When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. That’s why staging is such a powerful tool. It’s all about presenting your home in its best light, so potential buyers can envision themselves living there. A well-staged home not only looks amazing, but it can also sell faster and for a higher price. Here’s how to make your Calgary home stand out and attract the right buyers.
1. Start with a Deep Clean
It might sound obvious, but a thorough cleaning is the foundation of successful staging. Buyers notice every detail, so make sure your home is sparkling from top to bottom. This means more than just dusting and vacuuming—think washing windows, scrubbing grout, and steam-cleaning carpets.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget about hidden areas like inside cupboards and closets. Buyers love to peek!
2. Declutter and Depersonalize
Buyers want to picture themselves in your home, which can be hard to do when surrounded by personal items and clutter. Clear away family photos, quirky décor, and excess furniture to create a blank canvas that allows buyers to imagine their own style.
What to Keep:
- Simple, neutral artwork
- Minimalistic, high-quality furnishings
- Clean, clutter-free surfaces
Pro Tip: If you’re short on storage, consider renting a unit temporarily to store your extra items. You want your home to feel spacious, not cramped.
3. Emphasize Key Features
Does your home have a stunning fireplace, large windows, or a gorgeous view? Make sure these standout features are highlighted! Arrange furniture and décor to draw attention to these selling points, and remove anything that might distract from them.
Examples:
- Place a cozy armchair near the fireplace with a small side table and reading lamp.
- Leave windows unobstructed to let in as much natural light as possible.
Pro Tip: Use strategically placed mirrors to reflect light and make small spaces feel larger.
4. Create Inviting Living Spaces
Buyers want to see each room’s potential, so it’s important to set up clear, inviting spaces. Arrange the living room with a conversation area, stage the dining table with simple place settings, and make the master bedroom look like a peaceful retreat.
Room-by-Room Tips:
- Living Room: Use a sofa, a couple of armchairs, and a coffee table to create a cozy, welcoming spot. Add throw pillows and a rug to tie the look together.
- Dining Room: Set the table with a few elegant place settings and a simple centerpiece, like a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers.
- Bedrooms: Make beds with fresh, neutral linens and add a couple of accent pillows. Keep nightstands clean and clear, with just a lamp and maybe one book.
Pro Tip: If you have a spare room, stage it as a home office or gym—buyers love seeing extra functional spaces.
5. Light It Up
Lighting can make or break the mood of a room. Make sure your home is bright and welcoming by layering different types of lighting, such as overhead lights, floor lamps, and accent lights. Replace any burnt-out bulbs, and consider swapping in higher-wattage bulbs to maximize brightness.
Pro Tip: Use warm, soft lighting for living areas and bedrooms to create a cozy feel, and brighter lights in the kitchen and bathrooms.
6. Go for a Fresh, Neutral Look
Neutral colors are your best friend when it comes to staging. A fresh coat of paint in soft, neutral tones (think warm beige, light gray, or classic white) can instantly modernize a space and appeal to a broader range of buyers. Keep the overall look simple and cohesive.
Pro Tip: Save bold colors and patterns for small accent pieces, like throw pillows or artwork.
7. Set the Stage with Final Touches
Once the big staging tasks are complete, it’s time to add some finishing touches. Think fresh flowers, a bowl of citrus fruit on the counter, and plush towels in the bathroom. These small details can make a home feel more polished and inviting.
Final Touch Ideas:
- A tray on the coffee table with a candle, a small plant, and a stylish book
- Fluffy, color-coordinated towels neatly arranged in the bathroom
- A welcome mat at the front door and a few potted plants on the porch
Pro Tip: Baking a batch of cookies or brewing a pot of coffee just before a showing fills your home with a warm, welcoming scent.