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Compass
401 Lake Street East, Unit 200
Wayzata, MN 55391
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Ulrich Real Estate Group
It's a good idea to start planning your staging at least 2–4 weeks before you want to list your home. This gives you enough time to declutter, make repairs, and shop for any small décor items you might need. If you need to paint or do larger repairs, starting even earlier is better. By beginning early, you can tackle the work in smaller steps and avoid last-minute stress.
Yes! Smell is a powerful sense for buyers. Aim for a fresh, clean scent throughout your home. Avoid heavy air fresheners or strong perfumes, as these can make buyers suspicious you’re hiding something. Instead, open windows to air out rooms, use mild citrus or vanilla candles, or simmer a pot of water with lemon slices before showings. Freshly baked cookies or bread are classic tricks, but keep the scent subtle.
Staged homes sell faster and often for more money.
The average staging cost is relatively low compared to potential profits.
Staging helps buyers visualize living in the space.
Low-cost items that can make a big difference include: fresh white towels for bathrooms, simple throw pillows, neutral area rugs, inexpensive lamps for added light, and a few green plants (real or faux). White shower curtains and new doormats also help spaces feel fresh. For kitchens, a bowl of fresh fruit or a small vase of flowers on the table adds color and life.
Highlight strengths and minimize weaknesses.
DIY staging allows personalization and cost savings.
Simple decor items can enhance appeal.
In small spaces, use light wall colors and limit the amount of furniture. Choose pieces that are slim and functional—like a loveseat instead of a full couch. Use mirrors to reflect light and make the room feel bigger. Remove unnecessary rugs or décor that breaks up the floor space, and keep window treatments simple to let in more light. Floating shelves can add storage without taking up floor space.
Staging creates emotional connections.
Enhances visual appeal in photos.
Helps buyers envision living in the home.
Yes, you can stage your home by yourself! With some work and good ideas, anyone can do it. You can move furniture away from the walls, hang light curtains to let in more sunlight, or rearrange your living room to make it feel bigger. There are many things you can try.
Yes! Several apps let you experiment with furniture layout and décor before you move anything. Apps like Roomstyler, Magicplan, and Homestyler are user-friendly and free or low-cost. Some real estate websites also let you upload photos and try out virtual staging. These tools can help you visualize changes and avoid unnecessary work.
DIY staging is creative and budget-friendly.
Simple changes can make a big impact.
Use apps to plan and visualize staging.
You can stage your home yourself or hire a professional stager. The choice depends on your budget, how much time you have, and how much you want to change your home.
Yes, pet odors and visible pet items can turn off buyers. Before showings, remove litter boxes, pet beds, toys, and food dishes. Deep clean carpets and furniture to remove fur and lingering smells. If possible, have pets stay elsewhere during open houses or showings. Also, repair any pet damage, like scratched doors or chewed trim, so buyers aren’t distracted by signs of pets.
Decide between DIY or hiring a professional.
Consider budget and time constraints.
Professionals can provide valuable staging insights.
Many real estate agents know what helps a home sell. They often give helpful home staging tips to sellers. Even if they are not staging experts, they know what buyers in your area want.
Pick simple, neutral pieces that appeal to most people. Abstract prints, landscapes, and black-and-white photos work well. Avoid anything with strong personal themes or bold colors. Hang art at eye level and keep it minimal—one or two pieces per room is usually enough. In the entryway or living room, a large piece of art can create a focal point and make the space feel polished.
Agents offer advice based on market trends.
Their insights help tailor staging to buyers.
Agents know what appeals to local buyers.
A professional home stager looks at your home the way many buyers would. They bring in rented furniture, art, and decorations to make your home look its best. Their goal is to help your home sell faster and for more money.
Renting a small storage unit or using a friend’s garage is ideal if you have lots to put away. For fewer items, use storage bins or baskets that can be tucked into closets or under beds. Avoid stuffing closets too full—buyers will look inside, and you want them to see ample storage space. Label boxes so you can easily find items later.
Professional stagers maximize selling potential.
They use rented furnishings for appeal.
Consider buyer perspectives when staging.
You do not need a lot of money to stage your home. You can use DIY tips like cleaning up, painting rooms in neutral colors, and adding potted plants outside. These simple steps can make a big difference.
Focus on making your outdoor area look tidy and inviting, no matter the size. Trim overgrown bushes, pull weeds, and add a few potted plants or flowers for color. Even a small bistro table with two chairs can turn a tiny patio or balcony into a cozy spot. Hide trash bins and yard tools out of sight. Solar-powered lights can make the area feel warm and safe, even in the evening.
DIY projects are cost-effective.
Simple changes can enhance curb appeal.
Budget-friendly options are impactful.
Homes with good photos online get more attention from buyers. Make sure all the lights are on, use natural light, and take pictures from angles that make rooms look big and welcoming. An experienced agent like the ones at Ulrich Real Estate Group can help you with this.
Use natural light to your advantage by opening curtains and blinds. Ensure all indoor lights are on to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in photos. Capture rooms from angles that make them appear spacious and inviting. Consider hiring a professional photographer for high-quality images.
Good photos attract more buyers.
