C O N T E N T
STAGE TO SELL
Below are a few key reasons why every seller should stage their home before listing it on the market:
ReturnOnInvestment(ROI):HomeStagingcan providean8-10%returnoninvestment.
MaximizeSalePrice:Stagedhomessellfor5-23%more thantheirlistingpriceonaverage.
SellFaster:Stagedhomesspend73%lessthimeonthe marketthannon-stagedhome.
WORKING WITH THE RIGHT AGENT
Overwhelmed by staging and prepping before listing your home? Work with an agent whousesRealitystagingandrenovationtomaximizeyoursale Firstimpressionsmatter strategic design ensures your home shines. NAR reports that 81% of buyers find it easiertopicturethemselvesinastagedhome.
REALITY STAGING
EnhancethelistingexperiencewithRealityStaging.OurDesignteamcreateshundredsof designsthatwecansimulateintoyourlistingimagestoshowthepotentialofevery space.Everythingthatabuyerseesinaphotoisactualproductthatcancometolife. Thisallowsustomarketyourhomewith“DesignServicesIncluded.”
REALITY RENOVATION
Lookingtosellwithoutthehassleofrenovations?We'vegotyoucovered!Wecandigitally transformphotosofyourkitchen,bathroom,orhomeexteriorwithhundredsofdesignoptions, showingbuyersthepotentialofarenovatedspace.Plus,ourdesignservicescomewiththesale, settingyourhomeapartfromthecompetitionandaddingvalueforfuturebuyers
Before After
TOP PAINT COLORS FOR STAGING
Oneofthemostcost-effectivewaystotransformaspace.PaintIsthetoolthatwill helpneutralizeyourhomesobuyerscanvisualizethemselvesInyourhouse.
GoNeutral:Neutralcolorscreateablankcanvasthatappealstoawiderrangeof potentialbuyers,allowingthemtoenvisiontheirownstyleinthespace.
MakeSmallSpacesBigger:Light,neutralshadescanmakeroomsappearlarger andmoreopen,whichisattractivetobuyers.
CreateaWowFactor:Neutralcolorsdrawattentiontoarchitecturalfeaturesand furnishingsinsteadofdistractingfromthem,showcasingthehome’sbest attributes.
HelpMoreBuyersVisualizeThemselvesinYourHouse:Buyerscaneasilyadd theirowndecorandfurnituretoneutralbackgroundswithoutclashing,making thehomefeelmoreinviting.
LIGHTING
Wecan’temphasizethisenough,rarelydopeoplehavethe correctlightingintheirrooms.Tocreateanewlook,change thelightbulbstodaylightbulbs.Youcangofromoldto newinasimple,inexpensiveway.
WHAT ABOUT BULBS?
Asitturnsout,manyofourhomes areimproperlylit.Toremedythe problem,increasethewattagein yourlampsandfixtures.Aimfora totalof100wattsforevery50square feet.Remember.Daylightbulbs makethemostsignificant difference.
ADD A LIGHT FIXTURE
Oneparticularpiececan elevateanyroom.It’softena lightfixture,astrikingpieceof art,orastunningrug.
Thissimplewhitediningroom comestolifewitha glamorousandcurrentbrass chandelier.Oritcouldbethe perfectantiquemirrorfor overthemantelorthat patternedrugthatbringsthe roomtolife.
Wewillchooseonekey elementineachroomthat bringsinsomeSTYLEto createanelevatedlook.
HANGING LIGHT FIXTURES AT THE PERFECT HEIGHT IN EACH ROOM
DiningRoom:Hangpendantlightsor chandeliersabout30to36inches abovethediningtable.Thisensures adequatelightingwhileallowingfor unobstructedviewsacrossthetable.
Kitchen:Pendantlightsshould behung30to36inchesabove countertopsorislands.For generallighting,installceiling fixturesaround7to8feethigh.
LivingRoom:Foroverheadfixtures,aimforaheightof7to8feetfromthefloor.If usingachandelier,keepitatleast7feetabovethefloortopreventitfrom obstructingsightlines.
Bedroom:Overheadlightsshouldbepositioned7to8feetfromthefloor.For bedsidelamps,placethemontablessothatthebottomofthelampshadeisabout eyelevelwhensittingupinbed.
