Sell your home faster with videos

Monday, August 25, 2025

If you want to see that "SOLD" sign out in front of your house, be prepared to compete in today's tough home-buying market. One way to stay ahead of your competition is to use videos. 

Video marketing sounds complicated and expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Here's what I've learned about this powerful way to make your home sale go quickly and profitably.  

Make a decision

Videos are persuasive marketing tools. As real estate agents and homestagers know, most purchase decisions are made subconsciously, when buyers are led by their emotions after the fact. Videos draw more attention, curiosity, and emotional connection than still images do. 

Don't be frightened by the cost of a professionally shot video. The prices have come down from what they were even a few years ago. That means even modest homes -- and homes in your price range -- are using videos in their listings. 

Videos that pan rooms show buyers
more about the layout of a home
than still photographs can.  

The decision you'll have to make is whether you want to create your own video or hire a professional. Base your decision on whether videos are common in your area, what your budget is, whether your listing agent would pay for a professional, how adept you are with the technology, and how motivated you are to do everything you can to sell your home. 

Professional videographers know how to flatter 
your home and highlight unique features.    

Prioritize quality 

If you want to make your own video, there are simple templates for creating one. I'm not talking about shaky smartphone clips or awkward walk-throughs with no narration. To really showcase your house, you'll need thoughtfully crafted, purpose-driven videos that actually help buyers fall in love with your home before they even step inside.

To do that, you want a crisp, clean, and stable recording. Here's the equipment you'll need: a DSLR or mirrorless camera or a high-quality smartphone, a zoom lens with a wide-angle, and a tripod with sliders that let you pan rooms and create walking tours. 

There are times during the home-selling process when spending money for a professional has a good return on its investment. I've encouraged sellers to consider hiring services like a home inspection, a cleaning service, or a landscaper. Now, I am suggesting that the cost of a professional videographer is worth it -- a pro who can make your home get more attention with a beautiful " mini-movie" complete with soundtrack. Selling a home is similar to starting a business, because you have to spend money to make money. 

But if you prefer to make your own video, here's help on how to do that. 

Rates for professional videography typically start
at $300 and can reach $2,500 for premium service. 

Know your market

Understanding your target audience will shape everything you do in the video—from the visuals to the script to the music. If you’re selling a cozy three-bedroom home with a big backyard, play up the outdoor space for families or pet owners. If it’s a sleek downtown condo, show off the modern finishes, walkability, and lifestyle perks.  

If many of the homes around you are short-term rentals, investors might be your target market. If you are selling a home in a retirement area, seniors are your market. But if your neighborhood is known for its excellent public schools and parks, families could be your likely buyer.

Focus on what's special

Every home has a story. Your job is to tell it. Be sure to include the features you have loved most about your home. Maybe it’s the natural light pouring through the windows in the late afternoon. Or the way the open kitchen makes entertaining a dream. Or the ultra-quiet home office space that became a lifesaver during remote work.

Before the camera starts rolling, take a moment to make sure your staged home looks its absolute best on screen. Beds and pillows smoothed. Clutter and personal items out of sight. Indoor lighting evenly distributed.

Also, don’t forget those practical upgrades that buyers are actively looking for, like a tankless water heater, a whole-house generator, or a new central air-conditioning system (which typically lasts between 12 to 17 years under average demand). Mentioning or filming features like this in your video can show that your home isn’t just beautiful, but that it’s also been well-maintained and equipped.

Professional photographers can edit photos to
include an attractive sky. Your listing agent
should be able to recommend a good photographer.  

Consider drone photography

If there’s one thing that buyers consistently rank high on their wish lists, it’s outdoor space. Whether it’s a sprawling yard, a manicured garden, or even just a sweet little patio—show it off. Buyers will want to know more about the house exterior, the landscape surrounding it, and the neighborhood or town where you live. 

If you are paying for video services, ask about the extra cost of drone photography. It can showcase those outdoor details that are "worth a thousand words." Experienced drone photographers know not to linger on any less appealing aspects of your property or neighborhood. 

Location is everything in the real estate 
market. Drone shots inform buyers more 
about the area around your property. Photo: MotionPads

Get the look, get the book

Real estate listings that include video attract an impressive 403% more inquiries than those without video! So, what are you waiting for? If your online listing shows just a few still photographs, you are missing an opportunity to attract interested buyers.  

