Home Staging: Do's and Don'ts for Homeowners

Hey there, home sellers! Welcome to the exciting, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming journey of selling your home.

We get a lot of questions on home staging and whether it’s necessary to sell your home. Spoiler alert … it absolutely is.

Did you know proper home staging can increase your home’s final sale price by up to 10 percent? It also can help get it off the market 73 percent faster versus homes that aren’t staged.*

Staging is the art of presenting your home in the best light, helping potential buyers envision their life within those walls. So, let’s get to it and dive into the do's and don'ts of home staging along with some pro-tips and action steps to make your experience a breeze.

Looking for something seasonal? We covered how you can stage for the season.

The Do's

Declutter Like Marie Kondo.

Channel your inner minimalist. Start by decluttering every room. Less stuff means more space, and it helps buyers see the true potential of your home. Clutter-free homes also give buyers confidence that the home has been maintained and taken care of over the years of your ownership.

Interested in the KonMari method? We have a post on that!

Clean, Clean, Clean.

Do give your home a thorough cleaning. Dust, mop, scrub (don’t forget those baseboards), and make sure every nook and cranny sparkles. Cleanliness gives a fantastic first impression. We recommend hiring a local cleaning company to help deep clean your home. Trust us, the expense is worth it.

Let There be Light!

Let natural light flood your space. Open curtains, clean windows, and replace any broken blinds. A bright home feels more inviting, and it allows buyers see how your home looks throughout different hours of the day. Even better? It can also make smaller spaces feel larger.

Create the Perfect Blank Canvas.

Opt for neutral paint colors. Soft, neutral shades create a clean canvas for potential buyers to imagine their personal touch. We like to focus on light grays, beiges, and whites. By utilizing light neutral colors, it can also help enhance the natural light within each space.

Amp Up Your Curb Appeal.

Ensure your home looks as good on the outside as it does inside. Your home's exterior sets the tone. Trim the lawn, mulch, plant flowers, rake leaves, shovel the snow, give your front door a fresh coat of paint, fix any gutters … the list may be long, but the work pays out in dividends.

Minimize Personal Items.

Buyers should see your space as their potential home, not yours. By keeping family photos and other items around your home out, it may make a buyer feel like they’re intruding on your personal space, rather than envisioning themselves in a potential new home.

The Don'ts.

Overpersonalize.

Don't go overboard with personal decor. Quirky or strongly themed interiors can deter buyers who might not share your taste. We know you may love that neon sign in the home office or your University of Texas themed basement, but potential buyers may not. Tone it down and help create that blank canvas.

Neglect Repairs.

Don't ignore necessary repairs — especially ones you can see with the naked eye. Leaky faucets, squeaky doors, nicked up walls, carpet stains or broken tiles can turn buyers away. Try to fix as much as you can up before listing.

Crowded Spaces.

Don't overcrowd rooms with furniture. Less is more, but remember, you don’t want your space to feel empty either. Striking a balance and creating the right scale of furniture that fits the room easily helps highlight the function of the room. Arrange furniture to make rooms feel spacious, inviting, and useful.

Can You Smell That?

Don't disregard odors. If your house smells bad, simply put, it will kill the sale. While most go for candles or air fresheners, they may overpower certain buyers. Try adding a couple drops of essential oils or use diffusers a few hours before a showing to give your home an understated, but pleasant smell. We recommend utilizing one scent for your entire home.

Take the Fur Fam with You.

We realize gathering the animals can be challenging, but, if possible, don't leave your pets during showings. Some buyers may have allergies or feel uncomfortable around animals. Arrange a pet-care strategy before you list.

Lightening Round Action Steps

First Impressions. Focus on the entryway – it's the first thing buyers see. Add a fresh welcome mat and some potted plants for that warm welcome.

Furniture Arrangement. Arrange furniture to create an open flow. Don't push everything against the walls; it can make the space feel smaller.

Depersonalize Bedrooms. Bedrooms should have a universally appealing look. Neutral bedding and a few tasteful decorations are ideal.

Add Mirrors. Mirrors can make small spaces seem larger and add an elegant touch. Looking for inspiration? We have an entire post on utilizing mirrors in your home.

Go Green. Indoor plants can add life and vibrancy to a room. Choose low-maintenance varieties (or even fake plants) for ease.

Fresh Flowers. A vase of fresh flowers can brighten up any room, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Take it up a notch and use seasonal color palettes to elevate the cozy or the freshness of the season.

Professional Help. Guess what? You don’t have to do this alone. Selling a home can be daunting. Consider hiring a professional stager for expert guidance. Good thing we know of a company to help <wink wink>.

The Bluebird Design Company is happy to help with your occupied or vacant home staging needs. Check out our portfolio to see our previous clients and reach out to us to help.

We can’t wait to help!