You may be thinking to yourself, “I have great taste! My home is immaculately decorated.” We get it. You love your beautiful home. But just because it’s stylish doesn’t mean it’s staged.

We know you are proud of your framed travel prints and valuable figurines, but buyers care less about curated collections and more about seeing clean, strategically furnished rooms where they can gain inspiration and envision their future. That’s the art of home staging.

According to the National Association of Realtors:

• 31% of buyers increased their offer by 1% to 5% because the home was staged properly
• 77% of buyers felt more able to see themselves moving into a staged home
• 40% were more willing to visit a staged online listing

If you’re interested in tips for selling your home – potentially more quickly and for a higher price – take a look at these home staging ideas.

Remove the clutter

The number one rule of home staging and decluttering involves clearing unnecessary furniture and items to make your home appear more spacious and functional. The goal is for every room to look like it has a purpose.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the thought of clearing out and organizing every inch of your home. It helps to start small and have a simple decluttering plan. Don’t stuff things in closets or cabinets either – those will be viewed by potential buyers, too.

Get your priorities straight

While it’d be ideal to stage every room in your home, that may not be possible due to time or other constraints. If that’s the case, focus on these four rooms:

• Living room: Show potential buyers that their families will be cosy – but not cramped – in the space.
• Master bedroom: Make the bed look warm, inviting and nicely decorated (don’t go crazy with the throw pillows). Put a book or vase beside a lamp on the nightstand. Make it look clean and sharp.
• Kitchen: Have clear countertops with few appliances. A fresh bowl of fruit or open cookbook is a nice touch.
• Dining room: Make sure your table and seating are the right size for the room to avoid it looking cramped. Add some simple place settings for panache.

Give your rooms some space

There are some cheap and simple ways to make small rooms look bigger instantly – or at least pretty quickly.

• Hang long drapes on windows
• Put a thin standing lamp or tall plant in an empty corner
• Pull furniture away from the walls in living areas
• Use lamps to add light to dark areas
• Mirrors are also a great way to create the illusion of space. If you’re looking for strategic places to hang them, try over fireplaces, sofas, or consoles, or across from windows.

Be neutral

Give your home a quick makeover by painting the rooms with light, neutral colours. If you’re tight on time, opt for touch-ups only – like the trim, built-in shelving, or other small accents.

Neutral colours aren’t for paint only. A few white towels hanging in the bathroom, cream-coloured bed linens, and other light home accessories go a long way.

Also Read:

Want to Own a house in Ontario? It's Easy If You Do It Smart

When you're getting ready to sell your home, remember that staging can make a big difference. It's not just about having a stylish home; it's about creating a space that appeals to potential buyers. By following these simple tips, like decluttering, focusing on main areas, creating a sense of space, and keeping things neutral, you can increase your chances of selling your home faster and possibly at a higher price. So, get ready to showcase your home's best features and make a great impression on those looking for their future home.