Get more tips on selling your home fast and profitably in my homestaging eBooks. Download now and start your "smart staging" for the results you want.  

Top photo: beatcolor.com

Read more »

7 Common Mistakes DIY Home Stagers Make

Friday, August 08, 2025

If you're like me, you have a long list of what you want to do to prepare your home for the real estate market. So, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and forget some steps that can be crucial. Here's a checklist of what is often missed when a homeowner preps her home for sale 

1. Not deep cleaning

We're inundated with advice about how important it is to declutter a home that's going to be listed for sale. Because it doesn't make sense to clean what's clutter, it's best to declutter before you do a deep clean. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most important areas to look spotless. I love the look of the clean but not sterile kitchen above, from Chinoiserie Chic.  

If you can't do deep cleaning yourself, it will pay to have a person or team tackle the job professionally. Get recommendations from neighbors or your listing agent. The pros have the equipment and know-how to be thorough and efficient. 

A deep clean can include carpet
cleaning and window washing,
or just a thorough dusting,
wiping, and vacuuming of
areas you don't always
get clean. Photo: BHG

2. Exterior gets ignored

The profile photo of your home is what will lure buyers into reading the details about your property. Make sure your home looks irresistible from the front! Your landscape needs to look interesting, but also tidy and tended. Your roof and siding need to look clean and in good repair. The walkway and steps need to be obvious and safe.  

Now that drone photography is more common, the grounds around your home will get more attention before buyers come to visit. Any backyard and sideyard clutter can be eliminated or organized so as to not distract. Buyers want liveable spaces outside, so no matter what the season, make your yard inviting with some seating and other staging.      

A front-facing garage can take up
more than half of your online
profile photo. Do its doors look this good?
Photo: Garage Door Masters

3. Too much furniture

When I look at photos online of homes for sale, I see lots of rooms that look crowded. I see multiple storage shelving units lining bedroom walls, extra side tables, ottomans, and electronics scattered around living rooms, and porches crowded with lounge furniture and dining sets. Instead, consider the function of each room and stage to that function, using your best pieces.      

Do any of your rooms have furniture pushed against all the walls, with dead space in the center? My furniture arranging eBook shows you how to create sensible traffic paths through a house and still have rooms that look interesting, inviting, and comfortable. 

When you cluster furnishings away
from the walls, buyers can get a
better sense of the size of
the room. Photo: Michael Partenio

4. House smells bad

That deep clean will go a long way to assuring your home smells good. Your job now is to keep it free of animal scents, cooking aromas, and stale or mildewy air. 

An air purifier does a good job of keeping your air fresh, but the presence of one in your home might make buyers wonder why it's needed. Keep fresh air coming into your rooms with an efficient HVAC system or by opening windows. 

A ceiling fan, correctly installed, is a good
way to circulate your indoor air, and 
reduce the likelihood of mold. Photo: Rejuvenation

Because you may be accustomed to the scents in your home, you can always ask a friend to visit and do a "sniff test." Remember that artificial fragrances can be off-putting to those with allergies and could signal that you are masking smells like ones that might come from things like a clogged drain or sewer issue that a plumber can solve.  

5. Home is too personal

One of the cardinal rules of home staging is to make the house "relatable." Don't put emotional stumbling blocks between you and prospective buyers. Let them concentrate on your property. The less they know about you, your family, and your lifestyle, the better.  So, if you still have family photos, sports memorabilia, or political posters in your house, now's the time to pack them away. 

Another way your home may be too personal is in your choice of paint colors. Walls don't have to be hospital white, but they can't be apple green, navy blue, and magenta. Neutrals will help buyers envision their belongings belonging in your home.  

Shelves and bookcases need to be
staged with generic objects instead of 
things like certificates and family photos
or anything valuable to others.  
Photo: ArchitectureArtDesigns

6. Not hiring a home inspector

One of the smartest moves you can make when prepping your home for sale is hiring a home inspector. Yes, buyers will hire their own inspector, but you can get the jump start before you list your property and fix what might give you black marks. You would be surprised at all that an inspection of your electrical system will tell you, for example.

7. Ignoring the local market

You don't need to be an expert on your local real estate market, but it's certainly helpful to be aware of what your competition looks like. It's easy to do your research on Zillow or Realtor.com. Start your search by entering your zip code and then narrow it down to your price range. The photos and specs will help you understand what your prospective buyer might be considering.

