Staging 101

Why It Matters and How to Do It Right

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. That’s where staging comes in. Staging is the art of preparing your home for the market, making it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. A well-staged home not only helps it stand out but also sells faster and often at a higher price.

As part of my pre-listing process, I will personally tour your property with you, providing recommendations on items to fix and offering staging suggestions. This ensures that your home is presented in the best possible light from the very beginning.

Why Staging Is Important

• Creates a Strong First Impression: The moment a buyer walks through the door or views your home online, they start forming opinions. Staging helps ensure those opinions are positive by presenting your home in the best possible light.
• Highlights Your Home’s Best Features: Staging emphasizes the strengths of your home and minimizes any weaknesses. By thoughtfully arranging furniture, décor, and accessories, you can draw attention to key features like a spacious living area, natural light, or unique architectural details.
• Helps Buyers Envision Themselves Living There: A well-staged home allows buyers to see its potential as their future home. By creating a neutral and inviting environment, staging helps buyers imagine their own furniture, belongings, and lifestyle in the space.
• Increases Appeal in Online Listings: In today’s market, most buyers start their search online. Professional staging and photography make your listing stand out in a sea of homes, increasing the likelihood of attracting more interest and showings.

Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell Faster

1. Declutter and Depersonalize: Start by removing excess items and personal belongings. Clear countertops, tidy up closets, and minimize personal photos or unique décor. The goal is to create a clean, neutral space where buyers can imagine themselves.
2. Focus on Curb Appeal: The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see, so make it count. Ensure the lawn is mowed, bushes are trimmed, and any outdoor furniture is clean and inviting. A fresh coat of paint on the front door or new plants can make a big difference. (Keep in mind that buyers will be waiting for their agent to locate and unlock the lockbox, retrieve the key, and unlock the door. During this time, they are looking around the entry of your home and forming those critical first impressions.)
3. Rearrange Furniture for Flow: Arrange furniture in a way that highlights the room’s function and maximizes space. Make sure there’s a clear path for walking and that rooms feel open and inviting. Consider removing or repositioning bulky furniture to create a more spacious feel.
4. Use Neutral Colors: If your walls are painted in bold or unconventional colors, consider repainting them in neutral tones. Neutral colors appeal to a broader audience and help buyers focus on the home’s features rather than the décor. However, be careful not to wash out all the color from the home. Use some plants and flowers (real or high-quality faux ones) to bring color and life into the space.
5. Let in Natural Light: Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Bright, well-lit spaces feel more inviting and can make rooms appear larger.
6. Add Finishing Touches: Fresh flowers, tasteful artwork, and strategically placed mirrors can add the final touches that make a room feel polished. Use these elements to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Professional Staging Services

If you’re unsure where to start or want to ensure your home is presented in the best possible way, consider hiring a professional stager. They have the experience and expertise to transform your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers and increasing your chances of a successful sale.

If you will still be living in the home while it is being shown, a professional stager can work with you to stage the home using your personal belongings. If the property is or will be vacant, many of these professional stagers have warehouses full of items to stage various properties. They typically offer a wide range of items to fit all the different styles of homes across the DFW metroplex. Not sure where to start?

Here are two professional stagers you can interview to see if they are a fit for you.