How to sell your house faster with home staging

How to prepare for home staging

Before jumping into staging, take a moment to plan. A little preparation goes a long way.

Key questions to ask before staging your home

• Do I need professional help, or can I stage my home myself?
• What is my budget for staging?
• How much time do I have before my home goes on the market?
• Should I rent furniture or use what I already have?
• What are the most important areas of my home to focus on?

It’s easy to think you can skip the extra effort in a hot market, but that’s a mistake. Preparing your home properly creates buzz and drives up offers. Think about it: more offers mean more competition, and that means a higher price. Making your home feel special is the key to getting the best possible offer.

How much does home staging cost? Budgeting for a successful sale

Staging doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. Here’s how to make the most of your budget:

Professional staging vs. Do It Yourself (DIY) staging costs
When it comes to home staging, you have two main options: hiring a professional or tackling the project yourself. Both approaches have their pros and cons, and the cost can vary.

Professional home staging services in Edmonton typically range from $300 to $600 for initial consultation, some places may offer free consultations, and $500 to $600 per month per staged room. While it might seem like a hefty investment, preparing your home properly creates buzz and drives up offers. More offers mean more competition, and that means a higher price.

If you prefer a hands-on approach, DIY staging can be more budget-friendly. Costs might include paint, minor repairs, new accessories, and possibly some rental furniture. Depending on the scope, you might spend anywhere from $200 to $1,000.

Balancing staging costs with expected ROI
To make the most of your staging investment, it’s important to consider your expected return on investment (ROI). Professionally staged homes can see a price increase of 10-20% compared to non-staged homes, while DIY efforts can still make a significant impact if done well. Weigh your budget against potential gains and choose the approach that aligns with your financial goals.

Ultimately, whether you go professional or DIY, making your home feel special is the key to getting the best possible offer.

3 critical steps you need to complete to prepare your home for staging

1. Declutter and depersonalize

• Remove personal items: Take down family photos and personalized decor.
• Organize closets: Neat storage spaces show buyers your home has ample space.
• Clear surfaces: Limit items on countertops and furniture to create a tidy, spacious look.

2. Deep clean every room

Let’s be real—no one wants to spend their weekend scrubbing baseboards and wiping down every light switch, but when you’re selling your home, a deep clean is non-negotiable. Buyers will notice the little things (yes, even that dusty ceiling fan you’ve been ignoring), and a spotless home tells them it’s been well cared for. It’s a pain, but it pays off. To maximize your home’s appeal for sale in Edmonton prioritize a deep clean focusing on these key areas:

• Bathrooms: sparkling toilets, showers, and mirrors,
• Kitchen: spotless countertops, appliances, and cabinets,
• Floors: vacuumed carpets and mopped hard surfaces, with clean baseboards,
• Walls: spot-cleaned and dusted,
• Windows: clean inside and out, and
• General areas: dust-free surfaces and sanitized touchpoints. A meticulously clean home leaves a lasting positive impression, leading to quicker sales and better offers.

Pro Tip: Consider hiring professional cleaners, especially for carpets and windows.

3. Make those small repairs that make a big impact

To boost your home’s marketability, address these priority repairs and quick updates alongside a thorough clean:

• Cosmetic fixes: fresh paint on walls and trim, repaired drywall, and new caulk in bathrooms/kitchens,
• Hardware updates: replaced outdated doorknobs, light fixtures, and cabinet hardware,
• Functionality repairs: fixed leaky faucets, running toilets, and sticking doors/windows,
• Curb appeal: trimmed landscaping, repaired fences, and a freshly painted front door, and
• Lighting: replaced burnt-out bulbs and maximized natural light.

These focused repairs and updates, combined with a meticulous clean, create an inviting and well-maintained impression, leading to faster sales and higher offers.

Follow these steps to stage your home like a pro

Create a space that feels like home (to anyone!)

• Choose neutral decor or paint colors to appeal to a broad audience.
• Neutral spaces allow buyers to envision their belongings. A spacious front entry sets the tone for a positive viewing.
• A luxurious, spa-like bathroom can significantly enhance a home’s appeal, while a poorly maintained one can be a major turn-off.

Pro Tip: If you’re working with a smaller space, check out these interior design hacks.

Highlight your home’s best features

• Maximizing natural light in each room.
  • Lighting matters, be sure to use warm classic light bulbs (between 2,700K to 3,000K is ideal), consistent lighting throughout the home.
• Using mirrors and lighting strategically.
• A clean, decluttered kitchen is essential, as many buyers prioritize this space.

Give every room a purpose (yes, even that weird little nook)

• Staging spare bedrooms, home offices, and nooks.

Furniture placement and styling tips

• Arranging furniture to improve flow and space.
• Arrange furniture to create open pathways and define each room’s purpose.
• Using accessories and decor thoughtfully.

Winter staging considerations

For winter home listings in Edmonton, ensure your online photos accurately reflect the season, showcasing snow-covered landscapes for a current feel.

• Maintain a warm and inviting atmosphere; avoid turning the heat down too low, as a cold home can deter buyers.
• Maximize lighting to create a cozy ambiance, making your home feel like a warm retreat from the winter chill.
• Highlight fireplaces, use area rugs on hardwood floors, and add plush blankets to seating areas.
• Showcase energy-efficient windows, sealed doors, and other features that keep the home warm.

Don’t forget curb appeal: first impressions matter

The buyer’s checklist begins the moment they approach your home. Curb appeal is crucial. A well-maintained exterior, from clear sidewalks to clean windows, creates a positive first impression and encourages them to step inside. Conversely, neglect can deter them before they even cross the threshold. Ensure working outdoor lights, a smooth-functioning door, and a welcoming entryway.

Exterior staging tips

• Ensure you cover the basics when it comes to landscaping and gardening. Trim bushes, remove dead leaves, and sweep porches. Even small touches can elevate your home’s exterior.
• Freshening up your front door and entryway.

Make your outdoor space shine (even in winter!)

• Staging outdoor furniture and decor. Consider adding season decor like  winter greenery, a festive wreath, or a new doormat to brighten up your entryway.
• Prioritize safety and create a welcoming path by keeping sidewalks thoroughly shoveled and ice-free.

Common staging mistakes to avoid

1. Over renovating: Many homeowners often attempt projects beyond their capabilities, delaying listings and potentially harming the property’s appeal. This can lead to missed market opportunities or poorly executed renovations. Avoid lengthy or overly ambitious projects, like a full kitchen remodel, that might not align with buyer preferences.
2. Subpar renovations: Trying to save money with subpar renovations can also backfire, as buyers may hesitate to invest in a home they’d need to further modify. Focus on quick, confident updates to streamline the sales process and get your property on the market promptly.
3. Over staging: Too much decor or excessive styling can make a home feel impersonal and staged unnaturally. Keep it simple and inviting.
4. Ignoring curb appeal: The first impression starts before buyers walk through the door. A clean, well-maintained exterior, fresh landscaping, and a welcoming entryway are just as important as the interior.
5. Clutter and personal items: Remove family photos, personal collections, and excessive decor. The goal is to create a neutral space that appeals to a broad range of buyers.
6. Poor lighting: A dimly lit home feels uninviting. Open curtains, replace burnt-out bulbs, and add table lamps to brighten dark corners.