Make your listing agent work for you. A good Realtor will show you comparable homes on the current market and homes like yours that have sold recently. Take the advice of your agent about price and showings. Here is my advice on how to choose a good Realtor, and also how to help your Realtor sell your home.

It's always a good idea to drive by homes
for sale that are similar to your home
in price, size, age, and location. 

Get the look, get the book

You can get all the encouragement you need to stage your own home in my eBooks on DIY homestaging. I give you all the tips and methods you need to be frugal but effective, stylish but welcoming to buyers. It's all about things like color choices, furniture arrangement, and when to follow trends. You can download them now and start staging today!

 

Read more »

Make Your Older Home Look Young

Monday, July 21, 2025

If you are selling an older home, you're probably aware that some buyers see old homes as obsolete. They see floor plans as dated. They see plumbing and electric systems as inefficient. They see some construction materials as worn out or toxic.  

Unless you want to accept low-ball offers from flippers, investors, and other bargain hunters, you might consider making some updates that have a good return at selling time.  

Some modernizing involves expensive retrofitting, using newer materials or techniques. And some modernizing is simple and economical. The improvements you choose to make depend on the condition of the house, your budget and schedule, your neighborhood, and the pool of potential buyers. Your Realtor can help you make choices about what needs attention.    

Show your stuff 

Let's not forget that older homes have their charms. Make sure your online listing points out special features like original woodwork and hardware, an established and walkable neighborhood, and any unique features like Dutch doors, a laundry chute, or a breakfast nook.

To add nostalgia, the homeowners opted to keep 
the whitewashed brick exposed. Photo: DigsDigs 

Modern staging

One way to make an older home feel up-to-date is by staging with some furnishings that nod to the present.    

I would never suggest that you invest in furniture you don't like just to make your home look newer. There are economical ways to put a new shine on your surroundings. 

Sometimes you can borrow a few pieces of furniture from a friend or relative. Or rent something like a contemporary desk and chair to stage an office. 

Rental companies will rent and deliver  
a rooomful of pieces that will make 
 your home look newer. Photo: Cort Rental

Also, you can find budget-friendly modern furniture at discount stores, furniture you can later sell when your home sells. Low-cost choices that are handy for staging include side chairs, ottomans, end tables, and patio furniture. I have had success selling hardly-used furniture on Facebook Marketplace. 

A cushioned sling chair like this one could update
the look of a bedroom, den or living room.
Amazon sells this for less than $100. 

Modern art on walls will update a space, too. The art can be DIY abstract paintings or art objects from second-hand stores. You can buy any oversized, framed art from a thrift store, prime it, and let me show you how to cover it with an abstract drip painting.  

Art for staging isn't limited to wall decor. Whatever you put on shelves, tabletops, and bookcases should have a modern vibe. Modern art has clean lines, so keep your eye out for large-scale decor props like glass vases. Another economical source for contemporary props is sale items at places like Home Goods, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls.    

Modern abstract art helps make this traditional
home look more contemporary. Photo: Issuu.

 

An inexpensive rice paper shade over a simple
string light makes a statement in this 
bedroom. Photo: Design Within Reach. 

You want your staging to emphasize any of your home's vintage features, like high ceilings, large windows, or beautiful woodwork. Don't hide any of these selling points with window treatments or heavy furniture. 

Leaving windows unadorned shows off the
original trim. And contemporary art, rug,
lighing, and color palette bring
this historical home into the present.  

Today's lighting 

Professional stagers know that lighting is an important part of homestaging. You know your indoor artificial lighting demonstrates good staging when it makes your rooms look bigger, brighter, and cleaner. 

Get your lighting choices to work for you by using accent lights to highlight special features, and by installing stylish modern ceiling fixtures. 

This home gets a fresh look with mid-century-
modern furniture and lighting.
The light fixture emphasizes the authentic
pressed tin ceiling. 

LED lighting has multiple benefits. Because they're economical, safe, and eco-friendly, you can feel good about leaving them on when your home is for sale and you can't be there for those last-minute showings. You can't expect a real estate agent to go through the house, switching on every lamp and overhead fixture. LED lights used for outdoor illumination are more reliable and longer-lasting than incandescent lights.

Today's tech-savvy buyers will be impressed if you have programmable lighting systems. It's another way to make an old home look up-to-date, an important consideration for young buyers and senior buyers as well.  

