Staging your home is a proven way to help bring top dollar. Even in a seller’s market, it is to your advantage to have your home looking its best. Professional home stagers are the experts, but if you don’t have any room in your budget, there are still plenty of things you can do to present your house at its very best.
Here are six steps to take as you prep your home for buyers:
1. Start early. Walk through your home with the eye of a potential buyer and make note of items to address. As your real estate agent, I am also happy to do a walkthrough prior to listing to make suggestions for staging. You might also consider getting a home inspection prior to listing to find any trouble areas, then arrange for repairs you are unable or unwilling to do yourself.
2. Depersonalize, declutter and deep clean. This is the time to really get to work. Hold a yard sale or sell unneeded items online. Give your home a deep cleaning from top to bottom. Steam clean any carpet or drapes. Pack away family photos, collectibles and mementos. Clean and organize all closets. Small appliances should be put away to leave all surfaces as free of clutter as possible.
3. Don’t forget the exterior. Home staging means more than just arranging living room furniture. Your home’s exterior will be the first thing potential buyers see, so be sure it is inviting. Paint the house’s trim, tidy up the landscaping and repair any cracks in the driveway and sidewalk. Add some color with freshly potted colorful flowers and plants. Be sure to stow away garden tools, hoses and children’s toys.
4. Give extra attention to kitchens and bathrooms. It’s true that kitchens often sell a house. Make sure yours is looking its best. Freshen the look of your cabinets with updated hardware. Clear countertops and make sure any floor or wall tile is clean, including grout. Appliances should be sparkling clean. Restore caulking around the bathtub, shower and sink. Add fresh hand soaps and towels to the bath.
5. Make your home inviting to the senses. When it comes time to have a showing or open house at your home, freshly baked cookies or similarly scented candle can provide a welcoming aroma in the air. Turn off all televisions and turn on lights throughout your home. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Take any pets with you and stow away their toys.
6. Highlight your home’s very best features. When staging your home, it’s important to minimize its less desirable features while also putting the focus onto its best. Does your home have beautiful floors? Remove some of your rugs to show it off. If your backyard and pool are the main attraction, be sure the areas are clean and inviting. Stage the deck, including fresh pillows and newly potted plants.
Staging your home for maximum dollar means more than just how you arrange your furniture or organize your closets. Approach staging from a whole-house perspective and you’re sure to have your home looking its absolute best for buyers.
Unlisted Homes For Sale
Off-market homes you will not find anywhere else. Get access to incredible deals.
Beautiful 3BR/2BA Home in Phoenix with Pool, Hot Tub, and No HOA!
- Asking $389,000
- Beds: 3
- Baths: 2
- 1736 sqft
- Single Family Home
Unleash Limitless Potential: Phoenix’s Hidden Gem Awaits!
- Only $249,000
- Beds: 4
- Baths: 2
- 1287 sqft
- Single Family Home
A Dream Investment Opportunity Awaits in Mesa
- Asking $359,000
- Beds: 4
- Baths: 2
- 1832 sqft
- Single Family Home
Instant Equity Awaits: Unleash Value in this 4-Bedroom Corner Lot with Minimal TLC
- Only $355,000
- Beds: 4
- Baths: 3
- 2138 sqft
- Single Family Home
Spacious Corner Lot Home with Exceptional Potential
- Only $199,000
- Beds: 2
- Bath: 1
- 923 sqft
- Single Family Home
Profit Awaits in Phoenix: Tri-Level Home Poised for Impressive Returns
- Asking $330,000
- Beds: 5
- Baths: 3
- 2489 sqft
- Single Family Home
Gilbert Investment Opportunity: Spacious 5-Bedroom Home with Unparalleled Equity Potential!
- Only $515,000
- Beds: 5
- Baths: 3
- 2521 sqft
- Single Family Home
Spacious 4-Bedroom Home: Like-New with Open Floor Plan and Priced to Sell!
- Asking $348,000
- Beds: 4
- Baths: 2
- 1712 sqft
- Single Family Home
Charming 2-Bedroom Home in the Heart of Old Town Scottsdale!
- Only $449,000
- Beds: 2
- Baths: 2
- 1447 sqft
- Single Family Home
Incredible Investment Opportunity in Sought-After Chandler Neighborhood
- Short Sale $429,000
- Beds: 4
- Baths: 3
- 2665 sqft
- Single Family Home
Great Investment Opportunity: Single-Level Home with Tons of Potential in Phoenix!
- Only $260,000
- Beds: 3
- Baths: 1.5
- 1176 sqft
- Single Family Home
Instant Equity Alert! Stunning 3BR Home with Open Floor Plan, Chef’s Kitchen, and Prime Location!
- Only $399,000
- Beds: 3
- Baths: 2
- 2309 sqft
- Single Family Home
Phoenix Fixer-Upper with Huge Potential!
- Only $320,000
- Beds: 4
- Baths: 2
- 1807 sqft
- Single Family Home
Live in Style with this Fully Remodeled Biltmore/Arcadia Condo – Priced to Sell!
- Only $275,000
- Beds: 2
- Baths: 2
- 874 sqft
- Condo
Fully Remodeled Condo in Biltmore/Arcadia Area at an Unbeatable Price!
- Only $275,000
- Beds: 2
- Baths: 2
- 874 sqft
- Condo
Equestrian Property with Tons of Potential!
- Only $299,000
- Beds: 4
- Baths: 2
- 1248 sqft
- Single Family Home
Charming 3 Bed 1 Bath Home in Desirable Youngtown Neighborhood!
- Asking $299,000
- Beds: 3
- Bath: 1
- 1089 sqft
- Single Family Home
Ready for Investment – Incredible Renovated Home with No HOA!
- Cash Price $296,000
- Beds: 3
- Baths: 2
- 1793 sqft
- Single Family Home
Wonderful old town Scottsdale location!
- Only $470,000
- Beds: 2
- Baths: 2
- 1447 sqft
- Single Family Home
Rare and limitless opportunity!
- Asking $699,000
- Beds: 4
- Baths: 2
- 2626 sqft
- Single Family Home