7 Essential Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Faster and for More
Selling your home in today’s competitive Southern California market requires more than just listing it online. To attract buyers and maximize offers, your home needs to stand out—and that’s where home staging becomes a powerful tool. Strategic staging can significantly enhance a property's appeal, helping buyers imagine themselves living there while boosting your final sale price.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
81% of buyer’s agents say staging makes it easier for potential buyers to visualize a property as their future home.
48% of seller’s agents report that staged homes spend less time on the market.
44% of agents say staging increases a home’s sales price. [1]
Whether you stage your home yourself or hire a professional, here are seven essential staging strategies that can help you sell your home faster and for top dollar.
1. Declutter and Depersonalize
Creating a clean, neutral space is the first step to an effective staging plan. Remove personal items like family photos, excessive furniture, and clutter that distract buyers from seeing the home's full potential.
Even this simple step can increase your sale price by 3–5%, according to a recent survey. [2] Think of it as getting a head start on moving out and packing. If needed, rent a storage unit to keep your space tidy and organized during showings.
2. Deep Clean and Make Small Repairs
A sparkling clean home sets the stage for a positive first impression. Focus on overlooked areas—baseboards, windows, appliances, and corners. Minor flaws like chipped paint or scuffed floors may turn off buyers, but small repairs can make your home feel brand new.
Refinishing hardwood floors, for example, offers a 147% return on investment (ROI). [6] If cleaning and repairs feel overwhelming, we can recommend trusted local professionals to help.
3. Apply a Fresh Coat of Neutral Paint
Neutral colors like soft beige, warm gray, or off-white make a home feel larger, brighter, and more modern. While bold colors and wallpaper may suit your style, they can limit a buyer's vision. A fresh coat of neutral paint improves visual appeal in both in-person showings and listing photos.
Tip: In kitchens, painting outdated cabinets white or light gray can give the space a stylish upgrade at a fraction of the cost. [8]
4. Boost Your Curb Appeal
First impressions matter—98% of real estate professionals agree curb appeal is crucial. [9] Ensure your exterior is well-maintained with:
Power-washed surfaces
Freshly painted doors (black or terracotta shades can increase offers!) [10]
Trimmed landscaping and seasonal plants
Standard lawn care alone can provide a 217% ROI, making it one of the highest-yield improvements before listing. [9]
5. Focus on Key Rooms
The living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen have the greatest influence on buyers. Focus your efforts here. If you're working with a staging professional, they’ll likely bring in decor and furniture. If not, rearrange your current furnishings to showcase openness and flow.
Add warmth through accent pillows, fresh flowers, and carefully chosen artwork. Avoid over-staging—less is more.
6. Maximize Lighting
Good lighting makes a home feel inviting and spacious. Let in as much natural light as possible by removing heavy drapes and trimming foliage that blocks windows. If needed, hang light-filtering curtains to maintain privacy without sacrificing brightness.
Experts recommend using three light sources in each room:
Ambient (ceiling or overhead fixtures)
Task (lamps or under-cabinet lights)
Accent (spotlights or wall sconces) [11]
Swapping old bulbs for 2700K warm LED lights or replacing outdated fixtures can modernize your space instantly. [12]
7. Hire a Professional Real Estate Photographer
Since 89% of homebuyers search online, high-quality listing photos are essential. [1] In many cases, video tours, drone footage, and virtual staging can further elevate your listing.
Treat photo day like an open house—everything should be clean, staged, and well-lit. We can connect you with local photographers who know how to make homes shine.
Bottom Line: Is Home Staging Worth It?
Staging your home can help you sell faster and for more money, but the level of investment depends on your home’s condition and your goals. If you're unsure where to start, contact us for a free consultation. We can evaluate your home’s needs and connect you with reliable professionals.
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
References:
[1] National Association of Realtors – 2023 Home Staging Report
[2] Homelight – Clean Your House to Sell
[3] NAR – Home Staging Tips
[4] Coldwell Banker – Common Staging Mistakes
[5] Zillow – Staging Tips
[6] NAR – Remodeling ROI
[7] House Beautiful – Tips from Home Stagers
[8] HGTV – Secrets of Staging
[9] NAR – Outdoor Features ROI
[10] Zillow – Best Front Door Colors
[11] Martha Stewart – Layered Lighting Guide
[12] Martha Stewart – Modern Lighting Trends