81 Home Staging Tips That Help Buyers Fall in Love
Andi • March 24, 2020
Their agent won’t have to say, “Picture this.” Buyers will see your home at its best.
Staging your house can make you money. Seventy-one percent of sellers’ agents believe a well-staged environment increases the dollar value buyers are willing to offer, according to the National Association of REALTORS® “2015 Profile of Home Staging.”
Just take this real world tale of two condo listings from Terrylynn Fisher, a REALTOR® with Dudum Real Estate Group in Walnut Creek, Calif., who also stages:
Both units were in the
same complex. One hadn’t been staged or updated since it was built; the other
was staged and had been slightly refreshed (a little paint here and there and
one redone bath). Otherwise, both units were the same size and layout. The
staged condo sold for about $30,000 more than the unstaged unit, she says.
“People couldn’t believe it was the same model.”
Before your eyes turn into dollar signs, keep in mind staging isn’t guaranteed
to get you more money. But it’s an important marketing tool to help you compete
at the right price, which means you can sell faster. (A study from the Real
Estate Staging Association bears this out.)
Helping buyers fall in love with your property takes more than running the
vacuum and fluffing the pillows: It’s all about decluttering, repairing,
updating, and depersonalizing, say real estate agents and stagers.
With help from Fisher and other sources, we’ve compiled the ultimate home staging checklist.
Living Room
Embrace symmetry when staging your living room. Coordinated sets, like these pillows, are pleasing to a buyer’s eye.
- When placing anything from accent pillows and table lamps, go for symmetry, which is pleasing to the eye.
- Light it up with lamps. Chic lamps provide both added lighting and appealing decor.
- Make that fireplace glow. Scrub away soot stains and replace the old screen.
- If you’re using staging furniture or buying slip covers, choose light colors for an airy, inviting feel.
- Whatever amount of furniture you have in your living room, remove a few pieces to make the room feel spacious.
- Use bright, coordinated accessories like accent pillows and throw blankets for a chic splash of color.
- Help buyers imagine their life in your home. Set the scene by displaying a board game or tea service on the coffee table, and arrange furniture in conversational groups.
- Let a slideshow of beautiful images play on your television like a screensaver.
Kitchen
Clear everything from countertops except one or two decorative items, like a vase of flowers or bowl of fresh fruit.
- Pack up all the dishes except one attractive, matching set. Do the same with glassware, flatware, and cookware, and pare down all other cupboard and drawer items down to the minimum.
- Freshen up and modernize those cabinets with a fresh coat of paint or stain and new hardware.
- Seriously evaluate your appliances. Can they look new again with a good scrubbing? Give it the old college try or consider replacing with new models. The Real Estate Staging Association strongly recommends stainless steel. Tip: You can get the look of stainless for the cost of a cheap dinner with stainless films.
- Remove those fridge magnets and give the door and handles a good cleaning.
- Scrub dirt, grime, and stains from walls, cabinets, and backsplashes.
- Clean cabinet interiors, especially under the sink.
- Clean and organize the pantry, leaving some empty space to make it look bigger. Store items in decorative baskets and display a few jars of fancy jam and other upscale condiments.
- Empty all trash cans and move them out of sight.
Bedrooms
- Go gender neutral in the master bedroom. Ditch those dainty, floral pillow shams or NASCAR posters.
- Pack up all but the clothes you’re wearing this season to make you closets look larger.
- Swap out the motley crew of mismatched hangers in your closet for a set of wooden ones to create a classy, boutique look.
- Put jewelry and other valuables in a safe spot.
- Consider giving extra bedrooms a new identity as a home office, sewing room, or another interesting function.
- Remove televisions or video game consoles from bedrooms to depersonalize and create a serene setting.
Dining Room
Help buyers imagine hosting a dinner party in their new dining room by setting out attractive place settings.
- Let buyers entertain the idea of entertaining. Set out some chic place settings around the table, or a few wine glasses and a decanter on the buffet.
