In today's competitive real estate market, home sellers need to adapt to the changing dynamics. Gone are the days when houses would receive multiple offers within hours of listing, regardless of their condition. Buyers have become more discerning, and it is crucial for sellers to present their homes in the best possible light by going back to staging basics and focusing on the essentials.

My client Steve is a great example. He is homeowner whose house had been on the market for weeks with 17 showings but no real interest from potential buyers. Steve decided to take matters into his own hands and reached out to me for a professional consultation. Despite his agent's skepticism about staging, Steve believed it was worth a try. After a thorough consultation and implementing the recommended changes, the very next showing resulted in a signed contract. Steve's story emphasizes the need to slow down and prioritize preparing the home to appeal to potential buyers.

Not selling? These tips work great for staging to live, too! I recently redesigned my office (there's a whole post about that coming soon!) and used many of these tips to create a space that I would love spending time in. So if you need a little refresh in your home, read on!

The essentials:

1. Ideal Furniture Placement: Properly arranging furniture helps create a sense of flow and maximizes the perceived space. Avoid overcrowding rooms and ensure each area has a clear purpose.

2. Remove Clutter: Clutter can distract potential buyers and make rooms appear smaller. Decluttering involves depersonalizing the space, removing excessive items, and organizing storage areas to showcase ample storage potential.

3. Eliminate Smells: Unpleasant odors are a major turn-off for buyers. Focus on eliminating any pet, cooking, or musty smells by deep cleaning using non-toxic cleaners, odor eliminators, or seeking professional odor removal services if necessary. Fresh Wave is one of my favorites. Grab it here. (affiliate link)

4. Neutral Paint: Neutral colors provide a blank canvas for buyers to envision their own style. Repaint bold or outdated walls with neutral tones to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere. Be sure to find a color that works with the undertones in the hard surfaces in your home (flooring, countertops, cabinets, fireplace tile, etc). If you choose the wrong color it can look dingy or make the other surfaces look dingy. Schedule a consultation to make sure you get it right.

5. Fresh Carpet: Dirty or worn-out carpets can give a negative impression. Consider professional carpet cleaning or, if needed, replacing carpets to enhance the overall cleanliness and appeal of the home. I have a great flooring gal if you need one!

6. Updated Lighting: Adequate lighting can transform a space. Replace outdated fixtures, ensure all bulbs are functioning, and maximize natural light to create a bright and welcoming ambiance.

7. Other Updates: Depending on the budget and condition of the home, consider making additional updates such as new countertops, cabinet hardware, or other minor renovations to enhance the overall appeal and modernize the space. You'd be amazed at the difference a few small changes can make!

8. Carefully Selected Accessories: Strategic use of accessories such as artwork, throw pillows, and rugs can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Opt for neutral and cohesive pieces that appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Check out my staging favorites here. (affiliate link)

The whole goal of staging is to help potential buyers envision themselves living in the home. By creating a neutral and well-curated space, sellers can enable buyers to imagine their own furniture, belongings, and personal touches within the property. This emotional connection can significantly increase the likelihood of an offer.

Selling a home is never easy, but if you can recognize the shifting dynamics and adapt accordingly, it'll be much easier. Home staging is a powerful tool that allows sellers to make their homes stand out and appeal to discerning buyers. Going back to the basics of staging can significantly enhance a property's marketability. By taking the time to prepare and present their homes in the best possible light, sellers can increase their chances of a quick and successful sale. A professional consultation can provide valuable insights and recommendations tailored to the specific property. Armed with this knowledge, sellers can take the reins and execute the staging process themselves, saving on costs while still reaping the benefits.