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7 Home Staging Tips That Help Properties Sell Faster

7 Home Staging Tips That Help Properties Sell Faster

Staging your home can help it sell faster and for more money. Research shows that staged homes sell 3-30x faster and can bring in up to 20% higher offers. Here’s how you can make your property stand out:

  • Declutter: Remove personal items and excess furniture to create a clean, spacious look.
  • Furniture Arrangement: Optimize layouts for better flow and functionality.
  • Lighting: Maximize natural light and layer artificial lighting for warmth.
  • Curb Appeal: Tidy up the exterior with fresh paint, clean pathways, and landscaping.
  • Focus on Key Areas: Stage living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms to highlight their potential.
  • Professional Photos: Use high-quality images to attract online buyers.
  • Hire a Pro: Professional stagers can enhance your home’s appeal and value.

How to Stage Your House for Sale on a Budget: 7 Staging Secrets/Tips

1. Clear Out Clutter and Personal Items

Decluttering can make a huge difference when selling a property. According to the National Association of Realtors Research Group, homes that are decluttered and staged help buyers imagine themselves living there [3]. Professional stager Laurie Mattson puts it simply:

"Presentation and great marketing photos sell homes."

This highlights how crucial decluttering is in making a property stand out [3].

It’s not just about looks - decluttering can boost a home's value. For example, two identical condos in the same complex sold for different prices. The one that was decluttered and staged brought in $30,000 more [2]. To achieve this clean and inviting look, focus on key areas like storage spaces, countertops, and personal collections. Reduce storage contents by 30-50%, remove extra furniture, and pack away personal items. This creates a sense of space and highlights the home's storage potential.

A decluttered home acts as a blank canvas, helping buyers focus on its features instead of distractions. Research shows that 23% of buyers are more likely to overlook minor flaws in a well-staged, clutter-free home [3]. This makes decluttering one of the most cost-effective ways to prepare a property for sale.

After decluttering, the next step is arranging furniture to improve flow and make the space feel larger.

2. Arrange Furniture for Better Flow

How you arrange furniture can make or break a property's appeal. Clear pathways and open views allow buyers to fully appreciate a room's potential. Start by removing extra furniture to create more space and highlight each room's purpose - especially in smaller areas where clutter can feel overwhelming.

Boosts Visual Appeal

Arrange furniture to create clear pathways, draw attention to architectural details, and define functional areas. Let natural light shine by avoiding bulky pieces that block windows. For instance, in a living room, position seating to form a cozy conversation area while keeping walkways open. These small changes can transform a space and even help fetch higher sale prices.

Aligns with Buyer Expectations

Each room should showcase its primary purpose. A home office should feel like a productive workspace, while living areas should invite socializing. This thoughtful setup appeals to buyers who value well-organized, functional spaces.

Experiment with layouts to strike the right balance between spaciousness and comfort. Removing up to 30% of the furniture can make a room feel more open and inviting. This approach helps buyers picture themselves living there, increasing their likelihood of making an offer.

Once you've nailed the furniture arrangement, the next step is to focus on lighting to elevate the home's overall presentation.

3. Make the Most of Lighting

The National Association of REALTORS reports that 75% of buyers view lighting as a key factor when deciding on a purchase [1].

Make Spaces More Inviting

Good lighting can completely change how a space feels. Start with natural light - ditch heavy curtains and keep windows spotless to let in as much sunlight as possible. For artificial lighting, go for warm-toned LEDs in ceiling fixtures, add under-cabinet lights in kitchens, and use table or floor lamps to create cozy nooks. Together, these layers of light create a warm, welcoming vibe that helps buyers imagine living in the space.

Showcase Your Property at Its Best

Lighting plays a major role in how buyers perceive a home. Certified stagers recommend using table lamps in living areas for a snug atmosphere, pendant lights in the kitchen to highlight work areas, and bedside lamps in bedrooms for a layered, functional look.