- Strike a balance between overly formal and too casual with an attractive runner and a few fun, decorative elements — think small floral vases or short candle holders.
Bathroom
- It’s de-grime time: Scrub and sanitize the walls, floor, shower door — virtually every surface that comes in contact with steam.
- Spend extra time scrubbing that tile grout and re-caulk around the tub if necessary.
- If your bathroom tile is dated, try paint instead of replacing it. Start with a high-adhesion primer and either epoxy or latex paint.
- Remove clutter from the countertop, tub, and top of toilet. Clean surfaces until they gleam.
- Pack up and hide all your personal products — from medicine to razors.
- Create a luxury spa look with a fancy soap dispenser, fluffy white towels, decorative baskets, candles, plants, a white shower curtain, and a new bath mat.
- Fix leaky or running toilets and replace toilet seats.
- Remove hard water stains on faucets and shower heads. (Try vinegar!)
- Take a daring sniff of the drains. Odorous? Clean them out, and deodorize with baking soda, boiling water, or vinegar.
- Time for a new sink anyway? Try a pedestal sink to optimize precious bathroom space.
Walls, Windows & More
- Have a dark corner or hallway? Brighten it up with a decorative mirror.
- Neutralize the walls. If any rooms are painted in dark colors, repaint white or beige.
- Paint adjacent rooms the same color to make the whole space feel larger.
- Fill nicks and holes in walls, and touch up with paint.
- Sorry, wood paneling. It’s time. Paint over paneling with a neutral color. To really cover your tracks, use wood filler between panels and paint over the entire thing.
- Make sure every switch plate and outlet cover matches and looks brand new.
- Wash the windows, inside and out. Repair any holes or tears in screens.
- Replace those family portraits with interesting art placed strategically throughout the house. Avoid leaving dead space on walls.
Throughout the House
- Declutter! Consider it pre-packing for your move. Box up books, clothes, and personal items and place them (neatly!) in the garage or — better yet — a rented storage unit.
- Don’t forget to include memorabilia in those decluttering bins. Family photos, diplomas, and the kids’ artwork should all go.
- Keep closets, basements, and attics as empty as possible to maximize the appearance of storage space.
- Transform underused areas of the house — the alcove under the stairs or the end of a hallway — into functional spots. Add a desk to create a mini office, or a chair and small bookshelf for a reading nook.
- Swap dim lights for high-wattage bulbs.
- Check every door, drawer, and cabinet to ensure they open and close easily. Swap out any faulty — or dingy — hardware.
- Damaged or aging hardwood floors? Replace damaged boards with new wood, sand down the entire floor, and re-stain.
- Do a deep (deep, deep) clean. Hire a professional cleaning service to clean your home from top to bottom — including carpets — before viewings.
Exterior
- Hang attractive house numbers that are legible from the road.
- Brighten up your porch with fresh paint or stain.
- Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door, preferably red, black, blue, or wood stain, so long as it complements the trim and doesn’t blend, says The Real Estate Staging Association. Steer clear of unconventional colors like purple.
- Buy a new doormat to welcome home buyers.
- Power-wash the house exterior, walkway, steps, driveway, and porch until everything sparkles.
- Make sure the locks and doorbell function.
- Make that mailbox look clean and welcoming, or get a new one.
- Plant lots of colorful blooms in attractive pots and planter beds.
- Trim back trees and shrubs from the approach to the front door.
- Whip that yard into shape with fresh sod or new seed
- Store yard equipment and children’s toys out of sight.
- Repair shaky banisters.
- Get a hammock (or bocce ball game or raised fire pit) to show off how fun your yard can be.
- Dress up any imperfect planting area with mulch.
- Make sure entryway lights function and are free of cobwebs and insects.
- Hide trash cans, recycle bins, and garden hoses.
