When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter—a lot. That’s where staging comes in. Staging is the art of preparing your home to highlight its best features and help potential buyers picture themselves living there. But there’s definitely a right (and wrong) way to do it!
Here are some staging dos and don’ts to help your home shine and sell faster.
✅ DO: Declutter Every Room
Less is more! A clean, uncluttered space feels bigger and more inviting. Pack away personal items, excess furniture, knick-knacks, and anything that might distract buyers from seeing the home itself.
Pro Tip: Clear off countertops, bookshelves, and even closets. Buyers will open those closet doors—make sure they look spacious!
❌ DON’T: Leave Personal Photos Up
While your family photos are beautiful, they make it harder for buyers to picture themselves living in the home. Stick with neutral artwork or simple decor that appeals to a wide range of people.
✅ DO: Use Neutral Colors
A fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Choose soft, neutral tones like beige, gray, or warm white to create a clean, modern look. Neutral colors act like a blank canvas that lets buyers imagine adding their own style.
❌ DON’T: Go Overboard With Themes
A little character is great—but too much can be overwhelming. That beach-themed bathroom or animal print bedroom might be your vibe, but it could turn buyers off. Aim for style that’s warm and welcoming, not too specific.
✅ DO: Maximize Natural Light
Open those blinds, clean the windows, and let the sunshine in! Bright spaces feel more open and inviting. Add lamps in darker corners to keep everything well-lit during showings or open houses.
❌ DON’T: Forget About Smell
A fresh-smelling home is a must. Avoid strong scents—whether it’s a leftover fish dinner or an overly aggressive air freshener. Go for subtle and clean—think citrus, linen, or baked goods.
✅ DO: Highlight Key Features
Have a gorgeous fireplace? Stunning hardwood floors? Big windows? Make sure those features are front and center! Arrange furniture and decor in a way that draws attention to your home’s best assets.
❌ DON’T: Overcrowd the Space
Too much furniture can make a room feel cramped. Aim for an open, airy layout that shows off the space, not just the stuff. Less furniture creates the illusion of more square footage.
✅ DO: Stage Every Room With Purpose
Even if a room is currently your catch-all storage zone, give it a defined function. Stage it as a home office, a reading nook, or a guest room—whatever makes sense for the layout. Empty rooms can be confusing, and buyers might see them as wasted space.
Final Thought
Staging doesn’t mean a full HGTV-style makeover—it’s about thoughtful tweaks that help buyers connect with your home emotionally. With just a little effort, you can turn “just looking” into “let’s make an offer.”
If you’re not sure where to start, I’d be happy to walk through your home and give you some personalized staging tips!