Meet Buyer Expectations

According to the Real Estate Staging Association, 62% of sellers' agents said well-staged homes, including thoughtful lighting choices, sold faster and often at higher prices [2]. Use spotlights or sconces to highlight standout features like a fireplace or built-in shelving. Even small updates like these can make your home feel more polished and appealing.

Once your interior lighting is on point, don't forget to give your home's exterior the same attention - it’s the first thing buyers see!

4. Improve the Exterior Look

First impressions are critical in real estate. A tidy and appealing exterior can draw buyers in, while a neglected one might turn them away before they even step inside.

Create an Inviting Entrance

The front entrance sets the mood for the entire property. A few simple updates can make a big difference:

  • Give the front door a fresh coat of paint.
  • Add a clean, attractive welcome mat.
  • Make sure house numbers are easy to see from the street.

These small touches can create a welcoming vibe that buyers will appreciate.

Boost Overall Curb Appeal

Pay attention to key exterior details to make the property shine:

  • Clean walkways, driveways, and other exterior surfaces.
  • Keep landscaping neat - trim overgrown plants and clear pathways.
  • Add vibrant plants or flowers to bring seasonal charm.
  • Check that all outdoor features are in good working order.

These updates help present the home in its best light, making it more appealing to buyers.

Meet Buyer Expectations

The National Association of REALTORS® reports that homes with well-maintained exteriors and staging tend to receive offers 1% to 5% higher than similar unstaged properties [2]. To enhance curb appeal even further:

  • Use outdoor lighting to highlight architectural details.
  • Keep the lawn trimmed and tidy.
  • Remove personal items and unnecessary outdoor furniture.
  • Maintain a clean and inviting look overall.

A polished exterior signals to buyers that the property is well-cared for, building their confidence in what lies inside. Once the outside impresses, buyers will be eager to see the interior.

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5. Highlight Key Areas of the Home

When staging a home for sale, focusing on specific areas can greatly influence buyer interest and how they perceive the property's value. The National Association of REALTORS® reports that staging primary spaces helps 82% of buyers better imagine the property as their future home [1].

Primary Living Spaces

Make living areas feel bright and welcoming. Use minimal furniture, neutral decor, and plenty of lighting to create a space that resonates with buyers. Key tips include:

  • Keeping furniture functional and arranged to maximize space and flow
  • Choosing neutral, modern decor
  • Removing personal items and clutter
  • Using layered lighting to create a warm atmosphere

Kitchen Appeal

The kitchen often plays a crucial role in a buyer's decision. Keep countertops clear and stage with a few modern, practical items to highlight functionality. A clean, organized kitchen helps buyers see the potential for storage and usability.

Bedroom Setup

Bedrooms should feel like peaceful retreats. Use simple, neutral decor to help buyers picture themselves living there. Focus on comfort and practicality while keeping the space tidy and uncluttered.

The Value of Staging

Investing in staging key areas can lead to higher offers and quicker sales. Spending around 1% of the sale price on staging often results in offers that are 5-15% higher. Additionally, the National Association of REALTORS® found that 23% of buyers are more likely to overlook minor flaws in a professionally staged home [3].

Professional Stagers

Professional stagers specialize in selecting furniture and decor to make key areas stand out. By concentrating on the most important spaces, they help buyers focus on a home's best features without feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary details.

6. Use High-Quality Photos for Listings

In the digital age, where nearly all millennial home buyers (99%) begin their search online [1], the importance of great listing photos can't be overstated. The right images can be the difference between a quick sale and a property sitting on the market.

Why Professional Photography Matters

Listings with professional photos and staging tend to sell faster and for more money. In fact, studies show these homes sell 88% faster and can attract offers up to 20% higher [2]. High-quality images ensure your home’s best features shine, grabbing the attention of online buyers.

What Makes Great Listing Photos?

Professional photographers use specific techniques to make homes look their best. These include:

  • Bright, inviting spaces: Leveraging natural light to create a warm feel.
  • Thoughtful composition: Capturing angles that emphasize flow and space.
  • Attention to detail: Crisp, clear images that showcase textures and colors accurately.
  • Highlighting features: Focusing on standout architectural elements and finishes.