Water and air quality

Buyers can be nervous about the plumbing in older homes. They know that newer homes have lead-free pipes and water treatment systems to deliver safe, good-tasting water. You'll get good marks from a home inspector if your plumbing is today's PVC, PEX, CPVC, or copper instead of cast iron. 

Installing upgrades like smart water monitoring and leak detection can range from $1,000 to $3,000. For homes with outdated plumbing, a more significant upgrade to newer pipes or a tankless water heater might add another $5,000 to $10,000. The good news is that the ROI will be between 3% and 6%. So, if a home sells for $300,000, the increase in value will be between $9,000 and $18,000 at sale time. Something to think about!

Although this is a 1940s house, those vinyl
replacement windows and a 
new HVAC unit assures buyers 
 that they won't have to worry about 
repairs or being too hot or too cold year-round.  

If you have an up-to-date HVAC system, add the specs to your online listing. People want to know they won't have trouble staying comfortable indoors and that they won't incur expenses for replacing or repairing older systems of heating and cooling. If air purifiers and dehumidifiers are normal for your climate and market, let buyers know what you have done to assure clean indoor air. 

Landscaping

Is it time to give the shrubs around your house a trimming? Are they blocking views from the windows? Do trees need to be limbed up so more light enters the house? Do any have dead limbs and signs of poor health? 

You don't want your home's curb appeal to say, "I'm new construction," but you don't want the message to be, "No one's given me any attention in 100 years." The happy medium is a landscape that's in scale with your house, features an assortment of interesting and healthy shrubs (or whatever local vegetation is appropriate), with a clear path to the front entrance. 

This cottage that's been "plaqued" by the 
local historical society has true-to-the-period
landscape that is easy to maintain. 

Get the look, get the book

Even if your home isn't up to the latest upgrades, there are numerous ways to appeal to buyers. Remember that many buyers appreciate the style and quality of older homes and are happy to make their own remodeling choices. Stage it so they appreciate what makes your home a gem!

You'll find all the tips and tricks to doing your own home staging in my eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar. Don't leave without downloading it. 

Read more »

How to Gain Buyers' Confidence

Tuesday, July 08, 2025

No matter how inviting your home looks after you have staged it, the buyer's professional home inspection can sabotage a sale. Understandably, buyers are cautious about going into debt and will want to be sure they are making the right choice when they purchase your home.   

To put buyers' minds at ease, consider paying for some inspections before listing. It can alert you to problems you might not have known about, it gives you a chance to fix what will bother buyers, and it helps you set a fair price for your home. 

Here are six deal-breakers that might show up on a report, and some ways you can address them. 

1. Lead paint

Was your home built before 1978? If so, it could have lead paint on its trim, window frames, and the  exterior surfaces like siding and railings. Although not all home inspectors will check for lead paint, it can pose health risks, particularly for children, and be a major issue for buyers. 

If you have an older home, like one of these 
charming 1926 Sears houses pictured here or above, 
it will have lead paint under layers of new paint. 

Lead paint can be encapsulated with a fresh coat of today's safer paints. I suggest hiring an experienced house painter who will take the necessary precautions to be sure he either removes it safely or covers it safely. If the paint is on old window frames, it could be worth it to replace the windows. 

A bigger problem could be asbestos used in home construction, and I have blogged about that. Here is the best advice about dealing with asbestos when you are selling. If your Realtor suspects you have problems with lead paint or asbestos, she'll ask you to sign a disclosure form. Note: asbestos can be in popcorn ceilings installed before 1980.  

2. Plumbing problems

Do any of your faucets have low water flow? Does your outdoor spigot leak? Do your sinks, the shower or the tub have slow drainage? These are red flags for both buyers and home inspectors. If a thorough DIY cleaning of your faucets and drains, or replacing washers doesn't do the trick, it's time to call a plumber or your favorite handyman. 

If you have a water filtration system, a water softener, or a tankless water heater, make sure you can brag about these features, too by keeping them in tip-top shape. 

A plumber can replace rusted or leaking plumbing pipes and fixtures. According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs Value Report, a homeowner can expect a return of 60 to 70% of the investment when he upgrades plumbing systems before selling. Modern plumbing impresses buyers, even economical upgrades like new toilets and faucets.   

