The Top 6 Home Staging Tips Every Realtor Should Follow

First impressions matter when selling a property, and that’s why setting the stage is crucial. In the current hyper-competitive real estate market, home staging can be the secret weapon that sets you apart from the competition.

Picture this: a beautifully staged home oozing with charm, charisma, and that irresistible “wow” factor. It’s a scene straight out of a real estate fairy tale, where potential buyers fall head over heels in love at first sight.

However, it can be a tricky endeavor to get just right. Hiring a professional stager can be quite the budget buster, and navigating the world of DIY staging can feel as mystifying as deciphering an ancient treasure map. 

In this article, we’re here to demystify the process and provide you with clever staging tips that every realtor should follow. So, fasten your seatbelt and get ready to unleash your staging superpowers. We’re about to embark on an exhilarating journey where you’ll master the art of staging like a pro, making homes shine brighter than a supernova, and attracting buyers like moths to a flame.

Stage Every Room With a Distinct Purpose

When it comes to home staging, one of the key principles to remember is to stage every room with a distinct purpose. 

Giving each space a clear and unique function helps you create a cohesive and compelling narrative that potential buyers can easily connect with. The idea is to help potential buyers envision themselves living their desired lifestyle in the home, increasing their emotional connection and interest in the property. 

Each room tells a unique story, and your staging efforts should bring that story to life in a way that resonates with buyers.

Here’s how you can stage each room to highlight its unique purpose and maximize its appeal:

• Living Room. Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with comfortable seating, a focal point like a fireplace, and soft decor that promotes relaxation and quality time.
• Kitchen. Highlight the kitchen’s functionality by clearing countertops, staging a simple dining area, and emphasizing cleanliness to showcase its potential for shared meals and entertaining.
• Bedroom. Transform the bedroom into a serene sanctuary with a neutral color scheme, luxurious bedding, and soft lighting to create a relaxing retreat.
• Bathroom. Craft a spa-like oasis with fresh towels, elegant accents, and calming elements like soft lighting and scented candles to enhance the sense of luxury and cleanliness.

Remember to align additional rooms with specific purposes, such as a home office with functional furniture, a playroom with playful decor and toys, or a fitness room with exercise equipment and motivational accents.

Remove the Clutter, and Add a Touch of Personality

Finding the sweet spot between a clutter-free environment and a touch of personality is key to successful home staging.

Clutter can distract potential buyers and make a space feel cramped and disorganized. Take the time to declutter each room by removing unnecessary items, such as excessive furniture, personal knick-knacks, and excessive decor. 

Clearing the clutter allows buyers to focus on the home’s features and envision their belongings in the space. Additionally, it creates a sense of cleanliness and spaciousness, making the rooms more appealing.

While it’s crucial to create a neutral canvas that appeals to a wide range of buyers, adding a touch of personality can make a home feel warm and inviting. Consider incorporating tasteful decor pieces, such as stylish throw pillows, art prints, or unique accent pieces, to infuse the space with character. Choose items that complement the overall aesthetic of the home and add visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Removing excess clutter allows buyers to focus on the home’s potential while incorporating subtle personal touches adds warmth and charm. Remember, the goal is to create a space that feels inviting and allows potential buyers to envision themselves living happily in the home.

Add a Touch of High-Quality Accessories for the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of any good home. To elevate its appeal and leave a lasting impression on potential buyers, consider investing in a few high-end accessories. 

Good quality accessories help create a sense of sophistication and showcase the kitchen as a desirable space for both cooking and entertaining. Here are some of the accessories you can consider investing in:

• Upscale Cookware. Upgrade your cookware selection to include a few high-end pieces. Stainless steel or copper pots and pans not only look impressive but also convey durability and quality.
• Designer Appliances. Replace outdated or mismatched appliances with sleek, modern options from reputable brands.
• Gourmet Accessories. Enhance the kitchen’s allure with accessories that evoke a sense of culinary sophistication. For example, invest in high-quality knives displayed in a stylish knife block or on a magnetic strip.
• Artful Dinnerware and Glassware. Choose a set of designer dinnerware and glassware that complements the kitchen’s style and color scheme. Display a few well-placed pieces on open shelves or in glass-front cabinets.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between high-end accessories and a cohesive overall look. Avoid overcrowding the kitchen with too many items or overwhelming the space with excessive luxury. The goal is to create an aspirational environment that showcases the kitchen’s potential and inspires buyers to imagine themselves cooking and entertaining in style.

