How to Stage Your Existing Home to Sell Faster
Selling your home—especially when you're preparing to move into your dream new Ernest home—is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. The good news? With the right staging strategy, you can attract more buyers, sell your home faster, and maximize your profit.
Staging is all about presenting your home in its best light. It highlights your home’s strengths, minimizes distractions, and helps buyers imagine themselves living there. Here’s your updated 2025 guide on how to stage your home effectively.
1. Boost Your Curb Appeal
The outside of your home creates the first—and often most important—impression. Small improvements go a long way:
- Mow, edge, and freshen up landscaping
- Add new mulch and clean up old shrubs
- Pressure wash the exterior and walkways
- Repaint your front door if it’s faded
- Replace worn-out light fixtures or house numbers
- Add simple décor: a seasonal wreath, potted plants, or a clean welcome mat
These touches signal to buyers that the home has been well cared for—before they even step inside.
2. Declutter and Pare Down Furniture
Nothing makes a home feel smaller than clutter or oversized furniture. Professional stagers often remove 30–50% of furniture to make rooms feel larger and more open.
Focus on:
- Removing unnecessary furniture to create easy walking paths
- Clearing off countertops, tables, bookshelves, and nightstands
- Minimizing pillows, throws, and decorative objects
- Ensuring windows are visible and unobstructed
A simple, clean layout helps buyers visualize their own lifestyle in the space.
3. Create a Functional Work or Study Area
Since more families continue to work or study from home in 2025, buyers love to see a dedicated workspace. Even a small nook can make a difference.
Consider staging:
- A compact desk in a guest room
- A tidy workspace in the living room
- A built-in desk or well-organized corner
Highlighting a “work-from-home zone” shows the home is flexible for modern needs.
4. Make Every Room Photo-Ready
Most buyers in 2025 will see your home online before scheduling a visit. Great listing photos matter.
Before photography or showings:
- Add fresh towels and simple décor in bathrooms
- Keep kitchen counters mostly clear except for a bowl of fruit or plant
- Open blinds to maximize natural light
- Use neutral bedding to make bedrooms feel calming and turnkey
Remember: buyers zoom in. Details count.
5. Hide Pet Items During Showings
We love pets—but buyers may not. Some have allergies, others may worry about odors or wear and tear.
Before each showing:
- Remove toys, bowls, crates, and beds
- Clean litter boxes and deodorize pet areas
- Vacuum frequently to reduce hair
The goal is to make your home feel clean and universally appealing.
6. Deep Clean Everything
A spotless home gives buyers confidence that the home has been well maintained. Go beyond weekly cleaning:
- Dust ceiling fans and baseboards
- Scrub grout and sinks
- Clean inside cabinets and drawers
- Wipe vents and light switches
- Polish appliances
Make it shine—because buyers notice.
Sell Sooner, Move Sooner
Staging your home is one of the most effective ways to sell faster and for a better price. And the sooner you sell, the sooner you can move into your beautifully designed Ernest home built just for you.
We’d love to show you our newest communities and available homes across the Savannah area. If you’re ready for your next chapter, connect with us today.