3. Mold or water damage

Visible mold or signs of water damage are buyer turnoffs. Mildew, wet spots, peeling or bubbling paint,  and musty odors are indications of problems that can lead to health concerns, which buyers want to avoid. And water-damaged surfaces look ugly, undermining your efforts to show yourself as a caring homeowner! 

If you want to check for mold in your home, one testing company I can recommend is Immunolytics. You'll receive a kit of test plates in the mail that you will return for testing after you expose them to the air in different rooms. It will enable you to treat the source of the problem. 

Homes built on a slab are more prone to water damage.
If your home is close to a floodplain,
buyers may want to know your elevation,
and any history of flooding. 

4. Roof issues 

For many buyers, the roof's condition is the first thing they will check to determine how well a house has been maintained. Besides its cosmetic appeal an attractive roof adds to your home, a good roof lets buyers know it won't leak or need replacing soon. For minor leaks, hire a local builder, handyman, or roofer.   

If your roof shows missing,  curled, or cracked shingles, or broken tiles, or sagging areas, it may be leaking into your home, even though you may not be aware of any water damage. Your home inspector will do moisture readings on walls to determine if there is leaking. Water can enter from the roof or from flashing or gutters. 

A new roof is impressive. If yours needs replacing, and you decide to go ahead with it, be sure to tell your listing agent. Give her details like the manufacturer and the life span of the roofing. 

Many homes show lots of roof in their profile,
and a roof is a major part of curb appeal.
Does your roof look this new and clean?

 

5. Pest infestation

Animals, when unchecked, can quickly transform your comfortable home into a battleground. Common culprits include squirrels, raccoons, and mice, but insects like ants, spiders or cockroaches are even more common. For these kinds of problems, it's best to hire an exterminator to address the pest issue and seal entry points.  

Also, consider hiring a termite inspector. If there’s any damage, repair the affected wood or replace structural components. Then, you can make this report available to a buyer, building their confidence.    

Often, damage such as scratching and chewing done by your own pets on woodwork or walls can encourage buyers to look elsewhere for their dream home. Sometimes, this kind of damage can be remedied with wood filler or spackle and paint, while other times it requires replacing trim, doors, or drywall. 

6. Foundation cracks

Poor drainage or faulty construction can cause cracks in a foundation. These can be a major concern for buyers, as it may signal structural instability. If you can't fix these cracks yourself, it's best to hire a professional to assess and repair them. If the issue is significant, consider getting an engineering report and performing necessary repairs, such as foundation underpinning or leveling. 

Drainage from downspouts or the roof, or a house
that has settled over time can
cause foundation problems like this. 

Get the look, get the book

It sounds like I am giving you lots of homework! But if you want your home to be sold for a good price, often you need to bite the bullet and make repairs. Just one surprise can discourage a potential buyer's generous offer. Get multiple quotes and rely on recommendations when hiring contractors. 

If you don't have the time or finances to do repairs, talk to your Realtor about adjusting the price of your home. Focus on your staging and addressing simple solutions like decluttering, painting, and making sure your curb appeal is great! 

When you stage, be sure to use my e-book, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar. It will show you how simple staging can make your home sell for more money. 

Read more »

Summertime Staging-- The Essentials

Monday, June 23, 2025

It's summer, and people like to spend time outdoors. Do you want to knock the socks sandals off home buyers when they see what your outdoor spaces offer?

We hear a lot about curb appeal, but let's take a moment to consider backyard appeal. Here's a list of the essentials and some special add-ons that raise the rating for your backyard spaces.  

Places to sit

Creating an outdoor
seating area doesn't
require new or 
expensive furniture.
Photo: Apartment Therapy

An outdoor space needs at least one level area for seating. If you don't have a flat, solid surface like a porch or patio, look for a spot of level ground where you can stage some seats. Seating areas create the illusion of extra square footage. Chairs need not be pricey or plentiful. 

A comfortable outdoor seating arrangement can especially be a draw for people working from home, parents of small children, and young adults who want to entertain more at home. 

Note: It pays to rent a pressure washer if your deck, patio, porch, or walkways need a refresh.    

Cooking area 

An outdoor kitchen with a grill, sink, and maybe a small fridge is bound to add value to your home. 

Even a fire pit, portable grill, or existing fireplace gives people the idea that they can gather, entertain, or prepare food outdoors. Just sitting around any fire is cozy, and buyers know this. Consider the ways you could tap into the power of fire in your backyard space.  

