Staging Your Home
How to Stage Your Home to Sell
The good news? You don’t need to be—or hire—a professional stager to make your home stand out.
In today’s digital-first world, where buyers are constantly exposed to picture-perfect interiors on TV and online, first impressions matter more than ever. Whether you're selling a modest $200,000 home or a luxury estate, thoughtful staging can make a big difference. Here’s how to showcase your home at its best:
1. Make a Great First Impression: Curb Appeal
Curb appeal counts in every season.
Fall: Rake leaves and trim bushes.
Winter: Keep snow cleared, walkways salted, and paths safe.
Spring: Plant fresh flowers and spread clean mulch.
Summer (or warm climates): Mow the lawn and keep the yard free of toys, trash, and clutter.
Your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see—make it count.
2. Create a Welcoming Entry
Your front door sets the tone.
A fresh coat of paint in a bold color—black, red, navy, or yellow—can give it new life. Swap out outdated house numbers for a modern look and make sure the entry is easy to find and inviting.
3. Clear the Clutter
Buyers need to see your home, not your stuff.
Start by:
Packing away toys, personal items, and excessive décor
Thinning out furniture—remove at least one piece per room
Pulling furniture away from walls to create flow
Clearing off the fridge, reducing shelf clutter, and minimizing tabletop knick-knacks
Think minimal, open, and tidy. A clean space feels larger and more inviting.
4. Define Every Room
Avoid sending mixed signals to buyers.
While multi-use spaces work for daily life, buyers can get confused when rooms serve double duty.
Set up every bedroom as a bedroom
Make sure the dining room isn’t also a toy zone
Convert that office/guest room back into a clear, single-use space
Well-defined spaces help buyers better understand the layout and maximize perceived value.
5. Light It Up
Buyers often drive by homes in the evening—so lighting matters!
Make sure your home looks warm and inviting by:
Leaving interior and exterior lights on in the evenings
Turning on porch and landscape lighting
Using bright, soft bulbs to create an ambient glow
Lighting creates emotional appeal and can make all the difference.
6. Make It Feel Like Home
Help buyers feel comfortable and welcome.
Use subtle, pleasant scents (like candles or baked goods)
Set a comfortable indoor temperature
On hot days, turn on the A/C or fans; on cold days, keep the heat cozy
Comfort sells. You want buyers to imagine themselves living there the moment they walk in.
7. Deep Clean Everything
Nothing turns off buyers faster than a dirty home.
Focus on:
Washing windows to maximize natural light
Cleaning curtains, rugs, and floors
Dusting all surfaces and shining up bathrooms and kitchens
Making beds and hiding laundry or used towels
A sparkling clean home feels cared for and move-in ready.
8. Is Staging Worth It? Yes—Every Time.
Staging enhances your photos, creates better first impressions, and increases buyer interest.
In fact, according to HomeGain, staged homes sell faster and for $3,000–$4,000 more on average than unstaged homes. It often provides a greater return on investment than renovations—and it’s one of the smartest steps you can take to maximize your sale price.
Final Thought:
Staging isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a space buyers can fall in love with. And with just a few intentional touches, you can make your home stand out from the competition and sell for top dollar.
