5 Best Home Staging Tips That Actually Work
Proven strategies to sell your home faster and for more money
When selling your home, staging can make a huge difference in how fast it sells and for how much. Staged homes sell faster and often sell for 5–15% more. The good news? You don't need to spend a fortune to stage effectively.
(staged homes)
(unstaged homes)
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Declutter and Depersonalize
Create an open, inviting space where buyers can easily picture themselves living. Clear out clutter that makes rooms feel cramped and remove personal items that might distract buyers.
The 80/20 Rule
Keep your home about 80% furnished while leaving 20% of the space visually open for a cleaner, more spacious feel.
Key Areas to Focus On:
- Kitchen countertops - store away appliances like toasters and food processors
- Bathrooms - remove personal items like toothbrushes and toiletries
- Bedrooms - swap personal photos for neutral artwork
- Storage spaces - organize closets and cabinets to showcase potential
Cost: Minimal - primarily involves using what you already have with only small expenses for storage bins.
Deep Clean and Refresh
A sparkling home not only leaves a great impression but also reassures buyers that the property has been well cared for. This step goes beyond your usual tidying routine.
Impact on Sale Price
Homes receiving professional cleaning sold for an average of 5% above asking price, while uncleaned homes sold for 3% below asking price.
Priority Cleaning Areas:
- Kitchen appliances (inside and out) - refrigerator, oven, microwave
- Bathrooms - scrub toilet, polish fixtures, refresh grout lines
- Windows - clean inside and out to maximize natural light
- Carpets - vacuum thoroughly and remove stains
- Eliminate odors - 80% of buyers are turned off by strong smells
Time Required: 3-7 days for a complete deep clean, depending on home size.
Optimize Furniture Layout
Arrange your furniture to highlight the room's potential and make spaces feel larger. A well-thought-out layout improves movement through the home and helps buyers imagine themselves living there.
Professional Tip
"You don't want your house to look like a bowling alley, so stop placing everything against the wall." - Shirin Sarikhani, Seattle Staged to Sell & Design
Layout Guidelines:
- Float furniture slightly away from walls to create openness
- Maintain 36-inch pathways (42-48 inches in main hallways)
- Keep coffee tables 12-16 inches from sofas
- Arrange seating to encourage conversation
- Don't block windows - emphasize natural light
Cost: Free - simply rearrange what you already own.
Improve Lighting and Ambiance
Proper lighting makes rooms look larger, highlights key features, and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Studies show people are 12% more likely to make purchases in well-lit spaces.
LED Bulb Benefits
LED bulbs are 90% more efficient than incandescent bulbs and can save up to $81.68 over their lifespan at just $4 per bulb.
Lighting Strategy:
- Ambient lighting: General lighting for the entire room
- Task lighting: Focused lighting for specific areas
- Accent lighting: Decorative touches for architectural details
Quick Improvements:
- Open curtains and clean windows to maximize natural light
- Install dimmer switches for flexibility
- Use warm-toned bulbs (2700-3000K) in living rooms
- Add under-cabinet lighting in kitchens
- Upgrade outdated fixtures
Cost: Under $200 for most rooms with significant impact.
Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions happen within 7-10 seconds of seeing your property. Homes with great curb appeal can sell for 7-14% more than similar properties, and 92% of Realtors recommend improving the exterior.
Return on Investment
Affordable curb appeal upgrades can increase perceived property value by 5-11% with minimal investment.
High-Impact Improvements:
- Power wash exterior, walkways, and driveway
- Paint the front door and update hardware
- Keep lawn mowed and add fresh mulch
- Clean windows inside and out
- Add colorful flowers or potted plants
- Install modern house numbers and mailbox
Budget-Friendly Costs:
- Exterior paint: ~$35 per gallon
- Light fixtures: Starting at $25
- New mailbox: As low as $20
Time Required: Most projects can be completed in a weekend.
DIY vs. Professional Staging
Choosing between DIY and professional staging depends on your budget, time, and design skills. Both approaches can be effective when done properly.
| Factor | DIY Staging | Professional Staging |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | $200–$800 (paint, décor, accessories) | $500–$1,500 per room |
| Time Investment | 2–4 weeks of personal effort | 1–2 weeks with limited homeowner input |
| Expertise Level | Based on homeowner's design skills | Professional design and market insight |
| Best For | Smaller homes, budget-conscious sellers | Larger homes, vacant properties, time-pressed sellers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with the basics: declutter and deep clean every room. A spotless, clutter-free space instantly feels more open and welcoming. Rearrange furniture to emphasize standout features like windows or fireplaces. Add mirrors to make rooms feel brighter and more spacious. Simple updates like fresh flowers, stylish throw pillows, or modern light fixtures can breathe new life into your space for minimal cost.
Professional home stagers know exactly how to emphasize your home's best features, downplay flaws, and create a welcoming vibe that resonates with buyers. Their expertise often results in faster sales and higher offers. They bring an unbiased perspective and have access to modern furniture and décor that appeals to today's buyers.
Curb appeal creates a crucial first impression within 7-10 seconds of buyers seeing your property. A tidy, welcoming exterior suggests the home has been well cared for, boosting perceived value. Simple improvements like landscaping, fresh paint, or updated fixtures can help your home sell faster and potentially for a better price.
Ready to Stage Your Home?
These proven staging strategies can help your home stand out in today's competitive market. Whether you choose DIY or professional staging, the key is creating a space where buyers can imagine themselves living.
Get Started Today
