The 4 Most Important Rooms to Stage When Selling Your House

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Thinking about selling your home? Oh boy, I’ve been in your shoes. Stood in my own living room once, surrounded by years of collected treasures, and thought, “Okay, so where on earth do I begin with this?”

Every homeowner want to showcase their place like it’s fresh off a magazine page. But the reality? Not all of us have the luxury of endless funds and free hours. And if you’re juggling a job, family, and the mammoth task of prepping a home for sale – I hear you loud and clear.

This is where you should apply the 80/20 rule. This principle suggests that 80% of effects come from 20% of the causes. In home staging, it means focusing on key areas that will make the most significant impact on potential buyers.

According to the NAR 2019 Home Staging report, the most important rooms to stage are the living room, master bedroom, kitchen, and dining room.

Why these rooms, though? What’s so special about them? and how should you stage them? If these questions are buzzing in your head, stick with me. Let’s deep dive into these spaces and uncover their magic.

1) Living Room: The Storyteller

The living room is where we live our best moments, isn’t it? When folks are house hunting, they step into the living room and think, “Can I see myself chilling here?” They’re picturing cozy movie nights, belly laughs with pals, and those quiet times with a good book.

So, the vibe of this room really matters. Making it feel both comfy and stylish is key, because it helps people see all the good times ahead.

Quick Tips to Spruce Up Your Living Room:

1. Keep It Symmetrical: Try arranging your furniture so it’s balanced. It’s a neat trick that makes things feel roomier and more put-together.
2. Go Neutral, But Not Boring: Stick to easy-going colors for big things like sofas or walls. Then, add some fun with colorful pillows or cool decor pieces. It’s like a comfy sweater with a funky necklace. Best of both worlds!

2) Master Bedroom: The Personal Oasis

So, you ever walk into a bedroom and just instantly think, “Oh, this is THE spot!”? That’s what folks are hoping for when they check out the master bedroom in a house they’re thinking of buying. They’re basically looking for that ultimate chill zone. After grinding all day, who doesn’t want a space to kick off their shoes, flop on the bed, and just take a deep breath?

But here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to look like it jumped out of a luxury magazine. It’s more about feeling, you know? It’s like when you meet someone and think, “I can totally hang out with this person.” That’s the vibe the bedroom should give off.

Little Tweaks to Make Your Master Bedroom ‘The Spot’:

1. Lighting Matters: Soft, warm lights can make all the difference. Maybe a nice lamp for the bedside table? Nothing too harsh.
2. Color Palette: Calming tones, folks! We’re talking pastel blues, creamy whites, or those earthy greens. They’re like a visual sigh of relief.
3. Comfy Bedding: Ever seen a bed and just wanted to dive in? That’s the goal. Fluffy pillows, a cozy blanket – make it look irresistibly nap-ready.
4. A Personal Touch: Add something unique, something with a bit of personality. It could be a funky cushion, a cool piece of art, or even a standout lamp. It’s like the room’s way of giving a friendly wink.

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3) Kitchen: Where Life Simmers

You ever heard the saying, “The kitchen is the heart of the home”? If you are the cook of your home, I’m sure you can agree to it. When I think back to all the memorable times at my place, a lot of them happened right there, around the kitchen island or table. From early morning coffee chats to late-night fridge raids, the kitchen is where it’s at.

When people are touring a potential new home, they’re not just checking out the kitchen to see if their pots and pans will fit. They’re wondering, “Can I imagine hosting Thanksgiving here?” or “Is this where I’ll bake cookies on a Saturday afternoon with the kids?”

Now, if your kitchen looks cluttered or out-of-date, it might be harder for them to picture all that. Instead of seeing family dinners, they might just see work. And that’s why staging it right is a game changer.

Quick Tips to Make Your Kitchen Shine:

1. Declutter: First off, clear those countertops. Less is more. Maybe leave out just one or two things like a coffee maker or a fruit bowl. This makes the space look bigger and cleaner.
2. Modern Touches: If your kitchen feels a bit dated, small updates can help. Think about switching out old cabinet knobs or putting up a new light fixture. It doesn’t have to be pricey to make a big difference.
3. Add Some Life: A vase with fresh flowers or a pot of green herbs can bring a dash of life and color. Plus, it’s a little hint of the good times and meals to come.

4) Dining Room: Where Bonds Solidify

You see, when potential buyers walk into a dining room, they’re not just looking at a table and chairs. They’re picturing heartwarming holiday dinners, kiddos tackling homework assignments, and maybe even those late-night heart-to-hearts over leftover pizza.

But when the dining room’s a jumbled mess or just feels, well, ‘blah’, folks have a hard time seeing beyond the present. Their imagination hits a wall.

Staging the dining room, then, is like providing a canvas with just enough detail. It allows home viewers to paint their own picture of life there, but you’re handing them the brushes and a starting palette.

Here’s how staging works its magic in the dining room:

1. Shows Its Purpose: Especially in open-concept homes, a viewer might wonder, “Is this a dining area or just an extension of the living room?” Staging the dining room clearly shows its purpose.
2. Enhances Space: Maybe the dining room isn’t massive. But with the right table, a well-placed mirror, and light colors, it can feel airy and inviting.
3. Triggers Nostalgia: By staging the dining room to echo the warmth of common family gatherings, viewers are often reminded of their own past dinners and celebrations, and they start imagining new ones.
4. Offers a Warm Invitation: A well-staged dining room whispers, “Imagine the memories you’ll make here.”

Selling a home is a bit like staging a play…

Every room is an act, and while not all acts might be the lead, they still contribute to the story. The living room, master bedroom, kitchen, and dining room might be the stars of the show, but it’s the supporting cast – areas like the attic, garage, and yard – that often leave a lasting impression.

Let’s get real for a moment: not all of us have endless buckets of money to stage every nook and cranny of our homes. And that’s okay. But what’s crucial to remember is that “not staging” shouldn’t be confused with “letting things get messy.”

Even if resources are tight, a simple declutter can go a long way. You might not have the fanciest shelves in the garage or the poshest loungers in the yard, but tidiness? That’s free.

Clean out that attic, sweep out the garage, and mow that lawn. It sounds basic because it is. And often, basic is best.

The essence of staging isn’t about expensive decorations or hiring the best interior designer in town. It’s about helping potential buyers envision a future in your home, to see the life they could lead there. Even if certain areas aren’t spotlighted, ensuring they’re clean and decluttered lets viewers see the full potential of your property.

Remember, every space in your home tells a piece of its story. Make sure it’s a story that resonates, inspires, and invites.

Other articles that may be helpful to you:

• How to Stage a Home for a Quick Sale? (With Expert Tips)
• Does Staging a Home Help it Sells? (Facts Revealed)

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Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general information only, and not intend to provide any advice. They are subjected to change without any notice, and not guaranteed to be error-free. Some of the posts on this site may contain views and opinions from individual not related to JCHQ Publishing. They do not necessarily reflect our view or position.

Reference:

• NAR Profile of Home Staging (Source)