Easy Home Staging Tips

You’re planning on selling your home and want to make it stand out. However, you don’t want to take on any big renovations. You want your property to appeal to buyers without having to spend too much time or money on a complete makeover. 

It’s amazing how some easy and inexpensive staging tips can make all the difference!

You can hire a professional stager, or talk to your real estate agent about what they offer. Likely they either offer staging services, can give advice, or can suggest someone they like. So, be sure to talk to them about your options first.

If you do decide to go the DIY route, here are some of our favourite Easy Home Staging Tips:

DECLUTTER: First thing’s first! Get rid of personal items to prepare the property for staging. You want buyers to envision the home as their own, not yours. Then it’s time to clean. Buyers will open closets (they open everything, it’s true!) so declutter and leave some nice items to stage closets too.

PAINT: Like decluttering, a neutral paint colour makes a space appeal to more people. You might love dark red, but buyers can better see the potential of a room if it’s painted a light and fresh shade. Soft greys, pale blues, and light beige/cream tones are popular choices. Also, paint rooms that flow together the same shade or a complimentary one.

CABINET UPDATE: If your kitchen is dated but you aren’t embarking on renovations, you can still freshen up the room. Sand and paint cabinets, and add modern hardware. It is a much cheaper fix than spending thousands on new cabinets. Also, re-grouting tiles will help it look brighter and cleaner.

ARRANGE: Use minimal furniture by adding key pieces that define the space without crowding it (If you have bulky or dated items consider renting something smaller and more modern). Add pillows for pops of colour, and place other stylish decor pieces to empty surfaces and built-ins. Remember: don’t overdo it! Like the paint colour, furniture and decor should be neutral enough to appeal to as many buyers as possible. 

• Tip: Make every room have a purpose. You know that room that was the random storage/treadmill graveyard? Now it’s an office! Place a desk and a stylish chair in it, add decor to a bookshelf and the room is a bonus, not a waste of space.

TRANSLUCENT FURNITURE: To make a space feel bigger, translucent furniture is a great idea! Coffee tables, end tables, and even dining chairs that are translucent help add more flow and define the space without adding bulk. Smaller condos can especially benefit from this furniture. 

KEEP IT FRESH: Adding vases of fresh flowers to a dining table or bedroom make your home feel more vibrant and inviting. Hanging plants in gardens or on balconies can also make outdoor areas more inviting.

LET THERE BE LIGHT: Remove heavy curtains and clean the windows. Have no window dressing, or add airy curtains or light coloured shades (drawn up). Use high-watt bulbs and add floor lamps, table lamps, you name it. Even if the sun isn’t shining during the open house these additional lights will make sure your home stays bright. Nothing makes a space feel bigger and more welcoming than light!

CURB APPEAL: Now that you’ve worked to make the inside of your home look fantastic, you have to get them to walk through the front door (And make your listing look even better in MLS listing photos). If you own a condo, take personal items off the door and clean/stage balconies. If you own a house, you’ll need to do a little extra to make your home look appealing from the street. Add a fresh coat of paint to the exterior, or just the door. Seal up cracks in walkways and stain any peeling deck boards. Open the curtains. Then, place some potted bright flowers to add some charm. 

Welcome buyers, come on in!

These Easy Home Staging Tips will make your property more appealing. Even if your home has areas for improvement, buyers can now better see the potential of the home.

Keep in mind that these are just some tips! There are many more ways your specific property can be ideally staged.

The Armstrong Team will help make your home look its very best to attract buyers. Contact us for more info about what we offer sellers.