Staging to Sell

September 8, 2022

Staging a house to Sell 

My staging a house to sell ideas below will help set the scene, room by room, adding touches of color and appeal while removing things that might be distracting to buyers. Since 90% of buyers look online first when searching for houses, and 60% of those buyers look only at photos (skipping the description), it is critical that the photos of your house truly reflect the visual appeal we are creating.  


My recommendations are to help you get the best price for your house. A “Staged List Price” vs. “List Price” is my goal for you to maximize the sales potential of your house. Mostly what I want you to know is there is nothing “wrong” with how you live in your home – you live in a home, and we market a house or product. Staging is about getting the house ready for the unknown buyer and since we know nothing about that person(s) – age, race, religion, background, etc. – we must make the house universally appealing. The goal is to remove some of the things that are not needed for the staging and showing process. 


Here are some general staging tips and tricksto prepare the house for sale. These are staging hacks that even on a budget you can do.


1. Clean your house – this applies to carpets, grout, tile, windows, doors, around faucets, shower door tracks, mirrors, etc. Q-tip Clean… a really clean house sends the message to buyers (and inspectors and appraisers) that you took good care of your house.


2. Faith based items – remove them all.


3. Who are you? – remove anything with your name, your child’s name, etc. on it – trophies, plaques, diplomas, handmade items, even on a mural. We need to neutralize and not distract the buyer, but also protect your family. 


Photographs by VHT Studios.

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