Bathroom:Wallsconcesshouldbeplaced60to65inchesfromthefloor,centered ateyelevel.Overheadfixturesshouldbearound7feetabovethefloortoprovide sufficientlightwithoutbeingtoobright.
EntrywayorHallway:Hangfixtures7feetormoreabovethefloortoallowfor clearanceandavoidheadbumps.Forlargerspaces,consideraheightcloserto8 feet.
OutdoorSpaces:Foroutdoorfixtures,suchasporchlights,installthemabout6to8 feetofftheground,ensuringthey’revisibleandprovideadequatelightingwithout beingtoobright.
(floor)
DECLUTTER TO HELP VISION
It's almost impossible to create a cohesive, intentional look if you ' re holding ontotoomuchdecorandfurniturethatnolongerfitsthespace.Everythingin theroomshouldhaveapurposeandcontributetotheoveralldesign.Ideally, your furnishings and decor should complement the home’s color palette. You’ve likely heard it before, but decluttering is key get rid of items that collectdustornolongerenhancethelookofyourhome.
Insteadoftryingtoworkaroundoutdatedormismatchedfurniture,consider puttingitintostorage,sellingit,ordonatingit.Oneofthebestwaystoseea room with fresh perspective is to remove personal items and introduce decor that aligns with the style and atmosphere you want to create. You’ll probably find that the space feels fresher, more comfortable, and inviting withfarfewerthingsinit.Lessisoftenmorewhenitcomestostaging!
PRO TIP:
Whendecluttering,aimtoleaveallclosets,built-incabinets,drawers, andshelveslookinghalfempty.Buyersarelookingfor"extra"storage space,andalesscrowdedareahelpsthemvisualizeampleroomfor theirbelongings.
THE TWO PART MOVE
A two-part move in staging and selling a home involves the strategic process of preparing the property for the market and then transitioning to your new home.
Part1:StagingforSale
Declutter&Depersonalize:Thefirststepisremovingexcessitems,personal belongings,andcluttertocreateaclean,neutralenvironmentthatappeals toabroadrangeofbuyers.Thishelpsbuyersvisualizethemselvesinthe space.
StrategicStaging:Next,enhancethehome’sappealbyarrangingfurniture, addingneutraldecor,andhighlightingkeyfeatures.Thegoalistomakethe homelookinvitingandwell-maintained,maximizingitsvalueandhelpingit standouttopotentialbuyers.
Part2:TheMove
TemporaryStorage:Aspartofstaging,youmayneedtomoveextra furniture,decor,orpersonalitemsintotemporarystorage.Thisclearsspace inthehomeforstagingwhilealsopreparingfortheactualmove.
TransitiontoYourNewHome:Onceyourhomeissold,youcanbeginmoving intoyournewspace.Sinceyou'vealreadydeclutteredandputsomeitemsin storage,theactualmovewillbesmootherandmoreorganized.Atthisstage, focusoncarefullytransportingyouressentialswhileplanninghowto decorateyournewspace.
By breaking the process into these two parts, you can ensure that your current home is properly staged for maximum value while making your eventual move more efficient.
DECLUTTERING CHECKLIST
Removedeadordyinghouseplants
Decoraccentssmallerthanagrapefruitorshorterthan4"
Toysthekidsandpetscanlivewithoutforthenext3months
Removeheavydrapery,valances,swags,andotherwindowtreatments, keepingonlyblinds,shutters,orsolid,light-coloredcurtainpanelsthat reachthefloor.
Anythingandeverythingontopofthekitchencabinets
Everythingontopofandattachedtothefridge(eventhemagnets)
Removeanykitchenwareyoucanlivewithoutforthenextthreemonths. Findspaceinthepantryorcabinetsforremainingsmallappliancesand removetheknifeblockforsafety.Keeponlyminimaldecorandsome plantsonthecounters.
Removethedryingrackbythekitchensinkandstoreitinyourcabinets duringphotos,openhouses,andshowings.
Removeanyvisiblepotholdersordishtowelsfromhooksordoor handlesinthekitchenforphotos,openhouses,andshowings.
