🏠 Seller's Guide

Home Staging Tips

Transform your home into a buyer's dream. Learn professional staging techniques that help Des Moines homes sell faster and for top dollar.

73% Sell Faster

1-5% Higher Price

81% Can Visualize

Staging Checklist

📦

Declutter & Depersonalize

✨

Deep Clean Everything

🛋️

Stage Room by Room

🌳

Maximize Curb Appeal

📸

Prepare for Photos

Why Stage?

Why Staging Works

Buyers make decisions emotionally. Staging creates that crucial positive first impression that leads to offers.

⚡

73%

Faster Sales

Staged homes sell faster than non-staged homes

💰

1-5%

Higher Prices

Average increase in sale price for staged homes

📸

95%

Better Photos

Of buyers start online—photos matter

❤️

81%

Connection

Buyers visualize staged homes easier

Step One

Declutter & Depersonalize

Remove 50% of what you normally have out. This creates the open, airy feel buyers want.

📦

Pack Early

You're moving anyway—start now. Box up seasonal items, books, collections, and anything you won't need.

🖼️

Depersonalize

Remove family photos, children's artwork, religious items. Buyers need to picture their family, not yours.

🚪

Clear Surfaces

Kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, mantels should be nearly empty. Leave only a few decorative items.

👕

Thin Closets

Buyers WILL open closets. Remove 50% of clothes and organize. Full closets signal "not enough storage."

🛋️

Edit Furniture

Remove oversized or excess furniture. One sofa, coffee table, two end tables is usually enough for living rooms.

🚗

Clear Garage

Often forgotten—garages should be clean enough to park in. Remove clutter and sweep floors.

Room by Room

Staging Each Room

Different rooms require different approaches. Focus on high-impact areas first.

🛋️

Living Room

The heart of the home

• Arrange furniture for conversation areas
• Remove extra chairs and side tables
• Add neutral throw pillows
• Fresh flowers on coffee table
• Open curtains for natural light
• Replace personal photos with art

🍳

Kitchen

The deal-maker or breaker

• Clear ALL countertops (even toaster)
• Deep clean appliances inside/out
• Organize pantry and cabinets
• Add bowl of fresh fruit or herbs
• Replace dated cabinet hardware
• Remove magnets from fridge

🛏️

Master Bedroom

The personal retreat

• Invest in quality white bedding
• Hotel-style bed making
• Matching nightstands with lamps
• Remove exercise equipment, TVs
• Clear dresser tops completely
• Organize closet to look spacious

🚿

Bathrooms

Spa-like sanctuary

• Deep clean—grout, fixtures, mirrors
• Clear counters of all personal items
• Display only rolled white towels
• Add small plant or fresh flowers
• Replace shower curtain if worn
• Hide all toiletries in cabinets

Budget-Friendly

Quick Wins Under $100

Maximum impact for minimum investment. These affordable updates make a big difference.

1

Fresh White Towels

Roll crisp white towels in each bathroom for instant spa feel.

$30-50

2

New Throw Pillows

Update tired pillows with modern, neutral options.

$40-80

3

Fresh Flowers & Plants

Add life to every room with fresh flowers or quality faux plants.

$20-50

4

New Light Bulbs

Replace dim bulbs with bright, warm white LEDs throughout.

$20-40

5

White Bedding Set

Crisp white bedding photographs beautifully and appeals to all.

$50-100

6

New Welcome Mat

First impressions start at the door. Clean, attractive welcome mat.

$20-40

7

Cabinet Hardware

Swap dated knobs for modern brushed nickel or black pulls.

$50-100

8

Fresh Mulch

Dark mulch in front beds instantly improves curb appeal.

$30-60

First Impression

Curb Appeal Matters

Buyers often do a drive-by before scheduling a showing. If your exterior doesn't impress, they may never see inside.

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Front Door

Paint or stain the door, polish hardware, add welcome mat, flank with potted plants.

