Four Staging Tips to Sell a Home

When it comes to selling your home, one of the most important things you can do is stage it properly.

Staging helps potential buyers envision themselves living in your home and can lead to a faster sale. You’ve got two options when it comes to staging: enlist the help of a professional or do it yourself.

If you’re looking to stage your home on your own but are unsure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. It’s always a good idea to connect with your trusted Realtor® before you embark on the staging process as they likely have a pulse on what buyers are looking for, which can be beneficial in this process. With the following tips, insight from your Realtor, a little creative liberty, and a sprinkle of unique finds from ReStore, you’re sure to stage like a pro. 

1. Embrace the Outdoors 

The first thing that potential buyers will notice about your home is the yard. In the summer months, make sure your lawn is regularly mowed and the garden is well maintained. Adding flowers and planters can help brighten up the space, but you certainly don’t need to go overboard—you’ll be leaving soon anyway! In the event you need something, you can swing by your local ReStore for affordable lawn care and landscaping supplies.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most people love to entertain during the summer months. If you have an outdoor area that can be used for entertaining, make sure to showcase that potential. Placing some outdoor furniture or a grill on the patio or deck can help buyers envision themselves using your outdoor space.

If you’re gearing up to sell in the winter, be sure to keep your drive and walkways clear of snow and ice. Nothing wrecks a potential buyer's mood more than slipping and falling on their way into your house! 

2. Keep it Cool–Figuratively and Literally

Summertime temperatures can be brutal, and no one wants to tour a home that’s hot and stuffy. Before each showing, make sure your air conditioning is turned on and working properly if you have it. If not, you’ll definitely want to consider strategic fan placement to keep the air moving. A cool and comfortable home will encourage potential buyers to stick around longer and really explore what your property has to offer. The same rule applies in the winter—keep your house at a comfortable temperature so buyers don’t rush through the tour.

Another way to make your home feel cooler (now we’re talking figuratively) is by using light-colored linens and fabrics for furniture and bedsheets. You can dig these items out of your closet or shop for new pieces that you would like to transition into your new home after selling.

If your walls aren’t already painted a neutral or light color, consider picking up some paint from ReStore and giving them a refresh. Buyers are more inclined to purchase homes that are “with the times” and look move-in ready. A fresh coat of paint is a great way to achieve this.

3. Declutter 

Speaking of fresh, it’s a good idea (and will help with packing) to declutter and organize your home. You can keep the interior simple and fresh by removing unwanted furniture items and keeping it as neat as possible. Additionally, this is a good time to clean out closets and storage areas. It can be challenging to showcase how much space your home really has if it is packed to the brim with your items!

Not only does this help your potential buyers get a better picture of the home, but it allows you to get rid of items that are no longer serving you before you move. Instead of throwing stuff away, you can donate your lightly used items to a nearby thrift or ReStore. ReStore even offers free residential pickup for larger pieces. All you have to do is schedule a time that works for you—we’ll take care of the rest! 

Pro tip: Consider shopping for second-hand furniture if you want to achieve a certain look without breaking the bank. You can then repurpose this furniture in your new home!

4. Freshen Up 

Finally, remember to pay attention to odors and messes. Make sure to clean your home thoroughly before each showing, paying special attention to any areas that tend to get more traffic. It’s never a bad idea to have someone who doesn’t live in the home, like your Realtor, come by and make sure there’s nothing you may be missing. You may also want to consider adding some fresh flowers or scented candles to your home to make it more inviting.

Remember that a clean, uncluttered, and well-staged home can significantly increase the chances of getting offers quickly. So, use these tips to increase the appeal of your home and speed up the selling process.