Fixing Up a Home Before Selling: A Staging Professional’s Guide
When preparing a home for sale, presentation is everything. A well-staged home can attract more buyers, increase perceived value, and lead to quicker sales. Below is a step-by-step approach to fixing up a home before selling it, focusing on maximizing appeal and minimizing expenses.
Homes that are move in ready make a better first impression, sell faster (and at a higher selling price), and have fewer buyer negotiations. If you prefer to sell as-is, you will have a faster listing process, lower up front costs, and attract renovation savvy buyers and investors. Choosing which route is best for you.
1. Declutter & Depersonalize
Remove excess furniture to create open, inviting spaces.
Store personal items like family photos, memorabilia, and bold décor.
Clear out countertops in kitchens and bathrooms.
Organize closets—buyers will look inside.
2. Deep Clean Everything
Hire professional cleaners for carpets, windows, and grout.
Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms—these should sparkle!
Eliminate pet odors, smoke smells, and mustiness.
3. Make Necessary Repairs
Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked tiles.
Patch holes in walls and touch up paint as needed.
Ensure all lights work and replace outdated fixtures if necessary.
4. Refresh with Paint & Finishes
Stick to neutral tones like beige, greige, or soft white.
Repaint walls that have bold or outdated colors.
Consider repainting kitchen cabinets or replacing outdated hardware for a fresh look.
5. Boost Curb Appeal
Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and add fresh mulch.
Power wash the driveway and sidewalks.
Add a fresh welcome mat, potted plants, and a stylish house number for a polished first impression.
6. Enhance Lighting & Ambiance
Open blinds and curtains to let in natural light.
Remove curtains if possible, especially sheers, tie backs and eyelit styles.
Replace old bulbs with warm, bright LED lights.
Add lamps or mirrors to brighten dark spaces.
7. Stage Each Room with Purpose
Arrange furniture to highlight functionality and flow.
Use neutral décor—throw pillows, fresh towels, and simple artwork.
Set the dining table with stylish (but minimal) place settings.
Add small, fresh touches like a bowl of fruit in the kitchen or fresh flowers in the living room.
8. Highlight Key Selling Points
If there’s a working fireplace, stage it with candles or neatly stacked logs.
Showcase a home office setup, even in a small nook.
Emphasize outdoor spaces with cozy seating or string lights.
9. Professional Photography is a Must
Once the home is staged, invest in high-quality listing photos.
Well-lit, professionally shot images can make all the difference in attracting buyers online.
By following these staging strategies, sellers can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of buyers—helping their home sell faster and often for a higher price.When preparing to sell a home, one of the biggest decisions homeowners face is whether to invest in repairs and upgrades before listing or to sell the home as-is. Both options have pros and cons, and the right choice depends on factors like market conditions, budget, and the overall condition of the home.
Homes that are move in ready make a better first impression, sell faster (and at a higher selling price), and have fewer buyer negotiations. If you prefer to sell as-is, you will have a faster listing process, lower up front costs, and attract renovation savvy buyers and investors. Choosing which route is best for you.
Not all renovations yield a high return. Some costly improvements, such as full kitchen remodels, may not add as much value as expected. If the local market doesn’t support a higher price for the upgrades, the investment might not pay off.
According to Zonda’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, the top three projects last year continue to rank among the highest in ROI: garage door replacement at 194% ROI, steel door replacement at 188%, and manufactured stone veneer at 153%. These projects have consistently shown remarkably high return values in previous years, as well
If you’re unsure which repairs to prioritize, consider getting a pre-listing home staging consultation and/or consult with a real estate agent to determine which improvements will yield the best return.