🌿

Landscaping

Mow, edge, trim bushes, pull weeds, add fresh mulch, plant seasonal flowers.

💡

Lighting

Replace dated fixtures, ensure all bulbs work, add solar path lights for evening showings.

🧹

Power Wash

Clean driveway, walkways, siding, and deck. Removes years of grime instantly.

📬

Details Matter

Update house numbers, mailbox, doorbell. Small touches signal well-maintained home.

🪴

Porch & Patio

Stage outdoor living areas with clean furniture, fresh cushions, potted plants.

Choose Your Level

Staging Options

The right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and whether your home is occupied or vacant.

🛠️

DIY Staging

$0 - $500

Use your own furniture and follow staging principles. Best for occupied homes with decent furniture.

• Lowest cost option
• Use existing furniture
• Follow room-by-room guide
• Add affordable accessories

💬

Consultation + DIY

$200 - $500

Professional stager provides specific recommendations you implement yourself.

• Expert eye catches what you miss
• Room-by-room action plan
• Shopping list provided
• Best value for most sellers

✨

Professional Staging

$1,500 - $5,000+

Full service with rented furniture. Essential for vacant homes, luxury properties.

• Magazine-worthy presentation
• Furniture and art provided
• Complete transformation
• Best for vacant/high-end homes

Avoid These Errors

Common Staging Mistakes

Even well-intentioned sellers make these staging mistakes that hurt their home's appeal.

❌ Over-Staging

Too much decor overwhelms buyers. The goal is to highlight the home, not the staging. Keep it simple.

❌ Ignoring Odors

You're nose-blind to your home's smells. Pet odors, cooking, smoke are instant turn-offs. Deep clean.

❌ Too Personal

Family photos, religious items, sports memorabilia make it harder for buyers to envision themselves there.

❌ Neglecting Lighting

Dark rooms feel small and uninviting. Open blinds, use brighter bulbs, turn on all lights for showings.

❌ Obvious Cover-Ups

Rugs hiding stains, furniture blocking damage, strong air fresheners signal problems. Fix issues instead.

❌ Forgetting Exterior

All interior staging won't help if buyers never make it inside. Poor curb appeal kills interest.

❌ Strong Scents

Heavy air fresheners make buyers wonder what you're covering. Fresh air and light natural scents only.

❌ Mismatched Style

Ultra-modern staging in traditional homes feels disconnected. Stage to complement your home's character.

Common Questions

Staging FAQs

How long before listing should I start staging?

Start decluttering 4-6 weeks before listing. This gives time to pack, make repairs, deep clean, and stage without feeling rushed. Final touches should be 1-2 days before photos.

Do I need to stage every room?

Focus on high-impact areas first: living room, kitchen, master bedroom, main bathroom. These drive buying decisions. Secondary rooms should be clean but don't need full staging.

Should I stage if my home is vacant?

Yes—vacant homes are harder to sell. Empty rooms photograph poorly and feel cold. At minimum, stage main living areas, kitchen, and master bedroom with rented furniture.

What is the ROI of staging?

According to NAR, median staging cost is $400 while median increase in buyer offers is $10,000-$15,000. That's 25-35x ROI. Staged homes also sell 73% faster.

What colors should I use when staging?

Stick to neutrals: white, gray, beige, navy, soft earth tones. Add pops of color through pillows, throws, and flowers. Avoid bold colors that might not appeal to everyone.

What if I have pets?

Remove all pet items (beds, bowls, toys, litter boxes) for photos and showings. Address odors with deep cleaning and enzyme treatments. Take pets out during showings.

Is staging worth it for lower-priced homes?

Yes! Staging ROI is often highest on modest homes where small improvements make a big difference. DIY staging with decluttering and affordable accessories can transform a home for under $500.

How much does professional staging cost?

DIY: $0-$500. Consultation + DIY: $200-$500. Full professional staging with rented furniture: $1,500-$5,000+ depending on home size and rental duration.