The difference between a home that lingers on the market for months and one that receives an offer the day it is listed could be something so simple, yet so vital – staging. While it is possible to sell a home “as is,” one that is deliberately staged can maximize its appeal and have the home off the market in no time.

Staging seems simple enough; clean up a bit, put a vase of flowers somewhere, fluff up the throw pillows, mow the grass, and you’re done! However, realtors and staging professionals have years of experience getting homes ready for showings. They know how to get inside the buyer’s mind and ensure they leave your home with a warm, positive feeling.

We asked Mary, one of our professional stagers at the Northrop Team, for some quick tips to get sellers started with staging. This is what Mary had to say:

Quick home staging tips

1) Pay Attention to Your Home’s Curb Appeal

“This is the first impression a potential buyer gets of your property. You don’t want them immediately making a list of all of the maintenance they would have to do when they move in, and having an attractive front entrance sets the tone for the rest of the home tour. Set their expectations high!”

2) Less is Best

“When in doubt, take it out. Cluttered rooms distract a potential buyer from imagining their own belongings in the space and makes spaces look smaller.” 

3) Keep it Bright

“Make sure that all blinds, shades and curtains are open and turn on all lights and lamps. This will make your home appear larger.”

4) Simple Color Schemes

“Warm tans, honeys, or soft grays are neutral and give a fresh and clean look and allow for buyers to imagine their current furniture looking great in that space.”

5) Turn Bathrooms into ‘Spa-Like Retreats’

“Modeling your bath spaces after upscale hotels and spas will tempt buyers to envision themselves relaxing and rejuvenating there.  This can be achieved easily with just a few changes; painting the walls a nice cool neutral, adding solid colored decorative towels, replacing a patterned shower curtain with a solid colored one, removing all personal products from shower, bath, and all counters adding only a couple of neutral colored candles by the bathtub.”

6) Keep Your Kitchen Clean

“Kitchens sell homes. It is very important to keep them sparse and clean (counters clear, small appliances put out of sight, trashcans away, etc.) when buyers come through. Consider clearing the counters except for maybe a cookbook, bowl of fruit, or another small decorative item.”

7) De-Personalize

“Take all personal photos and references to your personal life down to keep your privacy and also to allow for the potential buyer to envision their own personal photos and artwork on the walls.”

8) Make Sure Your Home’s Scent Is Clean and Refreshing

“Any strong odors might repel potential buyers and does not tempt them to stay in your home for an extended period of time. Strong smells are also distracting while guests are touring the home.”

Get the most out of your staging with Creig Northrop Team

These are just a few of the numerous ways staging professionals help homeowners put their homes in the best position for a quick sale. Before deciding on a realtor, ask if they have a staging professional like Mary on their team.