DECLUTTERING CHECKLIST
Removeallthrowrugs,includingkitchenandbathroomones.Use washableterrybathmatsinthebathroomonlywhileshowering,and hideorwashthembeforebuyersarrive.
Removeallmakeupandtoiletriesyouwon'tneedforthenextthree monthsfromthebathroomcounter;storeessentialsinadraweror cabinetinstead.
Storeallskincareandhaircareproductsinshowercaddiesplacedina bathroomcabinet.Onlytakeoutthecaddywhenshowering,thenreturn ittothecabinetafterward.
Clothesandshoesyouwon'tbewearingforthenext3months
CURB APPEAL
Curb Appeal Checklist for Selling Your Home
CleanandPowerWash:
-Powerwashsiding,walkways,driveway,andporch.
-Cleanwindows,gutters,anddownspouts.
FreshPaint:
-Touchuporrepaintthefrontdoor,shutters,andtrim.
-Considerpaintingyourmailbox,housenumber,orexterioraccents.
LawnCare:
-Mowthelawnregularlyandkeepedgesneat.
-Removeweedsandaddfreshmulchtogardenbeds.
Landscaping:
-Trimovergrownshrubs,hedges,andtrees.
-Plantfreshflowersoraddpottedplantsforcolorandvibrancy.
EntrywayUpgrade:
-Addanewwelcomematandcleanorreplaceporchlightfixtures.
-Placeadecorativewreathorseasonaldecoronthefrontdoor.
FixandRepair:
-Repaircrackedwalkways,damagedfences,orloosebricks.
-Fixorreplacebrokenoroutdatedhardware,suchasdoorhandles.
Lighting:
- Ensure outdoor lighting is functional and gives a warm, welcoming glow.
-Consideraddingsolarpathwaylightsorupdatedporchlightingfixtures.
Driveway and Garage:
- Seal any cracks in the driveway and clean oil stains.
- Organize and declutter the garage
Buyers often want to inspect garage space as part of storage potential.
Roof and Chimney:
- Inspect the roof for any missing or damaged shingles and fix as needed.
- Clean the chimney or make sure it's free of debris.
Fencing and Gates:
- Ensure all fences and gates are in good condition
Clean, and freshly painted or stained if necessary
By completing this checklist, you’ll create a strong first impression that draws buyers in, giving them a positive sense of your home’s overall care and maintenance.
WINDOW COVERINGS
Drapesandwindowcoveringscanbeexpensive.Butyoucanmakesimpleoffthe- shelf drapes look more expensive by simply hanging them correctly and adding extra panels to make them look fuller and more luxurious. You can also findtheseonourdesignboards.
Single curtain panels will ALWAYS look cheap and chintzy. ESPECIALLY if The curtain rod is not wide enough and hung too low. It's best to remove outdated curtainsandrodsandhavenothingifnewcurtainsaren'twithinbudget.
Place the curtain rod high, close to the ceiling to maximize height, and wide enough that the drapes can be gathered mainly to the outside of the window frame.Thiswillmakethewindowlookmoreprominent.Getatleast2or3panels for each side of a large window, so they look friendly and complete. Curtain ringsandaprettyrodaredetailsthatwillmakeevenbigboxstorecurtainslook luxurious.
Makesureyourwindow coveringslookcleanand crisp.Youcanmachinewash mostcurtainsandlightlydry them;iftheyhavewrinkles, makesureyouironorsteam them!
CURTAIN HANGING 101
It may surprise you, but all four windows on this page are identical in size! To create the illusion of larger windows and a more expansive room, hang curtain rods higher—just below the ceiling rather than directly above the window frame. Additionally, extend the rods beyond the sides of the window This allows the curtains to be fully drawn back, exposing the entire window and maximizing natural lightintheroom.
Curtain panels should extend all the way down to the floor, rather than stopping at the window frame. It's perfectly fine if they lightly graze the floor or even puddle a little. When staging a homeforsale,solidwhitecurtains areyourbestoption.Whiletexture can add interest, stay away from bold patterns and overly bright or dark colors. Additionally, remove any valances or swags, as these tend to give the space a dated appearance.
