5 Simple Tips on How to Stage a Home

Top things to know about staging a home (virtually and in-person):

• Minimal decor will help prospective buyers see themselves in your home.
• Removing any signs of your pet will put prospective buyers at ease.
• Setting the mood with candles and lighting will help your guests feel relaxed and at home.
• Style your heart out! Props and thoughtful decor can help you seal the deal.
• Don't forget to show off your high-end pieces.

Getting ready to sell your home can take a toll on you. Multiple showings, bidding wars, property fixes, and the process of moving safely to your new home is a different level of stress. One way to reduce stress while selling your home is to stay organized. After personally moving across the country and selling three houses, I can say from experience that an organized transition is a happy one. If a professional staging crew isn't in your budget, here are five inexpensive and simple ways to stage your home to bring in top-tier offers.

The more minimal your home is staged, the better.

Good home staging aims to help prospective buyers see themselves in your home versus seeing how you would live in your home.

One easy way to do this is to showcase neutral vases, rugs, bedding, and wall decor in your home. For example, we recommend putting away your favorite cat lamp and heart-shaped chair and opt for a cleaner and more minimalistic look. Add a pop of color with seasonal flowers or colorful napkin cuffs in your kitchen set up to give the space personality.

When staging your home, it's best to remove signs of your pets.

I'm a dog person but your prospective buyer may not be as in love with "man's/woman's best friend." Pets and their items can sometimes be the kiss of death on your dream offer. Clean up all pet fur, remove your pet's bowls, and any decor alluding to your pet. While this seems a bit cold, pet allergies are a real thing. You don't want to miss out on an offer for something that can easily be handled.

Set the mood for your prospective buyers by lighting candles before they arrive.

Creating an ambiance with candles and lighting is a great way to set the mood and make potential buyers feel warm and fuzzy.

You can showcase your design style by adding candelabras or with a plant and candle display. Choose scents that are crisp, clean, and give off cozy vibes. My favorite staging scents include crisp laundry, citrus, and nature-based aromas (wood, fresh garden, herbs).

Get creative with your staging props.

While we love minimalism regarding staging, props can seal the deal. You don't have to buy hundreds of dollars in new decor to make your home look like a million dollars. Instead, clean up your current bookcase—stage popular books in front and add stylish bookends. Use fresh and seasonal fruits for table centerpieces, or add plush towels to your bathrooms to give off the essence of sophistication and elegance. If you need some more decorating ideas, we recommend reading these tips.

Lastly, don't forget to bring out your "Sunday Best."

Those new appliances or plates you've been saving for a rainy day need to come out and play to help you get the best offers. Top-notch appliances, brand-name decor, or Pinterst-worthy items help build the new home fantasy. Your items don't necessarily have to be pricey, but they need to look high-end. These will attract people with good taste to meet or exceed your purchase price.

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^{Photo Credit: (Left) Roam Rentals}