- Don’t forget your outdoor living space. Stage your patio like a second living room, with fashionable furniture, accent pillows, an outdoor rug, and other patio-friendly decor.
- · Scrub those pet stains on the carpets and rugs until totally gone or replace them if necessary. Try cleaning formulas made especially for pet odors.
- Pet odors soak into your best friend’s favorite things. Completely remove pet beds (or Fido’s most-loved couch), blankets, toys, play structures, food bowls, and the like.
- Use air fresheners that eliminate odors, rather than simply mask them. There’s nothing worse than the smell of artificial pine with kitty litter undertones.
- Repair or remove any furniture that’s been scratched or gnawed on.
- Clean all pet “presents” from the yard.
- Keep cat boxes immaculate and hidden away, or — better yet — see how your feline-loving friends feel about a temporary houseguest and remove litter boxes altogether.
- Remove any dog or cat doors. Pets? What pets?
- When you leave the house for a viewing, take all the furry (or feathery or scaly) residents along with you.
- Make a pet hair sweep the last thing you do before you leave the house.
Day of Showing
- Add a seasonal touch. Simmer cinnamon sticks in the fall and set out fresh cut lilacs in the spring.
- Tidy like you’ve never tidied before.
- Avoid cooking any food for your own meals, but do bake some cookies or other baked goods to leave a welcoming aroma behind.
- Take off. After all that staging work, you deserve a trip to the spa while potential home buyers are busy falling in love with your house.
HOUSELOGIC
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NATALIE BURG
Natalie Burg is a freelance writer, editor and author whose work appears in such publications as Forbes BrandVoice, The Content Strategist and Business Insider. She’s constantly DIYing something in her Ann Arbor Cape Cod where she lives with a big human, a little human, and a silly, silly dog.
LAST CHANCE: First-Time Homebuyer Class — Two-Night Series (Sept & October) Missed Tuesday’s class at Goods? You’ve got two more chances this year—each is a two-night event. Pick one month and plan to attend both nights to complete the series at Movement Mortgage: 2200 Rimland Dr, Suite #250, Bellingham, WA 98226. Choose your series: * September: Sept 15 and Sept 17 at 6:30 pm * October: Oct 20 and Oct 21 at 6:30 pm Why join us: Unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (eligibility applies; this class is required to qualify). Whatcom County market snapshot: what’s moving, what’s sitting, and why. Clear, step-by-step game plan: financing → offers → inspections → keys. Live Q&A with local pros. Bring your questions (we’ll translate the acronyms). Space is limited—these are our final classes of the year. P.S. Assistance programs have eligibility requirements and limited funds. We’ll walk you through the details so you know exactly where you stand.
LAST CHANCE: First-Time Homebuyer Class — Two-Night Series (Sept & October) Missed Tuesday’s class at Goods? You’ve got two more chances this year—each is a two-night event. Pick one month and plan to attend both nights to complete the series at Movement Mortgage: 2200 Rimland Dr, Suite #250, Bellingham, WA 98226. Choose your series: * September: Sept 15 and Sept 17 at 6:30 pm * October: Oct 20 and Oct 21 at 6:30 pm Why join us: Unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (eligibility applies; this class is required to qualify). Whatcom County market snapshot: what’s moving, what’s sitting, and why. Clear, step-by-step game plan: financing → offers → inspections → keys. Live Q&A with local pros. Bring your questions (we’ll translate the acronyms). Space is limited—these are our final classes of the year. P.S. Assistance programs have eligibility requirements and limited funds. We’ll walk you through the details so you know exactly where you stand.