STAGING A BOOKCASE
CleartheBookcase
Beginbyclearingtheentirebookcaseto startwithablankcanvas.Thisallowsyouto approachstylingwithafreshperspective.
GroupandArrangeBooks
Groupyourbooksbycolor,choosingshades thatcomplementeachother Stacksome bookshorizontallyandarrangeothers vertically.Useazigzagpatterntobalance theplacementofbooksacrosstheshelves.
AddPlants
Incorporateplantsforanaturaltouch.Place theminazigzagpatternaswell,butdon’t worryaboutmatchingthedirectionofthe books.Thevariationcreatesamore dynamicdisplay.
DecorativePieces
Fillintheremainingspaceswithdecorative itemslikevases,boxes,orornaments.Stay awayfromframedphotosofpeopleorpets, asthesepersonaltouchescandistract buyers.
CreativeSolutionsforLimitedDecor
Ifyou'reshortondecor,repurposeaframe byremovingthepersonalphotoandadding decorativepaperoraneutralblack-andwhiteimage,suchasarchitectureor landscapes.Leavetheoriginalphotobehind theinsertsoitcaneasilyberestoredwhen youmove.
Whensellingahome,it'sbesttoavoid overfillingbookcaseswithbooksand decor.Leavingsomeopenspace, similartokeepingcabinetsandclosets partiallyempty,createstheimpression ofamplestorage.Overcrowdedshelves, especiallywithcolorfulorpatterned items,canmakethespacefeel clutteredandoverwhelmingto potentialbuyers.
PRO TIP:
STYLNG BEDDING & PILLOWS
When it come to staging a bed be sure to use lots of layers and textures!
Startwithasolidwhitebottomlayer.
Addafluffycomforterfoldedinhalforthirdsatthefootofthebed. Oneormorethrowblanketsontopofthecomforter.
Forakingbed-4king-sizebedpillows,or3Euroandtwoking size.
Foraqueenbed-4queen-sizebedpillows. Fordouble/fullbeds-4standard-sizebedpillows.
Allsleepingpillowsshouldbeincleanwhitepillowcasesorshams thatmatchthecoverletorcomforter.Putthepillowscoveredin shamsinfrontandtheonesinpillowcasesintheback.
Addanother2-3rowsofdown-filledordown-alternativeaccent pillowsinthefront.Chopthetopcenterofeachaccentpillow lightlywithyourhand.
Alwaysmakesurethelegsofthebedormetalbaseandsiderails arecovered.Useabedskirtifyourbeddoesn'thaveupholstered orwoodensiderails.Alsomakesuretheboxspringsarecovered.
RUGS BUYING & PLACEMENT
LIVINGROOM PLACEMENT
placethefronttwolegsofeach furniturepieceontherug
STANDARDSIZES
96"x120"| 108"x144"|132"x168" *forsmallerspaces,trya60"x96"
DININGROOM PLACEMENT
choosearugthatextendsabout24" beyondeachsideofthetable 96"x120"| 108"x144"
STANDARDSIZES
RUG BUYING GUIDE
BEDROOM
PLACEMENT
nomatterthesizeofthebed,yourrug shouldextend36"orsoaroundthebed
96"x120"(queen)| 108"x144"(king)|60"x96"(twin)
GET PICTURE READY
UseaPersonalItemTote:Keepasmalltoteorbinhandyforpersonal itemsliketoiletries,mail,andothereverydayclutter.Beforeashowing orphotoshoot,quicklystashtheseitemsawaytomaintainaclean look.
ClearKitchenCounters:Removeeverythingfromkitchencounters, includingappliances,utensils,anddecor.Aclearcountercreatesa spacious,cleanimpressioninphotos.
Bathrooms:Keepcountertopsclear,hidepersonalitems,andensure towelsareneatlyhung.Usefresh,neutraldecortokeepthespace lookinginvitingandorganized.
OrganizeClosets:Closetswillbephotographed,somakesuretheyare tidyandlookspacious.Leavesomeopenspaceandarrangeitems neatlytoshowcasetheavailablestorage.
Byfollowingthese steps,yourhomewill lookpristineand picture-ready, helpingitappealto potentialbuyers.
