Property staging can encompass a wide range of changes, from smaller cosmetic fixes to larger renovations, but the goal is always the same: to make sure a property is as visually appealing and inviting to prospective buyers as possible, whether they are looking at it online or in person. It’s a common practice, but not one that is always utilized to its full potential, so here are some things to keep in mind.

Knowing What the Buyer Wants

If you ask anyone who’s worked in real estate for a long time, they’ll tell you that the secret to property staging is in understanding the psychology of prospective buyers, and most crucially that their first impressions will often be the most important. Even if buyers don’t make quick decisions, the opinions and feelings they form in those first reactions will guide them. This is what makes property staging such an important detail - you only get one chance at those key first impressions, and you need to finetune everything in order to take advantage of that.

Staging is also about appealing to what prospective buyers want, which isn’t just a property that ticks all the right boxes, or matches their criteria, but it’s about somewhere they can envision themselves living, and tapping into the emotions that invokes. This is what makes property staging such an important step. While it may be a great property on paper, it is through effective property staging that really helps prospective buyers visualize the potential and home qualities.

Make The Most of Property Staging

As effective as property staging can be, it’s not a guaranteed method for getting the best deal, and many attempts at property staging can end up just overspending money and time while getting nothing in return. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead, understand your needs, and move quickly and decisively to make the most of property staging to sell your home. You don’t absolutely need to repaint the living room or get a new couch in – but that could be part of the process. There are many DIY things you can do in the first instance. 

When planning for staging your property, remember not to be put off by intimidating costs or expensive options that may not reflect the value you’re looking for your property, there are a wide range of property staging avenues, including those suitable for people operating on smaller budgets, as well as more bespoke and expensive options. By budgeting carefully, and factoring in your potential returns, you can ensure that your property staging is cost effective and delivers the best results for you.

Similarly, you should always be as comprehensive as you can be in the pre-staging process, going through things with your REALTOR® who will cover every angle of your property, and ensure that the staging itself can be as efficient and cost effective as possible.

Interior Staging

When it comes to interior staging, not everything needs to be a makeover or an extensive cosmetic process—in fact you can help the property staging yourself by assisting with the decluttering and depersonalization. While many of the items in your home, such as photos and furniture will have tremendous value to you, they are not necessarily what prospective buyers are looking for. They are trying to envision how they may fill up the space themselves, and that is the key part of effective property staging. It needs to be personal and cozy enough to seem livable, but not so personal that they feel they can’t make it their own.

If you wish to go a step further in the depersonalization, especially if you’re planning on taking your old furniture with you, it may be beneficial to buy new furniture which matches more recent trends and buyer preferences, rather than your own personal tastes. This also applies to colour schemes, and decorating choices, with neutral palettes often having more universal appeal, and being cheaper to redecorate with.

Exterior Staging

Lots of the focus of home staging is put on the interior, but the exterior should not be dismissed. We’ve previously written about making that great in-person first impression and enhancing that all important curb appeal. Don’t be put off thinking everything needs to be redone, just a bit of maintenance and a lively refresh will go further than trying to undertake large scale landscaping projects. That means a freshly cut green lawn, clean facades, and a well presented and neatly furnished patio or decking area. However it is vital to repair any visible problems, especially structural damage. 

Virtual Staging

With the rapid advancement of technology virtual staging has emerged as an invaluable tool. By digitally enhancing property photos, virtual staging allows spaces to be transformed and showcased in various design styles. As most buyers first encounter of a property is through pictures, having a variety of designs and layouts displayed helps them visualize its potential, making it easier to imagine the space as their own. That’s not to say that real-life staging is not important, most will want to see the property in person before purchase, but it helps guide people into seeing the possibilities.

A well-staged home can significantly enhance your property’s appeal, not only by potentially increasing its value but also by helping it sell faster. When buyers search for a new home they are looking at more than just square footage or the number of bathrooms—they’re seeking a place that feels like their own.  And it all starts with attractive images. If the photos don’t capture their interest, buyers are unlikely to take the next step and view the property in person. Once they do visit, that first impression becomes critical. A thoughtfully staged home helps buyers envision themselves living there, making it easier for them to connect with the space emotionally. If you need help with staging or any other part of the home-selling process, we’re here to support you every step of the way.