When selling a home, it helps considerably if potential buyers can imagine themselves living there. By presenting your property in the best possible light, home staging can help enhance your house, condo or duplex’s appeal.

In fact, the National Association of Realtors^® Research Group reported that 81% of buyers’ agents¹ said a staged property was easier to visualize as a future home.

As a seller, how can you best stage your house for sale?

While professional staging services are available, the following DIY tips can transform your home into an enticing space that potential buyers will find irresistible. (And, for luxury property owners, we’ve popped in some extra tips, too.)

Basic DIY staging tips

Done well, staging can be an important part of preparing your home to sell. Here are some popular strategies to help you get started.

Enhance curb appeal.

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and odds are good that the first site of your home’s exterior can be a major draw for buyers. Ensure that your house number is clearly visible from the street. A new, stylish number plaque can be an affordable and impactful update. If your homeowner association (HOA) allows, repaint the front door in a fresh, inviting color. Remove any debris or cobwebs from near your entryway and roof eaves. Make sure the lawn is mowed and well-maintained. For a final touch, add potted plants or flowers near the front door to enhance the welcoming vibe.

»Tip: Planning to sell a home during the winter holidays? We have some special strategies for that time of year, too.

Deep clean everything.

Power wash sidewalks, driveways, stone walkways and the exterior façade to give your home a well-kept appearance. Clean windows inside and out, wipe down cabinets and ensure every surface in your home is spotless. Deep clean carpets and baseboards. Budget permitting, you might want to hire professionals to clean your home regularly to ensure it is spotless prior to every showing.

Declutter and depersonalize.

Minimize the number of items on countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms to create a clean and organized look. Remove personal photos from walls and surfaces so potential buyers can easily imagine themselves living in the space. Reduce and organize personal items in closets, drawers and cabinets to create a sense of order. Group clothing by color so closets are visually appealing.

»Tip: Sometimes a home stays on the market for a while, so you’ll want to make time to declutter and clean routinely to keep your house “show ready” throughout the time it’s listed for sale.

Let the light in.

Well-lit spaces feel more inviting and spacious. Open blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Also, replace any burnt-out light bulbs to ensure that all rooms are adequately illuminated.

Touch up paint.

A fresh coat of paint on baseboards and trim will give them a clean and well-maintained appearance. Don’t forget to touch up any nicks and dents on walls throughout the house. Small details matter.

Update fixtures.

Again, budget permitting, you might want to install updated lighting fixtures and switch plates in critical areas of your home, such as the entryway, kitchen and bathrooms. This can give your dwelling a more modern look. Definitely replace bathroom and kitchen fixtures if they are old, leaking or cannot be cleaned.

»Tip: Even inexpensive updates can make a difference in how your home’s features are perceived!

Arrange furniture.

Remove and store large furniture that makes the living areas appear small. Tuck away and hide cords. Move furniture away from walls and arrange each item to serve its purpose, ensuring clear walkways. This will make rooms appear more spacious.

Create vignettes.

Small, thoughtful touches can make your home feel cozier and more inviting. Place a book with a teacup on a tray in a reading nook to create a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Add a candle or fresh flowers to the bathroom for a touch of elegance and freshness. These details set an inviting mood for people who visit your home.

Embrace a hotel vibe.

Again, if your budget permits, consider investing in a “bed-in-a-bag” set to create a coordinated and stylish look in the bedroom. Choose a neutral color scheme that appeals to a broad range of buyers. Add matching sheets or plain white sheets for a clean and luxurious appearance. Finish the look with accent pillows that complement the color scheme and style of the room. In the bathroom, display fluffy clean towels in an artful, hospitable way.

Decorate simply.

Replace family photos and children’s artwork with landscape images or neutral art that appeals to a broader audience. Boost the comfort and appeal of your living room by adding big, plump throw pillows to the couch. Hanging mirrors in small spaces can make them appear more spacious, giving your house a more open and airy feeling.

Special staging tips for luxury homeowners

When preparing to sell, people looking to enter the luxury market understandably may wish to consult with a real estate agent who specializes in premium properties. From their experience and knowledge of forces driving buyer interest, luxury real estate agents may be better prepared to help connect the dots between you and buyers seeking high-end homes.

And, when it comes to staging, there may be a few pricier upgrades and staging approaches that make sense to undertake before your home is ever shown to the public.

For instance, an agent might suggest you enhance your existing security system to make it less obtrusive on your home’s exterior or convert a spare bedroom into a fitness or massage room. Or they might suggest strategies designed to keep your space looking inviting, such as investing in weekly floral deliveries or setting out subtle but elegant candles.

»Tip: Another advantage of working with an experienced luxury agent? If you need recommendations for a repair person, cleaning service, florist, professional stager or property manager during the selling process, they’ll be able to tap into their network and make referrals.

The takeaway

Staging your home for sale — be it on a budget or not — can be a strategic move that can significantly impact the selling process. Following these DIY staging tips can help potential buyers visualize their future in your space.

Ultimately, the effort you invest in staging your home could pay off with a smoother, more profitable experience.

When you’re ready to sell your Central Texas home, remember that RBFCU’s preferred real estate partner, Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty, is here to help you move beyond your expectations toward an extraordinary real estate experience.