Fill Empty Spaces With Potted Plants

Empty spaces in a home can feel uninviting and unimpressive to potential buyers. One easy way to add warmth and life to a space is by filling it with potted plants. Plants have a natural aesthetic that can make a home feel fresh and vibrant. They bring the outdoors inside, adding texture and color to a space and creating a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

Strategically placing plants in an empty corner or along a bare wall can also help hide imperfections, such as small cracks or blemishes. Additionally, larger plants can help distract from less desirable views outside the windows. This works very well, especially for fixer-upper properties, which can potentially turn into one of the most profitable types of real estate investments that you can make. 

Additionally, plants allow homeowners to showcase their personality and style by selecting plants that reflect their taste. Whether it’s a flowering plant, a lush tropical fern, or a simple succulent, the addition of plants adds a personal touch to a space that resonates with buyers.

When it comes to choosing the right plants for staging, consider the amount of natural light available in the room, the size of the space, and the overall aesthetic of the home. It’s essential to select plants that complement the existing decor and add to the overall ambiance of the space.

Choose Muted Wall Colors and Bold Furniture

When it comes to creating a visually captivating home, the choice of wall colors and furniture plays a crucial role. By painting the walls in muted colors and allowing the furniture to pop, you can achieve a harmonious and eye-catching aesthetic that entices potential buyers.

Opting for muted or neutral wall colors provides a versatile backdrop that complements various design styles and allows the furniture to take center stage. Shades like soft grays, warm beiges, or gentle pastels create a calming atmosphere and make the space feel open and inviting. Muted tones also help potential buyers envision their furniture and decor blending seamlessly into the space.

To create a striking visual impact, select furniture pieces that stand out against the muted walls. Consider incorporating bold or vibrant hues that add personality and flair to the room. For example, a vibrant sofa, an accent chair in a bold pattern, or a statement dining table can inject a sense of energy and create focal points that draw attention. 

This contrast between the muted walls and vibrant furniture adds visual interest and captivates potential buyers as soon as they enter the room.

Remember, the goal is to enhance the space’s overall aesthetics and create a welcoming atmosphere that speaks to potential buyers. The muted walls provide a neutral canvas, while the vibrant furniture adds personality and creates a memorable impression.

Stage the Front Entrance of the Home

The front entrance of a home sets the tone and creates the first impression for potential buyers. Therefore, staging this area is crucial to creating a welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of the home. 

Here are some tips to help you stage the front entrance of the home:

• Clean and Declutter. Before you start decorating, ensure that the front entrance is clean and clutter-free. Sweep the walkway, remove any debris or leaves, and wipe down the front door. This creates a clean slate for you to work with and instantly improves the curb appeal.
• Create a Focal Point. A focal point is a design element that immediately draws attention. Consider adding a statement piece to the front entrance, such as a unique doormat, a potted plant, or a decorative item that complements the home’s style. This creates an eye-catching feature that captures potential buyers’ attention and creates a positive first impression.
• Lighting. Adequate lighting is essential in creating an inviting atmosphere. Consider installing new light fixtures or updating existing ones to brighten up the front entrance. Also, consider adding outdoor lighting to highlight landscaping and create a welcoming ambiance.
• Personal Touch. Adding a personal touch to the front entrance helps create an emotional connection with potential buyers. Consider adding small touches like a welcoming sign, a seasonal wreath, or a bench to create a cozy and inviting space.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of home staging is a powerful tool in a realtor’s arsenal. Whether you choose to enlist the help of a professional stager or tackle the process yourself, these clever home staging tips will guide you in creating a captivating and irresistible space. 

Creating an environment that showcases the home’s potential and speaks to the desires and aspirations of buyers is key to making a successful sale. Your attention to detail and thoughtful staging efforts will help buyers envision themselves living happily in the space, ultimately increasing the chances of a sale.
With these insights and techniques, you are well-equipped to navigate the world of home staging and achieve remarkable results in your real estate endeavors. Also, don’t forget to work with an Embrace Loan Officer so you can offer your potential clients a higher chance of securing financing for their new homes.