Home Staging Tips That Sell Homes 73% Faster

According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell 73% faster than non-staged homes and for 5-10% more. Yet many agents skip this conversation with their sellers because they don't want to offend them.

Here's how to approach staging diplomatically and effectively.

The Conversation

Don't say: "Your home needs a lot of work before we can list it."

Do say: "Your home has great bones. With a few strategic tweaks, I think we can maximize your sale price and attract more buyers. Can I share some ideas?"

The 5 Highest-ROI Staging Actions

1. Declutter Ruthlessly

Remove 50% of everything. Yes, 50%. Buyers need to see the home, not your stuff.

• Pack away personal photos and memorabilia
• Clear kitchen counters (leave only 1-2 decorative items)
• Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel larger
• Clean out closets (buyers WILL open them)
• Rent a storage unit if needed

2. Deep Clean Everything

A clean home signals "well-maintained." A dirty home signals "what else have they neglected?"

• Professional carpet cleaning
• Window washing (inside and out)
• Grout cleaning in bathrooms and kitchen
• Baseboards, light fixtures, and ceiling fans
• Oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher

3. Neutralize Colors

Bold accent walls and unique color choices limit your buyer pool.

• Repaint in warm neutrals (greige, soft white, light gray)
• Cost: $200-500 per room DIY
• ROI: 100-200%

4. Maximize Curb Appeal

Buyers decide within 7 seconds of pulling up whether they're interested.

• Fresh mulch in flower beds
• Power wash driveway and walkways
• New welcome mat and potted plants at the front door
• Touch up exterior paint (especially the front door)
• Mow, edge, and trim everything

5. Update Lighting

Dark homes feel small and depressing. Bright homes feel spacious and inviting.

• Replace all burned-out bulbs
• Use consistent color temperature (warm white, 2700K)
• Add lamps to dark corners
• Open all blinds and curtains for showings
• Consider updating dated light fixtures ($20-50 each)

Room-by-Room Checklist

Living Room: Remove 1/3 of furniture, add throw pillows, style coffee table with books/candle

Kitchen: Clear counters, add a bowl of fresh fruit, display a cookbook, hide small appliances

Master Bedroom: White bedding, matching nightstands, remove TV if possible, add fresh flowers

Bathrooms: New white towels, clear counters, add a plant, replace shower curtain

Dining Room: Set the table with simple place settings, add a centerpiece, remove extra chairs

The Virtual Staging Option

For vacant homes or budget-conscious sellers, virtual staging is a game-changer:

• Cost: $25-75 per photo
• Looks professional in online listings
• Helps buyers visualize the space
• Much cheaper than physical staging ($2,000-5,000)

Generate Your Staging Recommendations

With CloserOS's Listing Generator, you can create customized staging checklists for each property based on its features, price point, and target buyer demographic.

Help your sellers maximize their sale price. Start free →