When you list your home for sale, you are no longer just selling a piece of real estate. You are selling a lifestyle and a vision of the future. Potential buyers need to walk through your front door and immediately feel that they could live there. This emotional connection is often the difference between a house that sits on the market and one that receives multiple offers above the asking price.
At Todd Hower Real Estate, we believe that strategic home staging is one of the most effective ways to maximize your return on investment. You do not need a massive budget to see results. By following these proven home staging tips, you can highlight your home’s best features and create an environment that appeals to the widest possible audience.
1. Home Staging Tips: The Power of Neutrality and Depersonalization
The goal of staging is to provide a blank canvas. If a room is filled with family photos, specific collectibles, or bold, niche decor, the buyer will focus on your life rather than imagining their own.
- Remove Personal Photos: Clear your walls and mantels of family portraits. This helps buyers view the house as a neutral space.
- Declutter Surfaces: Keep kitchen counters and bathroom vanities nearly empty. A few high-quality items, like a bowl of fresh fruit or a stack of clean towels, are all you need.
- Paint with Neutrals: If you have rooms with bright or highly specific colors, consider repainting them in soft greys, beiges, or off-whites. These colors make rooms feel larger and more cohesive.
2. Maximize Light and Brightness
A bright home is a welcoming home. Dark corners can make a space feel smaller and more neglected than it actually is.
| Lighting Element | Recommendation |
| Natural Light | Pull back all curtains and open every blind before a showing. |
| Bulb Temperature | Use “warm white” bulbs (around 2700K to 3000K) to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. |
| Fixtures | Clean all glass shades and replace any burnt-out bulbs to ensure maximum output. |
3. Create a Sense of Flow and Purpose
Every room in your home should have a clear, singular purpose. If you have a “junk room” or a guest room that has become a makeshift gym, it is time to redefine that space.
Arrange furniture to highlight the flow of traffic. Avoid pushing all your furniture against the walls, as this can actually make a room feel smaller. Instead, “float” furniture away from the walls to create intimate seating areas. Ensure that there is a clear, unobstructed path for buyers to walk through each room. If a piece of furniture blocks a natural walkway, move it to storage.
4. Home Staging Tips: Enhance Your Curb Appeal
The “First Impression” starts the moment a buyer pulls up to the curb. If the exterior looks unkempt, buyers will go into the house looking for more problems.
- The Front Door: Give your front door a fresh coat of paint and ensure the hardware is polished and functional.
- Landscaping: Trim all overgrown bushes and add a fresh layer of dark mulch to your flower beds. This provides an instant, “crisp” look to the yard.
- Clean the Entryway: Power wash the driveway and front walkway. Ensure the porch is free of cobwebs and debris.
5. Add Subtle, High-End Touches
Once the heavy lifting of cleaning and decluttering is done, add small details that suggest a high quality of life. A fresh vase of flowers on the dining table, a high-quality throw blanket draped over the sofa, or a set of new, plush white towels in the master bath can make the home feel like a luxury hotel. These small investments pay off by making the space feel “move-in ready” and well cared for.
The Bottom Line
Staging is not about hiding flaws. It is about showcasing the potential of your home. By removing distractions and highlighting space and light, you allow buyers to focus on the value of the property. At Todd Hower Real Estate, we are committed to helping you navigate every step of the selling process to ensure you get the best possible price for your home.