When I met the Kool Family, they were excited, but a little overwhelmed. They were relocating to Georgia for work and needed to sell their home fast. “Do we repaint? Do we buy new furniture? Where do we even start?” they asked. Within a few days, their home had received multiple offers, and was under contract, above asking. What helped the quick sale? We staged the home strategically and simply. That made all the difference.
If you’re in the same boat and trying to figure out how to stage your home for a quick sale, I have some good news: it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. All you need to do is create the right first impression, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to do it.
Pro Tip: Staged homes sell faster and often for more. A little effort can make a big difference! |
Here’s why staging works
Buyers decide within the first few minutes whether they can see themselves in your space. When a space feels warm, inviting, and livable, it taps into their desire for a fresh start, security, and lifestyle.
People buy on emotion, and then justify the purchase with logic. Staging makes that emotional connection more likely. It leverages a psychological concept called priming, where exposure to certain cues influences a person’s future behavior. When buyers see a home that looks bright, well-maintained, and move-in ready, they’re primed to believe the home has been well-cared for overall.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 81% of buyers say staging makes it easier to visualize a property as their future home, and 23% of agents say staging increases offer amounts by 1%–5%.
Translation: A little effort can turn into thousands of extra dollars and a much quicker sale.
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Start with the basics: declutter, clean, depersonalize
“Buyers only know what they see, not the way it’s going to be.”
– Barb Schwarz, The Creator of Home Staging
When buyers walk into a cluttered or overly personalized home, their brains work harder to filter out distractions and imagine the potential. Mentally removing your personal effects increases their cognitive load and creates decision fatigue, neither of which is good for emotional buying.
Think of staging as creating space for someone else’s story. That starts with taking yours out of the spotlight. Pack up family photos, kids’ art, knick-knacks, and anything that feels too personal. You’re moving soon anyway; think of it as getting a head start on your packing!
Then, deep clean. We’re talking baseboards, ceiling fans, and windows. A sparkling home feels loved and move-in ready, even if it’s older.
Maximize light and space
Natural light sells homes. Open up the curtains, clean the windows, and switch out heavy drapes for something lighter. Replace any dim bulbs with bright, white LEDs. You want every room to feel airy and open.
Now look at your furniture. Is there too much of it? Does it block the flow of the room? Removing even one or two pieces can make a space feel twice as big.
Here’s an insider tip: Try floating your sofa off the wall to create a cozier, more designer look
When in doubt, go neutral
You might love a bold accent wall or funky furniture. It’s great to have personal style, but it might not help your sale. Neutral tones let buyers project their own style into the home. Soft whites, warm beiges, and light grays feel clean, modern, and fresh. That said, don’t strip away all personality. A few well-placed pops of color, like a throw pillow, a piece of art, or a vase of flowers, can bring a space to life without overwhelming the prospective buyer.
Don’t forget the outside
Curb appeal is part of the sale. Remember, first impressions happen the second buyers pull up. So mow the lawn, trim the hedges, and power wash the sidewalk. Add a potted plant or two by the door, and make sure the house number is easy to read.
Bonus tip: A fresh welcome mat works wonders.
Focus on high-impact areas
If you don’t have time to stage the whole house, prioritize. Focus on:
- Living room: It’s the emotional center of the home, so make sure it feels cozy but not cluttered.
- Kitchen: Clear countertops; add a bowl of lemons or fresh herbs.
- Primary bedroom: Neutral bedding, no clutter, soft lighting.
- Entryway: It’s the handshake of your home, so make it welcoming.
- Bathrooms: Make them spotless and spa-like. Think folded white towels, a small plant, and minimal personal items.
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Ask for help
You don’t have to do this alone. Many realtors (hi, that’s me!) offer staging advice or even bring in pros who specialize in home staging. And you don’t need to go HGTV-level fancy. A few thoughtful, strategic tweaks that help buyers fall in love can lead to faster closings and bigger offers.
If you’re thinking about selling, or you’re already prepping your home for the market, let’s talk. I can walk you through how to stage your home for a quick sale that attracts serious buyers from the start.
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Home Staging Checklist for a Quick Sale
General prep
- Declutter every room (countertops, shelves, closets)
- Deep clean from top to bottom (baseboards, windows, vents)
- Remove personal items (photos, kids’ artwork, personal décor)
- Repair visible damage (scuffed walls, loose handles, squeaky hinges)
- Neutralize bold paint colors with soft whites, beiges, or light grays
Light and space
- Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light
- Replace burnt-out bulbs with bright, daylight LED bulbs
- Remove bulky or excess furniture to open up each room
- Rearrange furniture to create natural flow and show off space
- Add mirrors where helpful to reflect light and create openness
High-impact rooms to prioritize
Living room
- Keep furniture minimal and well-arranged
- Add cozy textures, like throws or pillows
- Use plants or a simple floral arrangement for warmth
Kitchen
- Clear all countertops, leaving one or two simple accents
- Clean appliances thoroughly, inside and out
- Add a bowl of fruit or a cutting board with fresh herbs
Primary bedroom
- Use neutral, clean bedding with minimal decor
- Keep nightstands and dressers clutter-free
- Add soft, ambient lighting with table lamps
Bathrooms
- Clear counters completely
- Fold clean white towels neatly on towel racks
- Add a small plant or unscented candle for a fresh, spa-like touch
Entryway
- Keep the area clear and tidy
- Add a simple rug and mirror or neutral artwork
- Make sure the space feels open and welcoming
Curb appeal essentials
- Mow the lawn and edge walkways
- Trim trees, hedges, and overgrown plants
- Clean or repaint the front door if needed
- Add potted plants or seasonal flowers by the entry
- Replace the welcome mat and check that house numbers are easy to read
Final touches
- Air out the home before showings
- Remove pet items and take pets off-site if possible
- Light a lightly scented candle or open windows for a fresh atmosphere
- Do a walk-through as if you were the buyer
- Ask your agent (Lauren!) for a final check and tips