• A staging investment of 1% to 3% of the asking price generates an ROI of between 8% and 10%. • Homes staged prior to listing sold 79% faster than homes staged after listing. Start with What You Have: Don’t rush off to hire a stager or buy a bunch of new décor or rent new furniture. Start at the beginning, which is creating space. You can create more space by clearing the clutter—unnecessary items and/or furniture; repainting the rooms with a fresh coat of neutral paint; and making a few repairs. Think about what you already have that could use a few tweaks or upgrades. Do as much as possible with what you have be fore yo u rent new pieces, or hire a stager. Basic Rules for Home Staging: • Deep clean: The type of deep cleaning you need to do to stage your home effectively might require a professional cleaning company. If you can do your research and find an experienced and recommended service, it will be well worth the investment! • Deal with old/broken items: Whether you repair or replace them, the different parts of your home should be clean, functional, appealing, and up-to-date. For example, a leaky faucet will give the impression that your home has been neglected. • Declutter: Clear that clutter! Aim to remove at least 50% of it. Yes, your “stuff” reflects hobbies, memories, and values. This is especially true for homeowners who are downsizing because they’ve lived in their homes for much longer. But clutter makes a home seem disorganized and smaller. Cluttered homes don’t sell—at least not well. • Depersonalize: Remove items that reflect your personal values; anything religious or political, for instance, can
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