A Real-Life Example

Consider this: a staged condo with professional photos sold for $30,000 more than an unstaged unit in the same building [2]. That’s a powerful return on investment, proving the value of quality visuals.

Tips to Prepare for Photography

To get the most out of professional photos:

  • Keep decor clean and minimal to avoid distractions.
  • Schedule shoots during daylight hours for optimal lighting.
  • Use high-resolution images across all listing platforms.
  • Maintain a polished and consistent look in all marketing materials.

Professional photos can grab attention online, but pairing them with expert staging takes your property’s appeal to the next level.

7. Hire a Professional Staging Service

While staging your home yourself can work, hiring a professional service can take your home's presentation to the next level. These experts use their design skills and market insights to make your property more appealing. In fact, professionally staged homes often sell quicker and for higher prices compared to those that aren't staged [1].

Boosts Buyer Appeal

Professional stagers know how to blend design trends with buyer psychology. They create spaces that resonate with the target audience, making it easier for potential buyers to picture themselves living there.

What Professionals Bring to the Table

Professional stagers offer much more than just rearranging furniture. Their expertise includes:

  • Designing with the local market in mind
  • Access to premium furniture and décor
  • Managing the entire staging process
  • Tailoring the home’s look to attract the right buyers

Real Results

The value of professional staging is undeniable. REALTOR® Terrylynn Fisher of Dudum Real Estate Group shared this example:

"People couldn't believe it was the same model" [2]

This was said about a staged condo that sold for $30,000 more than an identical unstaged unit in the same complex [2].

Types of Staging Services

Service Type Description
Full Home Staging A complete makeover with carefully chosen designs
Virtual Staging Budget-friendly digital designs for online listings
Consultation Expert advice for homeowners who prefer DIY staging

Professional stagers know how to highlight your home’s best features while minimizing any flaws. The cost, typically around 1% of the sale price, often pays off with quicker sales and better offers [1].

Conclusion

Using these staging techniques can help sellers boost their property's appeal and potentially raise its market value. Research shows that staged homes not only sell faster but often fetch higher prices. In fact, 82% of buyers' agents say staging helps their clients imagine the property as their future home [1].

Staging is more than just a cost - it's an investment that pays off by reducing time on the market and increasing sale prices. According to the Real Estate Staging Association, 73% of staged homes sold for more than their asking price [2]. Simple steps like decluttering, arranging furniture thoughtfully, and using professional photography can create an emotional connection that leads to quicker sales.

While DIY staging can work, hiring a professional stager offers added benefits. The typical cost, around 1% of the sale price, often results in faster transactions and better offers [1]. Professionals bring together design trends and buyer psychology to craft spaces that appeal directly to potential buyers, making it easier for them to imagine living there.

Staging turns your property into a standout listing, drawing in competitive offers. Whether you choose to stage it yourself or enlist professional help, these strategies leave a strong impression that encourages buyers to act. By applying these methods, you set the stage for a successful sale.

FAQs

What are the most important considerations when staging a home?

Certain elements of home staging can significantly influence how quickly a property sells and the final sale price. Research shows that staged homes sell 88% faster and can fetch up to 20% more than unstaged ones [2]. Key factors to focus on include:

  • Defining spaces clearly: Make sure pathways are open, and each area has a clear purpose.
  • Lighting: Maximize natural light and use artificial lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Neutral presentation: Keep the decor clean and neutral to appeal to a broad audience.
  • Furniture placement: Arrange furniture to emphasize the function and flow of each room.
  • Deep cleaning: Ensure every corner of the home is spotless for a polished look.

What is the most important thing a seller must do when staging their home?

Decluttering is the foundation of effective home staging. It allows buyers to focus on the property itself rather than distractions. A well-decluttered home:

  • Makes it easier for buyers to imagine their own belongings in the space.
  • Creates the impression of larger, more functional rooms.
  • Highlights architectural details and unique features.
  • Helps establish an emotional connection with potential buyers.

While professional staging services can take things to the next level, starting with thorough decluttering is essential for showcasing the home's full potential [1].