Everyone wants to get the best possible price when selling their home. In order to do this, you’ll have to show your house to its best advantage to attract the right buyer.

Home staging can make a huge difference in accomplishing that goal. In this article, we’ll give you some tips and tricks for staging your home in the Lone Star State.

Home staging is a marketing strategy intended to highlight your home’s best features and minimize its flaws. The goal is to make your house more appealing to buyers and help them imagine the best use of the space. Staging a house may include increasing curb appeal, cleaning, decluttering, and depersonalizing your spaces, and rearranging or changing furniture and decor to best showcase the rooms.

Your real estate agent may be willing to pay for at least some of the costs associated with staging your home, but it’s largely your responsibility as the homeowner. Think of it as an investment. A well-staged home will get the best possible price and can also help you move your property off the market faster. This isn’t just speculation—homes sell 88% faster and for 20% more money when properly staged, proving it’s a worthwhile investment.

Decluttering, deep cleaning, and repairing any noticeable problem areas form the cornerstone of home staging. By eliminating personal items and excess clutter, you create a neutral canvas that allows potential buyers to envision their own lives in the space. Deep cleaning ensures that every corner of the house shines, while minor repairs can improve the overall impression of the house.

When staging, focus on the living room, primary bedroom and bath, and kitchen as these areas often carry the most weight in a buyer’s decision-making process. In the living room, ensure furniture facilitates conversation and showcases the room’s functionality. In bathrooms and the kitchen, prioritize cleanliness and simplicity to highlight space and function. Using neutral colors and maximizing natural light can make the spaces appear larger and more inviting.

Managing home odors is crucial; a pleasant smelling home is instantly more inviting. Enhancing curb appeal is equally important, as the exterior of your home is the first impression potential buyers will get. Adjust landscaping, make minor repairs, and ensure the entryway is welcoming. Professional photography captures your staging efforts effectively, presenting your home in the best light to attract buyers.

Remember, while staging, to focus on key areas that matter most to buyers. Utilize natural light as much as possible to make spaces appear larger and more open. Minimalism helps in decluttering spaces, and neutral colors appeal to a broader range of buyers. Making the home feel like a ‘blank canvas’ allows potential buyers to easily picture themselves living in it.

Do focus on cleanliness and simplicity. Keep counters clear and add touches of green with houseplants to bring life into rooms. Do not leave personal items or unique decorations that might not appeal to everyone. Overcrowded rooms with too much furniture can make spaces feel smaller, so opt for a minimalistic approach where possible. Avoid taking on major renovations close to listing, as they might not always offer a return worth their cost.

For staging unique or problem areas, think creatively about how you can turn a potential drawback into a feature. Small rooms can be staged as cozy home offices or creative spaces, adding value to the home. Remember, successful staging often involves highlighting how a space can be used rather than focusing on empty square footage. By following these tips and strategies, you’re well on your way to creating a captivating home that stands out in the Texas real estate market.