11 Expert Tips to Stage Your Home To Sell

According to the National Association of Realtors, staging a home prior to listing it can result in a faster and more profitable sale. In fact, the Real Estate Staging Association estimates that professionally staged properties spend 73 percent less time on the market, receive more foot traffic, and typically sell for more money.

Follow these 11 tips to get your home “show ready” prior to hitting the market. These easy and cost-effective ideas will help your house look its best—and help buyers visualize themselves living there. Even if you’re not currently in the market to sell, you can use these tactics to breathe new life into your existing home decor.

To get a plan customized for your particular property, give us a call to schedule a free consultation. We’d be happy to share our insider knowledge of the buyer preferences in your neighborhood … so you’ll know where to focus your time, money and energy to maximize your results.

1. Declutter

Decluttering is typically the first thing we advise clients to do when preparing their homes for sale. According to the National Association of Realtors, a whopping 93 percent of agents agree. Decluttering involves removing excess “stuff” from your home to create a clean and spacious appearance.

Overflowing closets and cluttered countertops can make your house feel small and cramped. In contrast, sparsely filled closets and clear countertops will make your home appear larger and assure buyers that there will be plenty of room to store their belongings.

Don’t neglect drawers, cupboards, or even your refrigerator in your decluttering efforts. Serious buyers will inspect every nook and cranny of your home, so pack up anything you don’t use daily and store it off-site. The same applies to jewelry, sensitive documents, prescription medication, firearms, and other valuables. Store them in a locked safe or storage unit before opening your property to buyers.

Ensure that any items remaining are clean, tidy, and well-organized. The good news is, when it's time to move, a significant portion of your packing will already be complete!

2. clean

From flooring to bathrooms to appliances, having a clean home is a must. If you’ve ever checked into a dirty hotel room, you can imagine how buyers can be turned off by a home that hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned. If you don’t have new appliances, make sure the ones you do have are spotless. Ensure your bathrooms sparkle.

If you have a large home or are short on time, investing in a professional cleaning service may be wise. We're happy to recommend an amazing cleaning company if needed. For homes with carpeting, renting a steam cleaner or hiring a cleaning company is advisable. Better yet, if feasible, consider replacing carpet with hardwood or luxury vinyl. There should be no carpet in bathrooms.

Kitchens and bathrooms show better and appear larger when countertops are clear, except for one or two decorative pieces. Non-essentials should already be packed up during the decluttering process, and remaining items neatly stored in pantries and cupboards.

If cabinets are dingy or outdated, a fresh coat of paint and new hardware can modernize and brighten them inexpensively. Additionally, consider updating shower curtains, bath mats, towels for bathrooms, and dish towels for the kitchen.

Strive to maintain your home in a clean, show-ready condition while it’s on the market. You never know when a potential buyer will want to drop by for a viewing.

3. Depersonalize

Your family photos and personal mementos hold immense sentimental value. They often represent the heart and soul of a home. However, for potential buyers, it can be challenging to imagine themselves in a space that feels deeply personal to someone else.

Consider packing away items that hold personal significance for you and your family. This includes family photos, books, children’s artwork, travel souvenirs, and religious items. While these pieces may enrich your living space, they can make it harder for buyers to visualize their own lives in the home.

Additionally, excessive collectibles and knickknacks can detract from the overall appeal of your home. Opt instead for minimal and neutral decor that will resonate with a broader range of potential buyers.

4. Freshen up

Adding greenery can transform your living space into a serene oasis. Strategically placing a few potted plants can elevate the ambiance without overwhelming the area. In the spring, try a vase of fresh-cut lilacs or tulips.

Neutralize odors in your home that can be off-putting to buyers, especially pet smells and cigarette smoke. If the weather allows, open your windows to let in fresh air.  Smokers can mitigate indoor odors by limiting smoking to outdoor areas and using additional deodorizing measures indoors.  Clean (or remove) drapes and upholstery if odors are particularly strong. Remember, the trash should never be overlooked.

Air fresheners may seem convenient, but they can trigger sensitivities. Explore chemical-free alternatives…

• Such as essential oils, herbal bouquets, beeswax candles, and air purifiers to infuse your home with a refreshing atmosphere. Simply mix water with a few drops of your favorite essential oil and spritz it gently into each room for a natural and inviting scent. 

• For a naturally fresh kitchen, wipe down your sink with half a lemon and grind it in the disposal.

• Treat your senses to the aroma of cinnamon-coated apples or cookies baking in the oven, or opt for the soothing fragrance of vanilla-scented candles.

Avoid cooking strong-smelling foods such as fish or heavy spices.

5. walls and ceilings

Even though maximalist decor may be in in 2024, bold color choices may not appeal to all buyers. By incorporating a neutral color palette throughout your home, buyers can better visualize the addition of their own furniture and decor, which may contrast with your current color scheme. For example, there’s no reason to have a red ceiling in a kitchen and a grey one in the living room with a line defining where the kitchen is.

Your walls and ceilings should have no cracks, repair them before painting. If buyers see cracks, they might think something is wrong with the foundation. Get your foundation checked and fixed if need be.

One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to neutralize your home’s decor is with paint. Many homeowners look for timeless calming colors. A timeless color palette will also often include warm neutrals such as Benjamin Moore's Acadia White or muted shades of blue and green such as Graham & Brown’s Viridis, a soft and earthy shade of green. You can even opt for Limitless by Glidon, a warm, honey-toned neutral shade or explore one Little Greene's newest color titled Bombolone. The days of grey are on their way out. Incorporating earth tones inspired by the environment and bringing the outdoors in are a better choice.

