When you’re aiming to sell your home, one of the best strategies to make it stand out is home staging. Whether you’re rearranging furniture, adding fresh décor, or even sprucing up the landscaping, a little extra effort can pay off in a big way. You can either hire a professional home stager or tackle this project yourself.
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of DIY home staging, including key benefits, potential drawbacks, and best practices to help your property shine in a competitive real estate market.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging refers to preparing a property so it appeals to the widest range of potential buyers. Think of it as setting a stage for people to picture themselves living in your space. The objective isn’t just to make your home look pretty; it’s to highlight its strengths and ultimately convince buyers they’ve found the perfect place.
Many sellers see home staging as a worthwhile investment because a well-presented home generally sells faster and for a higher price. While professional stagers have expertise and industry resources, going the DIY route can be fulfilling and cost-conscious if you enjoy rolling up your sleeves and applying your own creative touch.
Why Should You Consider DIY Home Staging?
Before you decide whether to hire a pro or handle everything yourself, it’s helpful to explore why so many homeowners choose the DIY approach. Let’s transition to the specific reasons by looking at two key advantages: cost savings and total control over the design.
Cost Savings
Sticking to a budget is a major priority for many people selling a home, and DIY staging can be more wallet-friendly than hiring a professional. Professional stagers typically charge for consultations, labor, and any rental furniture or décor.
Consider the impact of small updates like new throw pillows or a fresh coat of paint. These can have a big effect without straining your finances.
Personal Control Over the Staging Process
Another big plus of staging your own home is having total creative freedom. When you bring in a pro, they might steer you toward their preferred style—but going DIY lets you spotlight the design ideas that reflect your taste.
Once you’ve nailed your aesthetic, make sure your pricing strategy is just as on-point. Check out PropBox’s AI-enhanced valuation and pricing tools. These will give you a spot-on price estimate based on similar homes, market trends, and your home’s unique features. Whether you’re shooting for a quick sale or aiming for top dollar, the platform’s dynamic pricing approach helps ensure you don’t leave money on the table.
What Are the Pros of DIY Home Staging?
You might be wondering if all that effort truly pays off. Let’s ease into the advantages that DIY staging can offer:
Increases Home Appeal to Potential Buyers
A warm, tastefully decorated home can wow buyers as soon as they walk in. By tidying up, adding a few standout touches, and keeping the budget in check, you’ll help them picture living there – leading to more interest and showings.
When you set the right atmosphere, buyers form an emotional connection that can really tip the scales in your favor.
Can Speed Up the Sale Process
Move-in-ready homes tend to get offers faster. When a place looks bright, clean, and well-maintained, buyers may skip extra contingencies, speeding up negotiations. And since most start their search online, great staging photos make your listing stand out and inspire more in-person visits, potentially shortening the entire selling process.
Allows Customization Based on Your Home’s Unique Features
Use DIY staging to spotlight your home’s unique features—like a sunny reading nook or a patio perfect for barbecues. Instead of upgrading every corner, invest in standout areas, whether it’s new patio furniture or a show-stopping chandelier.
This way, you make the most of your budget and showcase what truly sets your home apart.
What Are the Cons of DIY Home Staging?
While the benefits are enticing, it’s only fair to take a look at the potential obstacles you might face. Let’s transition to the common drawbacks of a do-it-yourself approach:
Can Be Time-Consuming
Staging isn’t just about tidying up or adding a vase of flowers – it often means repainting walls, moving heavy furniture, updating old fixtures, and deep-cleaning everywhere.
If you’re already juggling work and other responsibilities, it can quickly become overwhelming. Rushing through it might leave unfinished projects that turn buyers off, so make sure you pace yourself to do it right.
Requires Design and Marketing Knowledge
You don’t have to be a professional decorator to stage your home. A little know-how on color, furniture placement, and focal points can really make rooms pop. Remember, staging is your home’s “ad campaign” – so think about how buyers see it, both by scrolling through photos online and walking around in person.
Potential to Overlook Flaws Due to Personal Bias
After living in a home for years, certain quirks or flaws may fade into the background. Maybe there’s a subtle odor in the laundry room you’ve become accustomed to, or a small crack in the ceiling that never really bothered you.
If you find it difficult to part with or store away personal touches, you might inadvertently keep items on display that prevent prospective buyers from seeing the home’s true potential.
How to Effectively DIY Stage Your Home
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s delve into three essential steps to help you create a polished look that resonates with buyers:
Declutter and Clean Thoroughly
Clear out the clutter so each room feels open and welcoming. Sort items into keep, donate, or store, and be honest about what’s truly necessary. Afterward, tackle a deep clean—from vacuuming carpets to wiping down windows. A spotless, organized home makes it easier for buyers to focus on the best parts of your space.
Maximize Space and Light
Furniture placement is crucial for making rooms appear larger. Avoid pushing items against every wall; instead, leave some breathing room and create natural walkways. If a piece of furniture is too large or blocks a window, store it temporarily or swap it for a smaller item.
