Staging Tips – Get Top Dollar for Your Home!

Hiring a professional stager to stage your home before listing has become very common. Whether you are staging it yourself or hiring someone to assist you in the process, staging your home can make you money. There have been many times we have seen a staged home get a higher offer than a home in a similar price range and a similar layout with no staging. Now there is no guarantee that staging your home is going to get you more money, but it is an important marketing tool to help you compete for the right price and to sell quicker.

Prior to recently staggers and real estate agents may have told you to get rid of all personal items when listing your house for sale. More recently, it has been shown that a few personal items such as picture frames are okay to leave if you feel comfortable. Small amounts of personal items that are simple and classy are okay. It has been shown that this resonates with potential buyers. When you are able to see someone loves and values their home it is easier to envision your family sharing your own memories there.

When you think of staging you probably think new furniture, artwork, or decorative place settings, but the truth is staging is much more than accent pillows and a new master bedroom comforter. The most important thing you can do to get ready for the sale of your home is to de-Clutter, de-Clutter, de-Clutter!! Above everything else get rid of clutter and clean like the sale of your home depends on it because it might. We have compiled a list of tips to help you stage your home, room by room.

Living Room

• Less furniture is more. Remove furniture to make the room feel more spacious
• Add splashes of color with accent pillows and a throw to brighten the room
• Light up the room with lamps, they add extra light, warmth, and décor
• Clean up the fireplace glass
• Arrange furniture to be inviting for gathering and conversation

Kitchen

• Keep countertops clean except for a bowl of fruit or vase with flowers
• Stain cupboards and add new hardware to modernize
• Clean or replace appliances with new
• Clean and organize pantry and cupboards
• Clean backsplashes and walls of water stains and grime
• Keep trash cans empty and out of sight

Bedrooms

• Keep master bedroom gender neutral with neutral wall colors, bedding and décor
• Clear closets of off-season clothing to make them appear larger
• Replace hangers with all wood ones to give it a boutique look
• Stage extra bedrooms as an office, cozy guest room, or workout room

Bathrooms

• Clean and de-grime every wall and every surface
• Scrub tile and grout, re-caulk if needed
• Pack away all personal items to keep drawers and cupboards clear
• Keep countertops clean and clear of stuff
• Create a spa look with white towels, candles, a new shower curtain and a new bath mat

Exterior

• Make sure your house numbers are legible and can be seen from the road
• If you have a front porch, clean it up with fresh paint
• Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door that compliments but doesn’t match the trim
• Fresh flowers/plants in attractive pots
• Trim shrubs and trees
• Stage your patio or deck with modern outdoor furniture and accent pillows
• Hide trash cans, recycle bins, and garden hose

We hope these staging tips are useful in guiding you as you begin the process of preparing your home for the market. Happy Staging!