Use lighting to enhance photos.
Capture spacious and inviting angles.
Declutter: Remove extra furniture and personal items to make rooms look bigger.
Deep clean: A clean home shows you take care of it.
Patch and repair: Fix any marks, holes, or damage in your home.
Depersonalize: Take down family photos and personal things so buyers can imagine living there.
Neutral tones: Use colors that most people like.
Embrace the sun: Let in as much natural light as possible. Move furniture away from windows.
Furniture layout: Arrange furniture to show how each room can be used.
Define spaces: Make sure each room has a clear purpose, like a bedroom or game room.
Curb appeal: Make your front door and outdoor spaces look nice, since they are the first thing buyers see.
Decluttering helps buyers see more space. Deep cleaning suggests care and attention. Neutral tones appeal to a wide audience, and arranging furniture highlights room functionality.
Decluttering enhances space perception.
Cleanliness shows care and maintenance.
Neutral colors and good layout are key.
Do not overdo it. If a home looks too staged, it can feel fake. Also, avoid strong personal styles that might not appeal to everyone.
Avoid over-staging, which can feel fake. Steer clear of personal style choices that might not appeal to all buyers. Balance staging with a natural, lived-in feel.
Avoid excessive staging.
Keep decor neutral for broad appeal.
Balance is key for authenticity.
How far in advance should I start staging my home before listing it for sale?
It's a good idea to start planning your staging at least 2-4 weeks before you want to list your home. This gives you enough time to declutter, make repairs, and shop for any small décor items you might need. If you need to paint or do larger repairs, starting even earlier is better. By beginning early, you can tackle the work in smaller steps and avoid last-minute stress.
Are there specific scents or smells that help make a staged home more appealing?
Yes! Smell is a powerful sense for buyers. Aim for a fresh, clean scent throughout your home. Avoid heavy air fresheners or strong perfumes, as these can make buyers suspicious you’re hiding something. Instead, open windows to air out rooms, use mild citrus or vanilla candles, or simmer a pot of water with lemon slices before showings. Freshly baked cookies or bread are classic tricks, but keep the scent subtle.
What are some good low-cost items to buy for DIY staging?
Low-cost items that can make a big difference include: fresh white towels for bathrooms, simple throw pillows, neutral area rugs, inexpensive lamps for added light, and a few green plants (real or faux). White shower curtains and new doormats also help spaces feel fresh. For kitchens, a bowl of fresh fruit or a small vase of flowers on the table adds color and life.
How should I stage small spaces or rooms that feel cramped?
In small spaces, use light wall colors and limit the amount of furniture. Choose pieces that are slim and functional—like a loveseat instead of a full couch. Use mirrors to reflect light and make the room feel bigger. Remove unnecessary rugs or décor that breaks up the floor space, and keep window treatments simple to let in more light. Floating shelves can add storage without taking up floor space.
Are there any mistakes to avoid when staging a home with pets?
Yes, pet odors and visible pet items can turn off buyers. Before showings, remove litter boxes, pet beds, toys, and food dishes. Deep clean carpets and furniture to remove fur and lingering smells. If possible, have pets stay elsewhere during open houses or showings. Also, repair any pet damage, like scratched doors or chewed trim, so buyers aren’t distracted by signs of pets.
How can I stage outdoor spaces if I have a small or unattractive yard?
Focus on making your outdoor area look tidy and inviting, no matter the size. Trim overgrown bushes, pull weeds, and add a few potted plants or flowers for color. Even a small bistro table with two chairs can turn a tiny patio or balcony into a cozy spot. Hide trash bins and yard tools out of sight. Solar-powered lights can make the area feel warm and safe, even in the evening.
What is the best way to store personal items during the staging process?
Renting a small storage unit or using a friend’s garage is ideal if you have lots to put away. For fewer items, use storage bins or baskets that can be tucked into closets or under beds. Avoid stuffing closets too full—buyers will look inside, and you want them to see ample storage space. Label boxes so you can easily find items later.
Are there any virtual tools or apps that can help with DIY home staging?
Yes! Several apps let you experiment with furniture layout and décor before you move anything. Apps like Roomstyler, Magicplan, and Homestyler are user-friendly and free or low-cost. Some real estate websites also let you upload photos and try out virtual staging. These tools can help you visualize changes and avoid unnecessary work.
How do I choose the right art or wall décor for staging?
Pick simple, neutral pieces that appeal to most people. Abstract prints, landscapes, and black-and-white photos work well. Avoid anything with strong personal themes or bold colors. Hang art at eye level and keep it minimal—one or two pieces per room is usually enough. In the entryway or living room, a large piece of art can create a focal point and make the space feel polished.
Impact on Sales: Staged homes often sell faster and for more money, making staging a worthwhile investment.
Cost-Effectiveness: DIY staging is a budget-friendly option with great returns on investment.
Emotional Connection: Staging helps create an emotional bond, making the home feel inviting and lived-in.
Visual Appeal: Good staging enhances online photos, which is crucial for attracting buyers in today's digital age.
Compass
401 Lake Street East, Unit 200
Wayzata, MN 55391
Ulrich Real Estate Group