Neutralize Personal Decor
Aim for a balanced, universal look. Stick to neutral or muted color palettes for walls and larger pieces of furniture.
If you’re itching to add a pop of color, opt for small accents like throw pillows or a subtle piece of art. This approach creates a clean canvas that lets your home’s architecture and layout shine.
What to Avoid in DIY Home Staging
Even with the best intentions, certain missteps can sabotage your efforts. Let’s move into the common pitfalls to steer clear of:
Overpersonalizing Spaces
Yes, you live there, but the goal is to help others picture themselves settling in. Tone down any extreme color palettes or quirky themes. A bright orange accent wall might be your personal preference, but it could be off-putting to buyers who have different tastes. Stick with neutrals or gentle shades that appeal to a wide audience.
Neglecting Repairs and Improvements
Small issues like a dripping faucet or a sticking door can make buyers suspect bigger problems. Fix things like chipped paint or broken switches before showings—these little details matter more than you might think and can shape how buyers see your home.
Using Too Many Small Accessories
While a few decorative pieces can elevate a room, flooding every surface with trinkets often leads to visual chaos.
Avoid the “museum display” syndrome, where every souvenir, framed photo, and figurine is placed on shelves or tables. Instead, choose a handful of tasteful items that guide the eye and highlight a room’s key features. This approach maintains a fresh, uncluttered atmosphere.
When to Consider Professional Staging Assistance
If the DIY route starts feeling daunting, it may be time to call in the pros. Let’s explore scenarios when professional intervention can be a game-changer:
If the Home Fails to Attract Offers
Sometimes, your best effort may not yield the desired results. If showings aren’t translating into offers, a professional stager can offer fresh insight. They may recommend a different furniture arrangement or suggest renting modern pieces to replace outdated ones.
By making strategic adjustments, you could revive buyer interest and possibly spark offers.
If Your Home Is a High-Value Property
Luxury properties generally need more than basic DIY staging. High-end buyers expect a magazine-quality look. Pros stay on top of trends, have access to upscale pieces, and know how to create that luxurious feel that wows discerning buyers.
When DIY Staging Becomes Overwhelming
DIY staging can feel like a juggling act – organizing, cleaning, painting, and shopping for accessories can pile up fast. If life is already hectic, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
No need to break the bank or lose your sanity when you can use tech to simplify parts of the process. Consider using solutions like Propbox – this all-in-one platform offers a full-service experience to help you handle pricing and listing details so you can manage staging-related tasks more easily.
Common DIY Staging Mistakes
Even the most well-intentioned DIY efforts can falter if you’re unaware of these frequent missteps. Let’s discuss the mistakes so you can avoid them:
Ignoring Unpleasant Odors
Smell is a powerful thing that can make or break a sale. Combat unpleasant odors by opening windows, using mild air fresheners or odor-neutralizing products, and scheduling professional cleanings if necessary. A fresh-smelling interior often leaves a more positive impression than even the most visually stunning décor.
Poor Lighting Choices
A dark room can feel gloomy, while harsh fluorescents can seem cold. Aim for a blend of natural light and lamps to strike a cozy balance. If windows are scarce, consider standing or pendant lights so buyers can comfortably see and appreciate every corner.
Too Much Furniture
Cramped rooms can make your home seem smaller than it really is. If you’re guilty of storing a giant recliner or multiple dressers in a limited space, consider moving unnecessary pieces into a storage unit until your home is sold. Keep the layout open and straightforward, so visitors can easily envision where their own furniture could go.
Benefits of Professional Staging Consultation
Not entirely sure whether to go fully DIY or hand over the reins? There’s a middle option: a professional staging consultation. During a consultation, an expert will assess your home and provide a list of recommendations for you to implement.
Objective Home Assessment
A seasoned stager sees your property through a buyer’s eyes. They’ll notice tiny imperfections you’ve grown used to and identify design opportunities you might have missed. For instance, they might suggest altering your furniture layout to maximize space or recommending a neutral paint color to update a room’s overall look.
Access to Rental Furniture and Decor
If your existing pieces don’t quite capture the modern style or sophistication your target buyers want, a stager can guide you toward rental furniture, rugs, and accents that fit your home’s aesthetic.
These short-term improvements can elevate your property’s appeal without requiring you to purchase brand-new items you may not need in your next place.
Professional Photography for Listings
Staging pairs well with top-notch listing photos. Stagers often collaborate with real estate photographers or have a keen eye for themselves.
They’ll ensure every snapshot captures your home looking its best, from the soft lighting to the angle that highlights each room’s unique selling points. Because most buyers start their search online, impressive photos can give you a significant advantage.
Conclusion
A do-it-yourself approach to staging lets you showcase your home’s best features while saving on professional fees. Just remember to stay objective, keep personal tastes subtle, and use plenty of light to make rooms feel welcoming and open.
Need more help with tasks to get your home sale moving? PropBox is here. We refine the flat-fee FSBO process by automating key steps, delivering clear pricing guidance, and providing total transparency. Say goodbye to steep realtor fees and hello to an easier, faster, and more profitable home-selling experience.