Expert Staging Tips To Sell Your Home Faster & for Top Dollar

By Diane Cardano-Casacio

I'm an expert in real estate marketing and negotiation. With innovative strategies and sharp negotiation skills, I help home sellers sell quickly, creatively, and for top dollar while saving them money.

Are you looking to sell your home fast and for top dollar? If you don’t stage it right, you’re leaving money on the table. Buyers make up their minds within seconds, both online and in person, and a poorly staged home can quickly become forgettable. That’s why today, I’m going to break down exactly what you need to do to make your home irresistible to buyers and secure those offers you’ve been waiting for:

First impressions matter. Buyers are quick to judge, and they make up their minds before they even step inside. That first impression online is just as important as the first step through the door. If your listing photos don’t grab attention, you’ll be swiped left and forgotten. Buyers decide if they’re interested in a property within the first 10 seconds. If they see clutter or a space that feels too personal, they’ll move on. You need to give them a clean slate to envision their life in your home.

Declutter and create space. Less is more when it comes to staging. I recommend removing about 30% of your belongings to make the space feel lighter and more open. Personal photos, excessive furniture, and seasonal decorations should go. You don’t want your home to feel like a museum of your life – you want buyers to imagine their life in it. Keep the space clean, but also warm and inviting. A few thoughtful touches, like fresh flowers or a stack of books, can help buyers feel emotionally connected to the space.

Lighting and finishing touches are essential. Lighting is one of the easiest ways to improve your home’s appeal. You don’t need expensive fixtures, just layered lighting. Ambient, task, and accent lighting will create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels luxurious. Additionally, a signature scent can make your home feel cozy and high-end, but it needs to be subtle. Finally, when it comes to furniture and décor, aim for bold accents that create depth and richness. Large artwork or statement furniture pieces add a sense of intentionality, showing buyers that every detail in your home matters.

If you follow these tips and stage your home with intention, you’ll not only attract more buyers, but you’ll also sell for top dollar. If you have any questions about selling your home or staging it properly, feel free to call or text me at (215) 669-6285. I’m here to help you ensure you are staging your home the right way.