If you know Bellingham, you know 1107 Railroad Ave. This is the building that grew up with Boundary Bay Brewery from its early days in the basement to the bustling beer garden and stage that became a heartbeat of downtown. Now, this iconic property is officially back on the market . 3 connected buildings (1103–1107 Railroad Ave) Prime .55 acre lot across from Depot Market Square 10,599 sq. ft. of historic commercial space Zoned Commercial with endless potential Whether you see the future as a brewery, event space, or another community-minded hub, opportunities like this don’t come around often. Reach out today to explore this rare piece of Bellingham’s history and future. Andi Dyer Real Estate Real estate with care, respect, and vision Andi: 360.734.6479 | Katie: 360.820.3065
Tuesday evenings now through Aug 26th from 6–8 PM , depart from the Bellingham Cruise & Ferry Terminal for a bay tour with local legend Kolby LaBree plus select trivia and family nights. Tickets $55 (or $45 for Museum members); kids 5 and under sail free . Proceeds support Whatcom Museum programs. Grab your spot before they sell out. P.S. I did the history tour with Kolby a few weeks ago and it was terrific, I learn something new each time with her!
Join us and our guest Amy Baker to learn about first-time home buying on Tuesday, August 19th, at Goods Local Brews (2620 Northwest Ave.) at 6 pm. Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, and we’re here to help make the process simple and stress-free! Join us for our First-Time Home Buyer Seminar, where we’ll break down everything you need to know—from understanding mortgages and down payment assistance programs to navigating the home-buying process with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step, this seminar will provide expert insights and practical advice to help you make informed decisions on your journey to homeownership. Questions? Call/text: 360.734.6479
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I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be representing the Women’s Council of REALTORS® – Northwest Washington Network at this year’s WCR NXT Convention in Houston ! I'm going as the Vice President of Whatcom, Skagit, & Island County. It’s a powerful gathering of real estate leaders from across the country, and I can’t wait to bring back fresh ideas, connections, and inspiration to our local network. Stay tuned for takeaways and behind-the-scenes peeks—this is going to be good. The Women's Council of REALTORS® advances women as professionals and leaders in business, the industry, and the communities we serve, and "When Women Are Present, Everything Changes."
So many possibilities with this 9.9-acre property in a prime location near I-5. The bright and airy rambler features an open floor plan and two primary suites, offering comfort and flexibility. Unique zoning allows for an RV park, and the property currently generates $50,000+ in part-time annual revenue through RV parking, camping, and a 2024 trailer that conveys with the sale and operates as a successful Airbnb rental. The land is beautifully landscaped with gardens, fruit trees, and lush, park-like scenery—creating a private sanctuary that feels far away yet remains close to amenities. Continue to grow the business, expand operations, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting while generating passive income. A rare opportunity!
JOIN THE PACK THIS AUGUST Lace up those sneakers and leash up your sense of adventure— the very first Race for the Underdogs 5K is happening at stunning Lake Padden in Bellingham on Sunday, August 17 at 8:30 AM . This heartwarming event benefits the incredible work of Happy Tails Happy Homes (HTHH) , a Whatcom County nonprofit that gives second chances to the animals who need it most. 🐶 Who You're Racing For HTHH isn’t your typical rescue. We’re a volunteer-powered, foster-based organization with no shelter, no offices, and no paid staff —just a deep love for the underdogs. That means every dollar raised goes straight to the animals, many of whom arrive with medical or behavioral challenges. We believe every tail deserves a happy ending. 🏃♀️ About the Race This scenic 5K trail loop winds counterclockwise around Lake Padden on soft grass and wooded paths. Starting near the picnic shelter at the east entrance, the route is mostly flat with a few rolling hills and one short uphill stretch through the trees on the lake’s southwest side. It’s peaceful, pet-friendly, and just the right mix of nature and challenge. 📍 Getting There From I-5 Northbound (Seattle): Take Exit 246 (N. Lake Samish), head left at the stop sign, drive 2.5 miles to the East Lake Padden entrance, and follow the HTHH signs to the playground. From I-5 Southbound (Bellingham): Take Exit 252 (Samish Way), go left over the freeway, right onto Samish Way, and continue 2.5 miles to the second Lake Padden sign (East entrance). Turn right and follow signs to the playground area.
