STEP 16 TO SELLING YOUR HOME – 81 HOME STAGING TIPS THAT HELP BUYERS FALL IN LOVE
Andi • July 26, 2022
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® “2019 Profile of Home Staging.”
Just take this real world tale of two condo listings:
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 or velvet 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.
Questions? Contact us at andi@andidyer(dot)com or 360-734-6479.
Hello Bellingham, Being a landlord can be rewarding—but it’s not as simple as handing over the keys. From screening tenants and setting clear leases to handling maintenance and avoiding common pitfalls, a little strategy goes a long way. Whether you already own a rental or you’re just curious about investing, this quick read breaks down the essential do’s and don’ts every landlord should know. 👉 Read the full guide on Avail.
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The federal government shutdown that began today is already impacting homebuyers, sellers, and renters in Whatcom County, according to local Managing Broker and REALTOR® Andi Dyer of RE/MAX Whatcom County. One of the most significant immediate effects is the lapse of authority for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to issue new policies. This could delay closings for properties in flood-prone areas such as Birch Bay and the Nooksack Valley. Existing NFIP policies remain valid for 30 days, but uncertainty grows the longer the shutdown continues. Other disruptions include: IRS income verification delays, which could slow mortgage approvals. FHA and VA loan processing backlogs, affecting many first-time buyers and veterans. Potential funding slowdowns for federal housing programs, which may ripple into rental markets. This doesn’t mean real estate transactions stop—it means they may take longer. Real estate doesn’t stop during a shutdown—it just gets more complicated. My job is to help people cut through the red tape and keep their transactions on track. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is urging Congress to reauthorize NFIP and pass a funding agreement to reduce uncertainty in the housing market.
(From Someone Who’s Been There — and Won!)
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I will be a guest speaker on Friday, October 17, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM . Where: Virtual—watch from the comfort of home or on the go! Hosted by: Aging Well Whatcom, an initiative of the Chuckanut Health Foundation. What to expect: a clear snapshot of senior housing in Whatcom County—what’s working, where the gaps are, and where the opportunities lie—plus a panel discussion on progress and next steps. Click the button to register! Aging Well Whatcom works to ensure our community has the culture, infrastructure, and support for all of us to age well.
Learn how to invest in Bellingham real estate without getting overwhelmed. Discover expert tips on zoning, rentals, and ROI in Whatcom County.
If you’ve been refreshing rate trackers over your morning Woods Coffee, good news: Whatcom County mortgage rates just slid to a new 2025 low after a softer-than-expected U.S. jobs report. Translation? The bond market is betting the Federal Reserve will trim short-term rates multiple times, and that’s putting downward pressure on home loan costs here in Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, and Birch Bay. Why rates dropped this week (in plain English) When the monthly jobs report comes in weak, investors get cautious and shift money into safer assets like U.S. Treasurys. That pushes Treasury yields down—and mortgage rates often follow. You may hear chatter about “basis points” and “Fed cuts.” Don’t stress the jargon: the big picture is that borrowing just got a bit cheaper. Jobs report → bond yields → mortgage rates Slower hiring = lower expectations for inflation and growth Lower expectations = lower bond yields Lower bond yields = more favorable mortgage rates for homebuyers What lower rates mean in Bellingham, Ferndale & beyond Buyers: more purchasing power (but move fast) A small rate dip can boost your budget by tens of thousands over a 30-year loan. In neighborhoods like Barkley, Lettered Streets, and Cordata—where updated homes under $700K still draw weekend traffic—expect renewed competition. Get pre-approved and rate-locked so you can tour on Saturday and write on Sunday. Sellers: more showings, smarter pricing Falling rates wake up sidelined buyers. That can mean stronger open house turnout in Ferndale’s newer plats and quicker activity on well-prepped listings near Lake Whatcom and Meridian. Price with the market (not last spring’s wish list), and lean on fresh staging and pro photos to ride the momentum. Should you refinance now or wait? Have a rate starting with 7 or 8? Run the numbers now. Even a 0.5% drop can pay for itself quickly. Locked recently in the mid-6s? Keep an eye on the next Fed meeting. If the trend continues, a “float-down” with your lender could be your friend. Jumbo or VA/FHA loans? Program-specific pricing moves differently—let’s audit your scenario before you jump. Local lens: Whatcom County micro-trends we’re seeing Bellingham real estate market: Nicely updated, move-in-ready homes under the county median still draw multiple offers when priced right. Lynden: Tight inventory for single-level homes; rate drops amplify demand from downsizers. Birch Bay/Blaine: Waterfront and view condos perk up quickly when rates ease—watch HOA dues and special assessments in your math. Ferndale: Newer construction with energy-efficient features is benefiting as monthly payments dip. Action plan: 3 quick steps to capitalize Get a same-day pre-approval refresh. Rates shift. Make sure your letter and payment estimates reflect today’s pricing. Request a “payment-first” search. Tell me your ideal monthly payment; I’ll reverse-engineer neighborhoods and property types that fit. Plan your lock strategy. Consider a lock-and-shop or float-down option, especially if you’re 30–45 days from closing. FAQ Will lower mortgage rates drop home prices in Bellingham? Not automatically. Lower rates often increase demand, which can support or nudge up prices—especially for well-located, move-in-ready homes. Is it better to buy now or wait for more Fed cuts? If the right home shows up and the payment works, waiting can cost you in competition. We can structure contingencies and a lock strategy to manage risk. What about first-time buyers in Whatcom County? Here’s the bonus: I’m a certified Washington State Housing Finance Commission instructor , which means I can connect you with programs that unlock up to $40,000 in down payment assistance . If you’re starting out, this can be a serious game-changer. Call me today to start a conversation, Andi Dyer, 360.734.6479
Bellingham SeaFeast: Save the Dates! SeaFeast is back on the waterfront Saturday–Sunday, Sept 27–28 , 10 am–5 pm at Squalicum Harbor, and general admission is free . It’s a two-day celebration of our working harbor, maritime heritage, and (of course) incredible local seafood. What to expect Local seafood vendors (yes, the food court is your oyster), a beer/wine/cider garden, and Lummi Nation’s traditional salmon barbecue. Hands-on maritime fun: kids boat-building, “meet your fisherfolk,” a Coast Guard rescue demo, a family parade, and a waterfront 5K, Live music, arts vendors, education booths with a prize “passport,” and more. Plus, you can level-up your day with ticketed experiences like San Juan Cruises harbor rides, an All American Marine tour, a VIP Lounge with raw oyster bar, and crafty workshops. Plan your visit : Explore the overview and reserve ticketed add-ons in advance so you can spend less time in line and more time on the docks with your favorite fisherfolk.
