.
5. Declutter and Clean: Invest in cleaning supplies and start decluttering. A tidy space is more inviting and easier for buyers to envision as their own.
6. Virtual Staging Options: Explore virtual staging services to showcase your home online. Virtual walkthrough appealing to current tech-savvy home buyers.

Remember, the changes you make now can potentially increase your home’s value and reduce the time to contract. Finding common ground with buyers begins with seeing your home at its best. Let home staging light the way to a successful home sale.

About the Author: Preston Guyton is the founder of ez Home Search. He has been a real estate leader for over 20 years. Starting with a focus in South Carolina, he has helped coach and empower real estate professionals to achieve their full potential by meeting the needs of their local community.