Adding a chiminea to your yard creates an 
instant focal point. Photo: USNews 

Some privacy

This one is a biggie for me, and for most of us. Whether relaxing, playing, or entertaining, it feels good to escape to your own yard's privacy.  

If you have nearby neighbors and there is no landscaping to enclose your yard, there are other options. A screened porch is ideal, so if you have one, make sure it is staged to look inviting. 

Privacy screens around a patio or deck are one possible way to create instant privacy. It could be worth it to add a fence to all or some of your yard, especially if your neighbors' backyards are not as attractive as yours. And, don't ignore the potential that even a small side yard offers as a slice of privacy.  

Here's an example of a side yard that 
didn't go to waste. A path, some plants, lights,
and a table were all it took to suggest a hideaway. 

Water feature

A water feature is always both relaxing and refreshing. While not for everyone, a well-maintained pool in the backyard can be a huge selling point, even an item on the must-have list for many buyers,  especially in warmer climates.

If you already have an above-ground pool, keep it clean and enclosed as a safety feature. If the market for your home is families, a splash pad can be a perk, especially one landscaped into your yard. Another water feature that many buyers like is a hot tub, as long as it is in good condition and sparkling clean. 

Don't forget the charm of a simple, bubbling, outdoor fountain.    

A solar fountain will keep
birds interested, adding life to
your yard. Photo: Navlovesm

Cool spots

Many parts of the US are so warm during the summer months that outdoor living is not a priority. But spring and autumn could be ideal. For warmer areas, shaded spaces and a way to create a breeze will remind people on tour that pleasant outdoor living is still possible. Just the sound of an overhead fan is relaxing, so turn it on when there's a home tour. 

If shade is scarce in your seating area,
an umbrella could solve that problem.
Photo: PhiVilla 

Greenery and flowers

No outdoor landscape is complete without some living plants. Even if your tiny urban terrace has no room for potted shrubbery, containers of colorful flowers or fragrant herbs will make it memorable to people touring your property. 

Choose annuals over perennials to guarantee plenty of continuous color through the summer months. Use large containers that don't dry out too quickly. You can put a sprinkler on a timer to make it easy to keep them hydrated and happy. Use a fertilizer that promises blooms.    

I've written about the advantages of growing an herb garden as part of your landscape. 

Choose flowering annuals that 
will last the season in your area.
Follow the "thrill, fill, spill formula."
Photo: NYTimes

Get the look, get the book

If you are staging your home. I want to hold your hand. You'll benefit from all the easy, economical tips and techniques for decluttering, cleaning, and staging that I've compiled in my eBook, DIY HomeStaging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar.  Don't leave without downloading it!

Top Photo: Monica Wants It

Read more »

DIY Homestaging -- What Can Go Wrong?

Thursday, June 05, 2025

Three cheers for you if you've decided to stage your own home for the real estate marrket. 

There are plenty of good reasons to stage your own house instead of hiring a professional homestaging company. I've written about the advantages of DIY staging over professional staging.

But some people struggle with staging their own home. If that sounds like you, let's review seven problems common to people who don't stage homes on a daily basis and see what solutions are available.     

1. Emotional attachment

If you are struggling with guessing what buyers prefer to see as decor instead of what you like,  you're not alone. While there's no accounting for taste, some guidelines do exist. 

For example, professional stagers and real estate agents strongly suggest removing things like family photos, certificates and awards, political and religious items, things like a collection of memorabilia, wall posters of sports teams or celebrities, abundant refrigerator magnets, or anything else too personal or distracting.

It's not goodbye to some of your favorite possessions. They're just taking a vacation from being on display. Find places to store these things, like pretty boxes on high closet shelves, or in plastic bins under a bed.

Stage so people are envious of your
lifestyle. Photo: James Nathan Schroder

Choose colors and accessories that anyone
could like. Photo: Lauren Leonard 

Simple decor is non-distracting. Don't shun 
neutral colors and simple accessories.   

2. Limited budget

No one wants to waste money. But since staging a home can increase its sale value by as much as 30%, purchasing some services or items can pay for themselves. 

Here are three ways to help handle the expense of staging. 