Dated, heavy or overly busy window coverings should be taken down or replaced.

6. define rooms

Ensure that each space in your home has a clearly defined purpose. For instance, if you've been using an extra bedroom as a catch-all storage space, consider staging it as a guest room or office instead. Transform an awkward alcove into a workstation or a cozy reading corner. By doing so, you help buyers envision how they could utilize the space themselves, maximizing the appeal of every area. If you have a basement, contemplate converting it into an entertainment haven, or repurpose a finished attic into a functional office space. It's pivotal for buyers to perceive every inch of the home as functional, even if they intend to use it differently.

7. LIGHTEN UP

Lighting can have a drastic impact on the look and feel of a home. Few buyers seek out a dark house; most prefer one that’s light and bright. Make sure windows are clean, and open curtains and blinds to let in the maximum amount of daylight.

Each room should have three types of lighting: ambient (general or overhead), task (such as a reading lamp or under-cabinet light), and accent (such as a floor or table lamp). Aim for a goal of 100 total watts per 50 square feet. If your mounted light fixtures are dated, replacing them with something more modern is an easy and inexpensive upgrade that can have a big impact.

Strategically placed landscape lighting can add a dramatic effect to your home’s exterior. Welcome evening visitors with a lighted walkway, or use a spotlight to accentuate trees or other landscaping features. Solar lights require no wiring; simply place them in a sunny spot and they will turn on automatically at dusk.

Turn on all the lights for showings, including closet lights.  Make sure all the lighting is clean and functional.

8. FURNITURE

Start in your living room and think about what you want to emphasize (and de-emphasize) about the space. For example, do you have a beautiful fireplace or a stunning view? If so, arrange the furniture with that focal point in mind. Use a symmetrical seating arrangement to create a cozy conversation area adjacent to the focal point.

If the room is small, consider removing some of the furniture to make it feel larger, especially oversized pieces. That includes oversized television sets, unless it’s a designated media room. Pulling furniture away from the wall can make the room feel more spacious, and placing your largest furniture piece in the far-left corner (as opposed to near the entry) can create the illusion of a larger space.

For small bedrooms, remove all the furniture except the bed, bedside tables and a dresser. If it’s a large room, add one or two chairs and a table to create a seating area. Place lamps on the bedside tables and seating area if you have one.

If your sofa is worn, stained or has a bold pattern, consider purchasing a neutral-colored slipcover. Even better, put it in storage and use a staging sofa instead. Bring in tasteful pops of color with throw pillows and accessories.

Overall, don’t use inexpensive furniture. You can rent furniture to stage or hire a professional stager to help you maximize your return and spend less days on market.

9. set the table

Buyers often imagine hosting family gatherings in their new home, and the dining room plays a large role in that vision. If your dining room chairs are stained or outdated, you may want to recover them or use slipcovers. In most cases, an imperfect table can be camouflaged with a neutral and stylish tablecloth.

Be sure the table is centered underneath the chandelier and on the area rug if you’re using one. If your dining room is small, remove all other furniture and leave only four chairs.

Dress up the table using nice tableware and cloth napkins or a table runner and centerpiece. For a long table, try lining up a series of small vessels down the middle.

10. MAXIMIZE your curb appeal

You only get one chance to make a first impression. According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, 44 percent of home buyers drove by a property after viewing it online but did NOT go inside for a walkthrough. That means if your curb appeal is lacking, buyers may never make it through the door.

Walk around your home and look for any neglected areas that might seem like “red flags” to buyers, such as missing roof shingles or rotted siding. Trim trees and shrubs if needed, and make sure your lawn and flower beds are well maintained. Add some colorful flowers to your front beds and/or flower boxes to brighten up your landscaping.

Make sure the exterior of your home is as clean as the interior. This can often be accomplished with a simple garden hose. But if your siding, walkway, or driveway are stained or dingy, you may want to rent a pressure washer.

Thoroughly wash windows and screens, and remove and store dark solar screens if you have them. Open shutters, curtains and blinds, which will not only make your house look more inviting from the outside, it will brighten the inside.

Consider a fresh coat of paint on your front door, trim and shutters. And small, cosmetic improvements like new house numbers, a colorful wreath and a new front doormat can have a big impact.

11. HIGHLIGHT YOUR BACKYARD’S BEST FEATURES

While your home’s interior often takes center stage, don’t forget about staging your home’s outdoor areas to help buyers imagine how they could utilize the space.

Even a small patio can become a selling feature with the addition of a cafe table and chairs. Add a tray of plates and coffee cups to help buyers envision a peaceful breakfast on the back porch. Place chairs and wine glasses around an outdoor fire pit or hang a hammock with a book in your favorite shady spot. These small, simple additions can help buyers visualize the possibilities your backyard has to offer.

If you have a pool, spa or water feature, they should all be clean and functional. Backyard kitchens, BBQs and fire features should also be clean and functional.

Bottom Line

If you’re in the market to sell your home, this list provides a great starting point for your preparations. But nothing beats the trained eye and expertise of a real estate agent. Before you do any work, we recommend consulting a professional for advice about your particular property.

We offer free, no-commitment seller consultations and will walk through your home with you to help you assess which projects and upgrades are worth your time and money, and which ones you can skip.

As local market experts, we are intimately familiar with buyer preferences in your area. We’ll run a comparative market analysis to find out how your home compares to others currently on the market, as well as those that have recently sold. Then we’ll tailor a custom marketing plan to suit your particular property, budget and needs. If you'd like to start a conversation, let’s connect.

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The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Kristina Nagel & Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Kristina Nagel & Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.