How to Stage a House for Sale (And Get it Sold Quickly)

Learning how to stage a house for sale is one of the best ways to increase your chances of a quick sale. There are many factors to consider while staging, but this guide breaks them down for you:

Consider its Curb Appeal

Curb appeal can make or break a deal since many buyers will carry their initial impression of the exterior with them throughout the rest of the tour. If your house is not appealing from the outside, they may not even book an appointment to view the rest. Keep the lawn tidy and make sure your entryway is eye-catching and inviting.

Maximize Natural Light

Light is one of the big factors that people consider when looking at homes. Deep clean your windows and consider swapping out curtains for fabrics of lighter weight and color. Install a mirror opposite a dining room window to help reflect light, and keep tall bookshelves from blocking how sunlight reaches from one room to the next.

Remove Personal Items

Potential buyers should be able to imagine themselves living in your home, so remove any reminders that the place is not theirs. Put away family photographers or cute refrigerator magnets, and replace wild paint colors with a more neutral palette. Stock each bathroom with fresh, bright towels and keep only the very basic shower supplies in the tub.

De-Clutter and Create Space

No matter how large your bedroom closet is, it will look much smaller to prospective buyers if it is full of clothes and clutter. Remove at least half of your clothes to help create an empty room. Similarly, pull extra volumes and knick-knacks off of bookshelves, so each row is neat and tidy. In the kitchen, go ahead and pack dishes you will not need, and keep all counters as clear as possible.

Arrange and Decorate

Remove any excess furniture that could make a room a look cluttered. Arrange the furniture in an appealing way that makes sense, and begin adding touches of polish. Use accent pillows for color, and consider keeping fresh flowers in the kitchen or bathroom. Do keep some wall decorations or paintings up to keep each room from looking sparse.

Keep It Clean

The initial deep cleaning you did throughout the house when it first went on the market is not enough. Be sure to stop by regularly to dust, vacuum, and collect any mail or flyers. If you still live in the home, then consider putting some items into storage to help reduce clutter.