How to Stage Your Home for Sale: Make Buyers Fall in Love Fast

20 Aug 2025 Posted By: Porter Matthews Metro

When you're preparing to sell your home, staging isn't just decoration—it’s strategic. As REIWA highlights in its article “How to prepare your home for sale with staging”, staging allows buyers to move beyond who lives in your home now and instead imagine their own life unfolding there 

1. Physical vs. Virtual Staging: Pick What Suits You

There are two main ways to stage:

  • Physical staging: Furnishing, accessorizing, and styling a home so buyers can experience it firsthand.
  • Virtual staging: Digitally adding furniture and décor to empty rooms—ideal for enhancing online listings quickly and cost-effectively

Both can be powerful. Physical staging offers a tangible vibe during open homes; virtual staging supercharges your digital presence. Just ensure you disclose any digital alterations—especially if they transform features like landscaping or hide damage.

2. If You're Still Living There: Keep It Simple and Inviting

Don’t let “lived-in” status deter you. A few thoughtful tweaks go a long way:

  • Clear surfaces, tidy wardrobes, and stash bulky items.
  • Less is more—too much furniture, strong scents, or personal mementos distract and limit buyers’ imagination.
  • Brighten the vibe: avoid loud colours, fix squeaky doors, and keep storage organized.

3. Partner with us: Leverage Local Insight

Every home—and every market—is unique. We can guide the level of staging that suits your property and budget. We can  even connect you with reliable stylists or include virtual staging. Here are some examples of how we used both virtual and physical staging to elevate the property’s presentation, which ultimately contributed to achieving a higher sale price.

4. Budget-Friendly Staging: Big Impact, Small Cost

Complementing the REIWA article - Five tips for how to stage a home on a budget, another resource lists five wallet-wise staging tips for WA sellers. Here’s a brief summary:

  1. Declutter first: Pack away personal photos, fridge art, toiletries, and bills—clear spaces showcase storage potential.
  2. Clean thoroughly: Tidy outdoor areas, eliminate odours, and ensure drawers and cupboards are neat.
  3. Neutral paint refresh: Whites, creams, and greys can freshen a home and de-emphasize wear.
  4. On-trend décor accents: Statement rugs, pillows, throws, and simple artwork can bring warmth without clutter.
  5. Create ambiance: Use scented candles, flowers, soft lighting, and background music. Adjust for season—fog the air in winter, cool breezes in summer

5. Extra Quick Wins (from Other Experts)

To add even more polish, here are insights from other real estate experts:

  • Redfin (July 2025): Emphasizes “strategic decluttering,” keeping closets and counters clear, creating clearly defined rooms, daily upkeep, and smart storage solutions—even while living in the home Redfin.
  • Real Estate Witch (Apr 2025): Suggests deep-cleaning, neutralizing décor, maximizing natural light, eliminating strong smells, sprucing up exterior spaces, and fixing small issues like cracked switchplates—all low-cost moves that pay off Real Estate Witch.

Your Staging Checklist

Stage

Action

Strategic Plan

Discuss with your agent what level of staging suits your property and budget.

Physical or Virtual

Choose your staging method—each has unique benefits for presentation and cost.

Declutter & Depersonalize

Remove family photos, excess items, and strong scents.

Clean & Repair

Tidy every space—from gardens to cupboards—and fix minor scuffs.

Refresh Surfaces

Add neutral paint, update décor, and enhance ambiance with lighting and aromas.

Enhance Curb Appeal

Mow lawns, trim hedges, clean driveways—make that first impression count.

Stay Consistent

Maintain the staging—keep it tidy, bright, and welcoming throughout the listing period.

Staging isn't about perfection—it’s about potential. By offering buyers a neutral, welcoming canvas, you help them envision their future there. Whether you choose physical staging, opt for virtual enhancements, or take a simple DIY approach, thoughtful presentation strengthens both appeal and value.

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Let’s make your home unforgettable—on-screen and in-person.

Photo Credit - Pressplay

 

** The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we encourage readers to conduct their own research and due diligence before making any decisions based on the content or sources mentioned. Porter Matthews Metro does not assume any liability for errors, omissions, or reliance on the information provided. **