Tips on Staging a House to Sell Quick!
Whether you’re a real estate agent or a homeowner selling a home, you need to make it look its best! Staging a house can be daunting, but following a few simple home staging tips can set your listing apart from the others and help it attract more potential buyers. Staged homes also make your real estate photos look better and stand out. Below you’ll learn how home staging is easier than expected.

What Exactly is Home Staging?
Options for Staging a House
Staging a House Yourself
Have Your Real Estate Agent Help
Real estate agents know the importance of staged homes. Most have experience in staging homes and can lend a hand. They may be able to do it themselves or give you a referral to a professional stager. Your agent is always a good place to start.
Hire A Professional Home Stager
If you want the best results possible, hiring a professional staging company is your best option. They will have the most expertise to spruce up your home to its highest potential. First, they will evaluate your home during the initial consultation and determine what needs to be done to increase the value to potential buyers.
Professional home stagers will have an inventory of décor to decorate your home. They also know how to make the best use of your home’s space. Some stagers will also store your belongings temporarily while your house is for sale. (This comes with an extra fee). Professional home stagers will also help with the exterior of your home. Things like painting the front door, replacing the mailbox, and trimming the landscaping all contribute to an upgrade in curb appeal.
Virtually Staging a House
Home Staging Tips
#1: Let The Light Come In:
#2: Clean Everything And Add Air Fresheners:
- Carpets are shampooed
- Floors are mopped
- Doors and trim are washed or painted
- Windows and sills cleaned
- Bathrooms scrubbed Tubs re-caulked
- Stainless steel appliances are polished
- Garages are swept
- The siding and driveway are clean
Adding air fresheners will also help mask the smell of pets if you have them.
#3: Put Away All Family Photos and Depersonalize:
#4: Remove All Pet-Related Items:
#5: Bathroom Surfaces Need To Be Clear:
#6: Don't Forget Kitchen Counters:
#7: Remove Everything From The Fridge Doors:
#8: Dressers And Night Stands Need To Be Clear:
#9: Get Rid Of Oversized Furniture:
#10: Replace Burnt-Out Light Bulbs:
#11: Bathroom Rugs, Towels, And Shower Curtains:

Comprehensive Staging Checklist
Staging the Living Room
- Remove furniture to create an open space
- Make sure curtains are color neutral
- Make sure the lighting is bright and inviting
- Remove TV remotes, cords, and wires
- Remove personal photos and decor
- Declutter and clean all surfaces
- Clean or replace the area rug
Staging the Dining Room
- Improve lighting, and open blinds
- Set the table with formal dining ware
- Remove leaves to make the room bigger
- Add house plants, flowers, or a bowl for accent
Staging the Bedrooms & Master Bedroom
- Wash and make the beds
- Add accent pillows and throw blankets
- Remove personal items off bed stands
- Clean under the bed
- Declutter and organize closets and bookshelves
- If possible, don’t have the bed touch more than one wall
Staging the Kitchen
- Clear and clean all countertops
- Clean the sink and faucet
- Clean the oven and range
- Clean inside the microwave
- Clear and clean the refrigerator inside and out
- Remove hand towels, soap, and sponges
- Clear or organize cabinets
- Fix leaks
- Add decor like flowers or bowls
Staging the Bathroom
- Clear and clean countertops, mirror, sink, toilet, and shower
- Clean or replace the faucet and showerhead
- Wash or replace bath mats
- Recaulk if old caulk is stained
- Remove all personal items
- Clear or organize drawers and closets
- Clean or replace hand towels
- Remove waste cans
- Put the toilet seat down
- Put out fresh toilet paper roll (triangle fold like hotels)
- Hang a new shower curtain
Staging the Hallway/Entryway
- Clean floors and shampoo carpets
- Paint the front door and replace the door knob if necessary
- Oil door hinges if needed
- Remove keys from key tree
- Remove coats from coat racks
- Replace welcome mat
- Remove shoes from rack
Staging the Outside for Curb Appeal
- Replace mailbox if needed
- Mow the lawn
- Blow away or pick up dead leaves
- Clean the gutters
- Clean the porch, patio, deck and house siding
- Spruce up the front porch with new furniture or plants
- Put down new mulch
- Pressure wash cement
- Reseal blacktop
- Replace or add house numbers
- Clean or replace exterior lighting
- Clean or replace the outdoor furniture
- Put away grills, and kid’s toys
- Trim hedges or bushes
- If around the holiday season, add tasteful seasonal decorations
Bottom Line When Staging a House
The truth is that it’s not difficult to stage your home to sell fast. All you need to do is to look at each room at a time and declutter. You can use laundry baskets or bins for all the items and then hide them in closets, cupboards or any other storage space.
A final piece of advice to home sellers: you should always remove any political or religious signs to make your home neutral.
We truly hope you found these home staging tips helpful and can implement them during your next home selling experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is staging a house for real estate?
Staging refers to preparing a home with a neutral and professional look to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. This can include cleaning, organizing, and decorating. Home staging allows buyers to imagine themselves living in the home and shows the true potential of the home to come through. Home staging isn’t just for improved in-person showings. A staged home will make for better photos, videos, and virtual tours. This gives you a better return on investment regarding your listing media.
What's the difference between staging and decorating?
Does home staging help?
Staging a house can lead to a faster sale and a higher asking price. Whether you plan to sell or rent, when a house is properly staged, it catches more eyes and drives more foot traffic. When prospective buyers are onsite, they feel more relaxed and encouraged to imagine the home as their own. According to the Real Estate Staging Association, about 75% of sellers saw an ROI of 5%-15% over asking. Furthermore, the International Association of Home Staging Professionals notes that staging helps increase the sale price by 20%.
The National Association of Realtors vice president of demographics and behavioral insights, Jessica Lautz said “Staging a home helps consumers see the full potential of a given space or property,” also “It features the home in its best light and helps would-be buyers envision its various possibilities.”
Also from NAR, Buyers agents overwhelmingly agreed, as 82% said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.
What does home staging cost?
Should I hire a professional home stager?
This is really up to your budget and available time. The DIY option of giving the home a thorough cleaning, removing clutter, and organizing can boost buyers’ appeal. Hiring a home stager will be more money but will take the work off your hands and result in a professionally designed space. As a general rule, something is better than nothing, and you always have virtual staging as an option.
Is home staging worth it?
House staging ROI will vary depending on the house and location. The return on investment is different from San Francisco to New York and everywhere in between. A staged home makes for better pictures, virtual tours, and an all around better in-person experience for the potential home buyer. Staged homes generally will bring more money because interior design brings out the best of a house. This is by the cars on dealer lots are kept clean inside and out.