Selling your home quickly and for the right price involves more than just listing it online. To attract potential buyers and secure top offers, your home needs to stand out – and that’s where home staging comes in. By carefully preparing your home through redecorating, making repairs, and enhancing its overall look, you can create a lasting impression and boost its appeal.

The statistics are clear: according to the U.S.-based National Association of Realtors:

• 81% of buyers’ agents say staging helps potential buyers visualize themselves living in a home.
• 44% of buyers’ and sellers’ agents report that staging can increase a home’s sale price.
• 48% of sellers’ agents agree that it reduces the time a property spends on the market.

Whether you choose to stage your home yourself with guidance from your real estate agent or hire a professional stager, here are seven essential strategies to transform your home into a buyer’s dream.

Step #1: Declutter and Depersonalize

The first step in staging is to declutter and depersonalize your home. This simple action can increase your home’s sale price by 3-5%.

By clearing away clutter, you create a clean, neutral space where potential buyers can envision their own lives.

• Remember, staging isn’t about adding personal touches – it’s about removing them.
• While you may enjoy having cozy furniture, family photos, and unique décor, these items can distract buyers and make the space feel smaller.
• Be especially mindful of removing children’s toys and pet items.

Although the task may seem overwhelming, think of it as an early start to packing for your move, and a great chance to declutter items you no longer need. If you have a lot of belongings, renting a storage unit can be a smart way to keep things organized while your home is on the market.

Step # 2: Deep Clean and Repair

A sparkling clean home makes a fantastic first impression. I cannot emphasize this enough!

• Deep clean every room, focusing on areas often overlooked, such as baseboards, windows, and appliances.
• Even minor smudges, scuffs, and any signs of either human or pet hair can really turn off potential buyers.
• Equally important are minor repairs. Address small imperfections like chipped paint, loose cabinet doors, regrouting tiles, and replacing worn-out hardware.

These simple cosmetic updates can significantly impact how buyers perceive your home’s value. For example, updating your flooring can offer a return on investment of 100-150%.

Need help getting your home spotless? I can recommend a professional to assist.

Step #3: Pick Up a Paintbrush

While buyers may repaint after moving in, the colour and condition of your walls still leave a lasting impression. Neutral tones like beige and off-white tend to appeal to the widest range of buyers, as well as their friends and family, who often weigh in on purchasing decisions.

• If your home features bold colours, or eye-catching wallpaper, consider repainting before listing.
• When selecting paint colours, think about how they will look in listing photos and videos. Light, neutral shades can make rooms appear brighter and more spacious.
• Repainting is especially important in high-traffic areas like the kitchen.
• Painting outdated cabinets in white or soft gray can also give your space a modern touch.

Step #4: Enhance Curb Appeal

First impressions are crucial, and your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers notice. Sprucing up your home’s curb appeal alone can increase a home’s sale price by up to 7%.

• Start by power-washing the exterior and refreshing your deck’s varnish.
• If the paint on your exterior is faded or chipped, consider hiring painters.
• Repaint your front door, and enhance its look with new hardware and hanging plants.
• Landscaping is equally important. Keep the lawn tidy, remove dead plants, and consider adding seasonal flowers.
• Even basic lawn maintenance can provide a 217% return on investment. If you need help, I can connect you with local landscapers.

Step #5: Stage Key Rooms

When staging, focus on the rooms that matter most to buyers: the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen. These spaces have the biggest impact on a buyer’s decision.

If you’re working with a professional stager, they might bring in furniture and decor. If not, maximize what you already have, and don’t worry about how you’d arrange things for everyday living, as this is all about showcasing the space.

• Arrange furniture to create an open, welcoming flow.
• Use large rugs to make rooms feel bigger, and choose artwork that complements the space without overpowering it.
• Add subtle pops of colour with fresh flowers, or simple decor like pillows, to bring warmth without making the space feel too personal.

Step #6: Put Your Home in Its Best Light

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Natural light, in particular, makes any room feel more spacious and inviting, so it’s important to maximize it.

• Start by removing heavy curtains or blinds. If a room feels bare without window treatments, opt for sheer curtains or light-filtering shades to let in the natural light.
• Next, assess the landscaping around your home—trim back or remove overgrown hedges or trees that block windows, especially on the ground floor, to allow more sunlight in.

In addition to natural light, a well-lit home should include multiple lighting types to suit different needs and moods. Experts recommend three types of lighting for each room:

• Ambient lighting (like ceiling lights or chandeliers)
• Task lighting (such as lamps or under-cabinet lights)
• Accent lighting (like track lights or picture lights)

If necessary, update outdated fixtures with modern options. Even swapping out lightbulbs can make a difference: warm 2700K led bulbs create a cozy and inviting glow.

Need help reaching high windows or installing new fixtures? I can refer a professional to assist.

Step #7: Show Off Your Work with Photography

Most buyers will first see your home online, making high-quality photos essential: 89% of agents agree that professional photos are critical for marketing a listing.

Depending on your home and market, you might also consider videos, virtual tours, or even virtual staging, where editors digitally replace furniture or update decor to showcase the home’s potential.

Talk to me to determine the best staging approach for your property. If desired, we can hire professionals who can either physically stage, or virtually stage your home, in its best light. Treat the photo shoot like an open house: everything should be spotless, well-lit, and arranged to highlight your home’s best features.

BOTTOMLINE

Whether or not staging is worth the investment depends on your home’s condition, your desired sale timeline, and your local market. Before committing to professional help or cosmetic upgrades, reach out to me. I can help you assess the best path forward, and connect you with the best professionals to make it happen.

The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, insurance, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

References:

1. National Association of Realtors – https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2023-profile-of-home-staging-03-30-2023.pdf 
2. Homelight – https://www.homelight.com/blog/how-to-clean-out-a-house-to-sell/ 
3. National Association of Realtors – https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/styled-staged-sold/6-things-home-stagers-wish-real-estate-pros-knew-about-staging 
4. Coldwell Banker – https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/home-staging-mistakes-to-avoid/  
5. Zillow – https://www.zillow.com/learn/how-to-stage-house-to-sell/ 
6. HGTV – https://www.hgtv.ca/common-renovating-costs-flooring/ 
7. House Beautiful – https://www.housebeautiful.com/design-inspiration/real-estate/a61712558/how-to-make-your-house-sell-over-asking-according-to-professional-home-stagers/ 
8. HGTV – https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/real-estate/15-secrets-of-home-staging-pictures 
9. Spruce Magazine – https://www.sprucemagazine.ca/the-real-deal-on-curb-appeal/ 
10. HGTV – https://www.hgtv.ca/landscaping-ideas-to-increase-property-value/
11. National Association of Realtors – https://cdn.nar.realtor//sites/default/files/documents/2023-03-remodeling-impact-outdoor-features-03-17-2023.pdf 
12. RE/MAX – http://download.remax.ca/PR/REMAXHomeStagingGuide.pdf
13. Martha Stewart – https://www.marthastewart.com/2126982/how-to-layer-your-lighting
14. Martha Stewart – https://www.marthastewart.com/outdated-lighting-trends-8421744