How to Sell Faster and for More Money

Why Staging Matters

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. Buyers often decide within seconds whether a home feels right for them. A well-staged home can:
✔️ Sell faster – Staged homes spend less time on the market than non-staged homes.
✔️ Sell for more – Staging can increase a home’s sale price by 1-5% on average.
✔️ Attract more interest – Professionally staged or well-prepped homes stand out in listing photos and draw in more buyers.

But here’s the good news: You don’t need a professional stager to make an impact. With the right strategies, you can DIY your home staging and boost your home’s marketability—without breaking the bank.

Step 1: Declutter & Depersonalize

The goal of staging is to help buyers visualize themselves living in your home. That means removing distractions and personal items.

What to Declutter

🔹 Kitchen countertops – Keep only one or two decorative items, such as a bowl of fruit or a small plant.
🔹 Bathroom surfaces – Store away personal hygiene products and display fresh towels and a soap dispenser.
🔹 Closets – Buyers check storage! Pack away out-of-season clothes to make your closets look spacious and organized.
🔹 Bookshelves – Reduce clutter by keeping only a few neatly arranged books and decorative pieces.
🔹 Furniture – Remove oversized or unnecessary furniture to make rooms feel larger.

Depersonalize

❌ Family photos – Swap them for neutral artwork.
❌ Personal collections – Buyers want to see the home, not your knick-knacks.
❌ Bold wall colors – If possible, repaint bright or unique colors with neutral tones like soft white, greige, or light beige.

Step 2: Deep Clean Like a Pro

A sparkling clean home signals to buyers that your home is well cared for. Focus on these areas:

🧼 Windows – Clean inside and out for maximum natural light.
🧼 Floors & Carpets – Steam-clean carpets and polish hardwood floors.
🧼 Kitchens & Bathrooms – Scrub grout, wipe down cabinets, and replace worn caulking.
🧼 Light Fixtures – Remove dust and replace any dim or mismatched bulbs with bright, neutral white lighting.

Pro Tip: A fresh-smelling home is just as important as a clean one. Avoid strong air fresheners; opt for light scents like fresh linen or vanilla.

Step 3: Rearranging & Optimizing Your Space

You don’t need all-new furniture—just the right layout to highlight your home’s best features.

✔️ Maximize space – Arrange furniture to create clear pathways and make rooms feel open.
✔️ Define each space – Show buyers how they can use every room. For example, turn an awkward nook into a cozy reading corner with a chair and lamp.
✔️ Symmetry is key – Matching lamps, throw pillows, and balanced furniture layouts create a visually appealing space.

Pro Tip: If you have too much furniture, consider storing some pieces offsite to make rooms look bigger.

Step 4: Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions start before buyers even step inside. A well-maintained exterior sets the stage for a positive showing.

🏡 Simple DIY Curb Appeal Upgrades:
🌿 Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and remove weeds.
🌼 Add fresh mulch and potted plants near the entryway.
🚪 Repaint or touch up the front door—bold colors like navy, red, or black make a great impact.
🛋️ Add a new doormat and a seating area if space allows.

Pro Tip: If selling in fall or winter, keep leaves/rain/snow cleared and add seasonal décor like a tasteful wreath or potted evergreens.

Step 5: Make Small, High-Impact Updates

Some minor improvements can dramatically increase perceived value.

💡 Update Light Fixtures – Swapping out outdated fixtures for modern, stylish lighting can make a home feel more contemporary.
🚰 Upgrade Hardware – Replacing old cabinet knobs, faucets, or door handles is an easy, budget-friendly way to modernize your home.
🎨 Fresh Paint Touch-Ups – A quick paint refresh on baseboards, doors, and walls can make a home feel brand new.
🛏️ Dress Up Bedrooms – Fresh bedding, neatly made beds, and stylish throw pillows create a cozy, inviting feel.

Pro Tip: If your kitchen or bathroom cabinets are dated, consider painting or refinishing them for a modern look.

Step 6: Stage for Photos & Showings

Your online listing photos determine whether buyers schedule a showing. Here’s how to prep:

📸 Let in Natural Light – Open blinds and curtains to let sunlight brighten the space.
📸 Highlight Focal Points – Arrange furniture to draw attention to fireplaces, large windows, or unique features.
📸 Set the Scene – A bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen, a folded throw blanket on the couch, or a set dining table adds warmth without clutter.

For showings, turn on every light, play soft background music, and set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature.

Final Thoughts: Staging Is Worth the Effort!

Staging doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. By decluttering, deep cleaning, arranging furniture strategically, and making small upgrades, you can dramatically increase your home’s appeal to buyers.

Want personalized advice on staging your home for maximum impact? Let’s chat! I can help you highlight your home’s best features and get it sold quickly for top dollar.