Want to sell your home quickly and for top dollar? Wondering how home staging can help?
First impressions matter—especially in real estate. When potential buyers walk into your home, they should be able to picture themselves living there. That’s where home staging comes in. Staging isn’t just about decorating; it’s a strategic process that highlights your home’s best features, maximizes space, and creates an inviting atmosphere that appeals to buyers.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to stage your home for a quick sale in Ankeny, with expert tips from Allison Hart and the Allison Hart Home Team.
1. Why Staging Your Home is Essential
Home staging has a direct impact on how quickly and for how much your home sells. According to industry research:
✔ Staged homes sell 73% faster than non-staged homes.
✔ Homes that are staged can sell for up to 10% more than comparable un-staged homes.
✔ 82% of buyer’s agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home.
💡 Pro Tip: Staging doesn’t mean you need to hire a professional. Many staging strategies can be done on your own with a little effort and guidance!
2. Decluttering: The First Step to Staging Success
Before adding decorative touches, you need to declutter your space. Too much furniture or personal belongings can make a home feel cramped and distracting.
Decluttering Tips:
✅ Remove Personal Items – Take down family photos, religious items, and personalized décor.
✅ Clear Off Surfaces – Keep countertops, shelves, and tables tidy.
✅ Reduce Furniture – Less is more. Keep only essential furniture to make spaces feel bigger.
✅ Organize Closets – Buyers will look inside, so neatly arrange clothes and storage items.
💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have room to store extra items, consider renting a small storage unit until your home sells.
3. Deep Cleaning: Make Your Home Sparkle
Buyers expect a spotless home when they walk in the door. A deep clean can make an older home feel newer and more inviting.
Cleaning Checklist:
🧼 Windows – Clean inside and out for maximum natural light.
🧼 Floors – Vacuum, mop, and steam clean carpets if necessary.
🧼 Bathrooms – Scrub tiles, tubs, and sinks until they shine.
🧼 Kitchens – Wipe down appliances, cabinets, and countertops.
🧼 Odor Control – Remove pet odors, smoke, or any lingering smells with air fresheners or essential oils.
💡 Pro Tip: A fresh-smelling home creates an instant positive impression. Light a candle prior to the showing (blow out before leaving of course!), or use a plugin, so your home smells clean and fresh.
4. Maximize Natural Light
Bright, airy spaces feel larger and more inviting to buyers.
How to Brighten Your Home:
☀ Open Curtains & Blinds – Let in as much natural light as possible.
💡 Upgrade Light Bulbs – Use LED or daylight bulbs for a modern, bright effect.
🖼 Use Mirrors – Hanging mirrors opposite windows can reflect light and make rooms feel bigger.
💡 Pro Tip: If your home has darker rooms, strategically place lamps and light-colored décor to enhance brightness, or look into a daylight bulb in your lighting fixture.
5. Create an Inviting Living Room
The living room is one of the most important spaces to stage because it’s where buyers imagine themselves spending time with family and friends.
Living Room Staging Tips:
🛋 Neutral Colors – Swap bold colors for neutral tones like beige, gray, or white.
🖼 Minimalist Décor – Keep it simple with a few tasteful decorations.
🌿 Add Greenery – Plants or fresh flowers add life to the space.
📚 Style the Coffee Table – A decorative tray with books and candles creates a cozy feel.
💡 Pro Tip: Arrange furniture to highlight open space and make the room feel more welcoming. Remove any additional furniture that creates pinch points where traffic flows.
6. Transform Your Kitchen with Simple Updates
You don’t need a full kitchen remodel to impress buyers. Small changes can make a big impact.
Easy Kitchen Staging Tips:
🍽 Declutter Countertops – Store away small appliances and unnecessary items.
💡 Update Hardware – Modern cabinet handles and drawer pulls can give a fresh look.
🍏 Add a Pop of Color – A bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers adds warmth.
💡 Pro Tip: Under-cabinet lighting is an affordable way to add a high-end feel.
7. Make Bedrooms Feel Relaxing
Buyers want to envision a peaceful retreat when they walk into a bedroom.
Bedroom Staging Ideas:
🛏 Use Fresh Bedding – A neutral, cozy duvet cover makes the bed look luxurious.
🛋 Limit Furniture – Keep it simple with only the essentials.
🕯 Add Soft Lighting – Bedside lamps create a warm, inviting glow.
🚪 Organize Closets – Buyers will open them, so neatly arrange clothing and storage.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid bright, distracting colors in the bedroom. Soft tones like whites, grays, or light blues are most appealing.
8. Upgrade Bathrooms with Spa-Like Touches
Bathrooms are small but powerful selling points. A clean, well-staged bathroom can impress buyers instantly.
Simple Bathroom Staging Tips:
🛁 New Towels – Fresh, white towels add a hotel-like feel.
🕯 Candles & Spa Décor – A few candles, a tray with bath salts, and a plant can elevate the space.
✨ Replace Shower Curtains – A new, neutral-colored curtain makes a bathroom feel fresh.
🧴 Minimal Toiletries – Hide personal hygiene products to create a clean, uncluttered look.
💡 Pro Tip: A fresh coat of white or light gray paint can instantly modernize a bathroom.
9. Curb Appeal: The Exterior Matters Too
Your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see, so it needs to make a great impression.
Boost Your Curb Appeal:
🏡 Fresh Paint – Touch up the front door, trim, and shutters.
🌿 Tidy Landscaping – Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and add fresh mulch.
💡 Outdoor Lighting – Well-lit entryways feel welcoming and secure.
📬 Update House Numbers & Mailbox – Small details can make a home feel newer.
💡 Pro Tip: Adding a new welcome mat and a potted plant by the door creates a warm entrance.
10. Final Touches Before Showings
Before a showing or open house, do a final walkthrough to ensure everything is perfect.
✔ Open curtains and turn on all lights to brighten the space.
✔ Remove trash and pet items to keep things fresh.
✔ Adjust the thermostat to a comfortable temperature.
✔ Play soft background music for a welcoming ambiance.
💡 Pro Tip: Offer light refreshments like water bottles or cookies during an open house to make buyers feel at home.
Need Expert Help? Contact Allison Hart Homes!
Staging your home properly can make a huge difference in how quickly it sells and for how much. If you’re planning to sell your home in Ankeny, the Allison Hart Home Team is here to guide you through every step.
📞 Contact us today for a free home consultation and personalized staging recommendations!
Phone: 515-210-5198
Email: [email protected]
Web: allisonharthomesales.com, allisonharthomes.com
