How can you stage a home for sale?

2 Clean and repair

The next step in staging a home for sale is to make sure the home is spotless and in good condition. You want to impress buyers with how well you have maintained the home and how ready it is for them to move in. This means cleaning every corner, surface, and fixture of the home, including windows, floors, walls, ceilings, appliances, and bathrooms. It also means fixing any minor issues, such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, or loose handles. You can hire a professional cleaner or handyman if you need help with this step.

3 Enhance the curb appeal

The third step in staging a home for sale is to make the exterior of the home as appealing as possible. You want to catch the eye of buyers as they drive by or approach the home and make them want to see more. This means trimming the lawn, pruning the bushes, planting some flowers, sweeping the walkway, painting the front door, replacing the mailbox, or adding some outdoor lighting. You can also add some accessories, such as a welcome mat, a wreath, or a house number sign, to make the home more inviting.

4 Update and accessorize

The fourth step in staging a home for sale is to update and accessorize the interior of the home to make it more modern and stylish. You want to showcase the best features of the home and create a warm and cozy atmosphere that buyers can connect with. This means replacing any outdated or worn-out fixtures, such as faucets, knobs, switches, or lighting. It also means adding some accents, such as pillows, throws, rugs, lamps, candles, or artwork, to make the home more colorful and lively. You can also rearrange the furniture to create a better flow and function in each room.

5 Neutralize and personalize

The fifth step in staging a home for sale is to balance the neutral and personal elements of the home to appeal to a wide range of buyers. You want to avoid any extreme or controversial colors, themes, or decorations that might alienate some buyers or make them feel uncomfortable. This means choosing a neutral palette for the walls, floors, and furniture, such as white, beige, gray, or tan. It also means adding some personal touches, such as fresh flowers, fruit bowls, books, or magazines, to make the home more friendly and inviting.

6 Highlight the benefits

The final step in staging a home for sale is to highlight the benefits and advantages of the home to buyers. You want to emphasize what makes the home unique and valuable and how it can meet their needs and desires. This means pointing out any special features, such as a fireplace, a balcony, a walk-in closet, or a finished basement. It also means creating a lifestyle story, such as a cozy living room, a gourmet kitchen, or a spa-like bathroom, that buyers can relate to and aspire to.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?