If you are replacing things like older towels, throw pillows, blankets, or curtains, buy from big-box and discount stores. Discount stores and thrift stores can also be places to source wall art, mirrors, and lamps that your home is calling out for. 

Use what you have. Look around your home for furnishings that are not being used at all or not being used creatively. Are there quilts forgotten in a chest? A mirror in the attic? Vintage baskets in the garden shed or garage?  

Borrow from family or friends. If there is a coffee table or side chair you know would look stunning in your home, ask to borrow it. Does a friend have a large fake plant she'll loan to you? 

It's time to get imaginative with sources, and don't be afraid to give yourself a realistic budget. Remember that you are saving the money you would pay for a professional staging service.  

Thrift stores are treasure houses of inexpensive furniture 
perfect for staging a home on the market. Just be choosy. 

             

3. Not being objective

"I don't know where to start," is a common expression when people decide it's time to move. I always advise a seller to consult with a Realtor before making any changes. 

An experienced, local real estate agent will help you understand the current market so you don't overdo your staging or skimp on staging. She'll also know how to market your home, letting buyers know that home improvements were done by professional builders instead of "homeowner projects" that might not pass code. And she'll know to advertise your major improvements like soundproof windows as  "upgrades," not just "repairs." 

Don't be offended if your listing agent or a good friend points out flaws or clutter you may not notice because you're used to seeing them. This is not a time to be sentimental or casual about how your home looks to other people.  

4. Limited time

Prepping a home for sale takes time. You'll need to manage it so that everything gets done but you don't sacrifice your sanity. Start with a master plan -- a list of what decluttering, cleaning, and repairs need to be done. Group similar tasks. It helps to set deadlines and block out short periods of time. "Today I will spend one hour organizing the laundry room." 

If what needs to be done seems daunting, boost your confidence by recalling all the skills that you have learned during your lifetime that will help you stage your home. Get help when you need it, such as hiring a carpet cleaning service or someone to pressure wash the driveway.     

5. No "decor sense"

Don't sell yourself short. You've lived in your home and you know what makes you happy about it. Focus on what you like to look at and what others have admired. Then, simplify it and keep it clean.     

I've written about the ways that you can train your eye to distinguish good decor from what looks cheap or distracting.  By doing so, you can predict how people touring your home will judge your rooms. 

If you need tips about arranging furniture, I've written an eBook on that.   

I've also written about how you can choose color palettes that flatter and coordinate with your existing features like those handsome bathroom vanities or those beautiful granite countertops you love! 

Simple furnishings are best. Oversized vases
and artwork are your friends. Photo: Banner Day

6. No storage space

Decluttering often means removing things like excess furniture, sporting equipment, or off-season clothing. Where do you put the things that good staging says should not be taking up space or are distracting? The answer can be off-site storage. 

You're probably familiar with the adage, "It takes money to make money." If you are tightening the purse strings, now's the time to remind yourself that staged homes sell for more money than unstaged homes. They also sell 73% faster, and every day your home remains unsold costs you money in insurance, taxes, utilities, upkeep, and perhaps mortgage payments. 

There are advantages and disadvantages to using a 
storage and moving system like PODS. 

So, don't look at storage fees as wasted money. It's a bettrer system than storing boxes full of stuff in a corner of an unused bedroom or the garage, which gives the message that you are anxious to move and that you might accept a lower offer. If you have necessary belongings that are visible but don't add perceived value to your property, it will pay you to put them in temporary storage. 

7. Not a photographer

Today's home buyers begin their search online, so photos are what makes them decide which way to swipe. Most homeowners and real estate agents do not have the training, experience, and photography equipment to deliver a professional portfolio of photos for your listing. 

If you have ever been present to watch a real estate photographer shoot a home for a listing, you know that there is no comparison between what he does and what even someone who takes good pictures with her cell phone can do. The pro will have the experience and equipment to make sure the lighting is evenly distributed, that the angles are accurate and not distorted, that the colors are true and flattering.

The pro might offer you other services to help sell your property, like drone shots and virtual tours. Your Realtor will know what your competition is doing in the way of photos, but you can educate yourself by searching online for homes in your market. 

Get the look, get the book

Be sure to check my other posts about solving the problems common to DIY homestagers, like this roundup of the pros and cons of staging your own home versus hiring a professional. 

And don't leave without downloading my 155-page eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar. It's guaranteed to be your bible for improving the value of your home on the market. 

Read more »