Staging Really Does Help. A Lot.

Don't take our word for it, take a look at these figures from a recent survey by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS:

77% of buyers' agents said staging makes it easier for their buyer to visualize the property as their future home. It's like helping the buyer dream it so they can achieve it...and so you and your agent can make the sale.

39% of sellers' agents said staging a home greatly decreases the amount of time a house is on the market. For you, time saved could mean moving into your new house even sooner.

21% of sellers' agents said staging a home increases its dollar value between 6% and 10%.  Simply put, that may lead to more money in your pocket.

Budget Accordingly

Staging costs vary depending on where you live and how many rooms you're staging. On average, home sellers pay between $302 and $1,358 for staging, according to HomeAdvisor.com. If your house is empty because you've already moved, you might also have additional expenses for renting furniture and other homey decorations to make it look lived-in.

Many stagers offer consultations for as low as $150. If you're on a tight budget, using the advice you learn during the consultation to try DIY staging may be your best option. Listen for tips on how to use the furniture and decor you already have to show off your home's best assets.

First Up: Declutter

Buyers do not want to walk into a messy house. Nobody does.

Take time to clean and declutter your home. Organize everyday household items into crates and keep them out of sight. Stow away seasonal decorations. Make time for, or invest in, a whole-house cleaning, including carpet shampooing. Change light bulbs, make all those minor repairs that have been on your "to do" list, and add a fresh coat of paint to any room that needs it.

Also, remove most personal items from view, such as an abundance of family photos, artwork, or religious keepsakes. The concern is not that home buyers will be offended by you or your lifestyle. but rather, the goal is to neutralize the space and help home buyers imagine themselves living there. (Don't go overboard though. You want the home to feel warm and liveable...not sterile.) 

Focus On the Rooms That Count the Most

You don't have to stage your whole house to make a worthwhile impact.

Staging the rooms where people tend to spend the most time usually makes the biggest impression on buyers. Start with the living room/family rooms, followed by the kitchen and the master bedroom.

Keep in mind that you're not going for an HGTV-worthy overhaul: Small touches like putting fluffy towels in the bathroom or replacing shabby throw pillows in the family room can make your home look and feel more attractive.

Stage Your Yard Too

Your house has to look its best...inside and outside. After all, buyers form their first impression when they pull up in front of your home. Curb appeal can increase your home's sales value up to 17%.

Consider having your home professionally landscaped if your budget allows. Landscaped homes have a sales price advantage ranging from 5.5% to 12.7%, according to research. That would mean an extra $16,500 to $38,100 in value on a $300,000 home. 

If professional landscaping is out of your budget, start with these DIY improvements:

Plant blooming flowers and fresh greenery. Even if it's winter, you can add colorful winter blooms and seasonal touches such as garland or lights.

Mow the grass.

Reseed bare patches of lawn and add fresh sod if needed.

Lay fresh mulch.

Then move on to these easy upgrades to your home's exterior:

Wash the front windows.

Power wash siding and walkways.

Repaint or stain porches and stairs, as needed.

Make sure house numbers are easy to see, visible, and pretty. 

Make sure important outdoor features such as the front door, porch, and sidewalks and paths are well lit. (If not, install new fixtures or lighting.)

Install a new mailbox if yours looks tired.

First impressions do matter...and just wait until they come inside and see what else you've done with the place!

For more information on Home Improvement tips, check out  5 Remodeling "Splurges" That Make Life Sweeter...and Easier.