With new homes being added to the housing market every day, it’s important that your home stands out and makes a great impression on potential buyers. This is where staging your home can make all the difference. And while it may seem as simple as adding a few new pieces of decor, there’s much more to it than that. That’s why we talked with professional home stagers for their expertise and insight. Here are their top do’s and don’ts when it comes to staging your home to sell. 

Here are 6 Do’s and Don’ts of Staging Your Home to Sell

Do: Make updates before listing your home

One of the best things I can share with homeowners is that their home should really feel like the price point that it is. So you should invest in making some updates before you list or even before showing it to your realtor. I commonly suggest repainting the home's interior with a trending neutral color and replacing out-of-style light fixtures. Neither of these changes will break the bank and both will create demand from buyers who want a contemporary, move-in ready home that fits their ideal lifestyle. - Les Is More Home Staging

Don’t: Staging your home to sell with outdated furniture 

Using old or worn down furniture can make the property feel out of style and can quickly turn off potential buyers. Hiring a good stager will ensure optimal furniture placement and flow throughout the home while making the home aesthetically appealing to anyone who walks through the door. - Fruitful Home Staging

Do: Use soft white lighting

Use “soft white” light bulbs with a Kelvin rating of 2,700-3,000. This color temperature provides a warm light without distorting the color captured in your all-important marketing photos. - Successful Staging 

Don’t: Cover windows 

Keep all windows free and clear of window treatments of any kind. Windows should be completely exposed to let in the maximum natural light and to make each room appear as large as possible. This leads to better photos to entice the buyer and also better viewings. A curtain panel at the outside of each window can be nice and add to the softness and elegance of the room, but be sure to either remove or completely lift up all blinds. - Heart & Home Staging and Restyling 

Don’t: Display personal items

I always recommend home sellers to stay away from four things when staging their home - religion, politics, alcohol, and collegiate preferences - especially here in the south. We don’t want to offend anyone and this will help make the home more appealing to a wide range of buyers. - Under the Willow Home Staging

Do: Get professional photos taken 

You only get one chance to impress your potential buyers and it all begins with high quality photographs. Getting the best quality photos you can afford is more important than ever to ensure top dollar in the least amount of time on the market. It’s our one chance to highlight the home’s best features and to tell our story through our staging. It leaves an impression and peaks the interest of potential buyers enough to make them want to view the property in person. - Decorate to Show

Originally published by Redfin