Stage to Sell: 7 Proven Steps to Attract Buyers and Boost Offers

Selling your home quickly and for the right price takes more than just listing it online. To attract serious buyers and get top offers, your home needs to stand out—and that’s where home staging comes in. By preparing your home—whether that means redecorating, repairing, or simply making it look its best—you can make a lasting impression that boosts its appeal. The numbers don’t lie: 81% of buyer agents say staging helps buyers picture themselves living in a home, and almost half of agents agree that staging increases the sale price and shortens the time it stays on the market. Whether you decide to stage it yourself or work with a pro, here are seven key steps to turn your property into a buyer’s dream. Whether you’re in Mammoth Lakes or elsewhere, these tips can help you maximize your home’s potential.

Step 1: Declutter and Depersonalize

First things first—clear out the clutter and personal items. It’s been shown that decluttering can increase a home’s sale price by 3-5%. You want buyers to envision their life in the space, and that means creating a neutral, clean canvas. This isn’t about adding cozy touches; it’s about removing distractions. Take away extra furniture, family photos, and personal knick-knacks, especially toys and pet items. Think of this as a head start on packing for your move, and if you have a lot of stuff, consider renting a storage unit to keep things organized while your home is on the market.

Step 2: Deep Clean and Repair

A sparkling clean home makes a fantastic first impression. Go beyond the surface—deep clean everything, especially overlooked areas like baseboards, windows, and appliances. Even small signs of wear can turn buyers off. Make the home look like no one’s lived there! Take care of minor repairs too—like chipped paint, grout, or worn hardware. Small updates can go a long way in increasing your home’s value. For instance, refinishing hardwood floors can give you a 147% return on investment. If you need help, we can recommend a pro to get your home in top shape.

Step 3: Freshen Up with Paint

Neutral walls are key when it comes to selling. While buyers might repaint after they move in, the colors and condition of the walls impact how they feel about your home. Light, neutral tones like beige and off-white appeal to the widest audience and make rooms look brighter and more spacious in photos. If you’ve got bold colors or wallpaper, consider a repaint before listing, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Even giving outdated cabinets a fresh coat of white or gray paint can make your home feel more modern.

Step 4: Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions are everything, and your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. That’s why 98% of agents say curb appeal is essential to attracting buyers. Power-wash your exterior, touch up the deck, and consider repainting your front door. A simple update like a freshly painted door can increase offers by thousands of dollars. And don’t forget your landscaping—keep the lawn tidy, add some flowers, and make the front of your home inviting. Even condos can benefit from fresh touches like a new welcome mat and a clean entryway.

Step 5: Focus on Key Rooms

When staging, concentrate on the spaces that matter most—buyers care about the living room, main bedroom, and kitchen the most. If you’re working with a stager, they may bring in furniture and decor. But even if you’re doing it yourself, use what you have to create a welcoming, open space. Arrange furniture to create flow and use large rugs to make rooms feel bigger. Add small touches like flowers or throw pillows to brighten the space without overpersonalizing it.

Step 6: Maximize Lighting

Good lighting is key to making your home feel warm and welcoming. Natural light is best, so pull back heavy curtains and trim any landscaping that blocks light from coming in. But don’t forget artificial lighting—every room should have three types of lighting: ambient, task, and accent. If needed, update old fixtures with more modern options, and swap out old lightbulbs for warm, inviting ones to create the right atmosphere. If you need help with this, we can recommend lighting professionals.

Step 7: Showcase Your Home with Photography

Most buyers will see your home online first, so high-quality photos are essential. Professional photos can make or break your listing. Depending on your home and market, you might also want to consider video tours or virtual staging, where editors show off different layouts or decor options. Work with your agent to capture your home in its best light, and when it comes time for the photo shoot, treat it like an open house—everything should be clean, well-lit, and arranged to highlight your home’s best features.

Bottom Line

Is staging worth the investment? It depends on your home’s condition, how fast you want to sell, and your local market. Before you commit to staging or any upgrades, let’s chat. I can help you decide the best path forward and connect you with top professionals to make your home stand out.