Make Buyers Fall in Love with Your Home: 81 Staging Tips

Jun 10, 2025

Make Buyers Fall in Love with Your Home: Helpful Staging Tips

Staging your home is one of the best things you can do to help it sell faster—and maybe even for more money. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, many sellers said staging helped them get better offers. Realtor.com® says staged homes sell 88% faster and for up to 20% more.

Even in a hot market, staging gives your home an edge. One REALTOR® shared a story: two condos in the same building—same size, same layout. One was staged and lightly updated, the other wasn’t touched. The staged one sold for $30,000 more. That’s the power of staging.

Hiring a pro can cost between $784 and $2,800, but you can do a lot on your own too. Here’s how to stage each room and make your home shine:

Living Room

• Keep things simple and balanced. Match pillows, lamps, and decor.

• Use soft, neutral colors like white, beige, or light gray.

• Remove extra furniture to open up the room.

• Set a cozy scene—add a board game or arrange furniture in a conversation-friendly way.

• Let your fireplace look clean and inviting. Set your TV to show calm, pretty images.

Kitchen

• Clear off the counters. Leave only 1 or 2 nice items (like a fruit bowl or flowers).

• Pack away extra dishes and cookware—keep only a matching set out.

• Paint old cabinets or swap out knobs for a quick update.

• Remove fridge magnets and scrub appliances clean.

• Tidy up the pantry—leave some space and store things in baskets or jars.

• Empty the trash and hide the cans.

Bedrooms

• Go for a clean, calm feel. No personal stuff or bold styles.

• Take out seasonal clothes so closets look bigger.

• Use matching hangers for a nice, boutique look.

• Lock away jewelry and valuables.

• Turn extra rooms into fun spaces—home office, reading nook, or workout room.

• Remove TVs and game consoles for a peaceful vibe.

Dining Room

• Set the table with plates or wine glasses so buyers can imagine hosting dinner.

• Add a simple table runner and a few small decorations—nothing too fancy.

Bathroom

• Scrub everything—tiles, sinks, floors, tubs, and toilets.

• Re-caulk if needed and repaint old tile instead of replacing it.

• Hide all your personal products like razors or medicine.

• Add spa-like touches: white towels, candles, a plant, and a fresh bath mat.

• Fix leaks and clean drains with vinegar or baking soda.

• Replace the toilet seat if it looks worn.

Walls, Windows & Small Fixes

• Paint dark walls a light neutral color.

• Use the same color in nearby rooms to make the space feel bigger.

• Fill nail holes and touch up with fresh paint.

• Clean windows inside and out. Fix screens and make sure light switches and covers match.

• Take down family photos and hang simple artwork instead.

Whole House Tips

• Declutter like crazy—box up anything you don’t need daily.

• Store away books, clothes, personal items, and family pictures.

• Keep closets and storage spaces half-empty to show off space.

• Use extra corners for fun setups—like a desk nook or reading spot.

• Replace old light bulbs with brighter ones.

• Make sure all doors, drawers, and cabinets open and close well.

• Refinish scratched floors or swap damaged boards.

• Deep clean everything—or hire a cleaning crew to do it for you.

Outside the House

• Update your house numbers so they’re easy to see.

• Repaint the front door in a strong, classic color like red or navy.

• Power wash the outside, driveway, and porch.

• Buy a fresh welcome mat and check the doorbell.

• Add colorful plants and mulch. Mow the lawn and hide trash cans and toys.

• Stage the backyard too—set up chairs, pillows, and a rug to show off the outdoor space.

• Fix loose railings and clean light fixtures.

If You Have Pets

• Clean up all stains and smells. Replace carpets if needed.

• Take away pet beds, bowls, and toys.

• Use odor-removing sprays—not just air fresheners.

• Hide the litter box or ask a friend to keep your pet during showings.

• Do a final sweep for pet hair before you leave.

On the Day of Showing

• Add a seasonal touch—fresh flowers in spring, cinnamon in fall.

• Don’t cook before a showing, but baking cookies is a nice touch.

• Clean everything again, then leave the house so buyers can explore freely.

Staging helps buyers picture themselves living in your home. You don’t need to spend a fortune—just clean, declutter, and style each space with care. The goal? Make your home feel fresh, welcoming, and move-in ready.

←