How do you showcase the potential and value of a home to first-time buyers through home staging?

1 Know your audience

The first step in home staging is to know who you are selling to. First-time buyers are a diverse group, but they tend to share some characteristics and preferences. For example, they may be more interested in move-in ready homes, energy efficiency, smart technology, and flexible spaces. They may also have less budget and more debt, so they may be more sensitive to price and value. Therefore, you need to highlight the features and benefits of your home that match their needs and wants, and address any potential objections or concerns they may have.

2 Declutter and depersonalize

The second step in home staging is to declutter and depersonalize your home. This means removing any excess items, personal belongings, family photos, religious symbols, or anything else that may distract or offend the buyers. You want to create a clean, spacious, and neutral canvas that allows the buyers to imagine themselves living in your home, not your life. You also want to make sure your home is organized, tidy, and functional, so that the buyers can see the storage and utility of your home, not the clutter and chaos.

4 Style and accessorize

The fourth step in home staging is to style and accessorize your home. This means adding some color, texture, lighting, and personality to your home, without going overboard. You want to create a warm, inviting, and attractive atmosphere that showcases the best aspects of your home, not a cold, bland, or generic one. You also want to use some strategic accessories, such as pillows, rugs, plants, art, or candles, to create focal points, accentuate features, and evoke emotions. You don't have to buy new furniture or decor, but you do want to use what you have wisely and tastefully.

5 Optimize the layout

The fifth step in home staging is to optimize the layout of your home. This means arranging the furniture and space in a way that maximizes the flow, function, and feel of your home, not the way you are used to living in it. You want to show the buyers how they can use and enjoy your home, not how you do. You also want to make sure your home is easy to navigate, comfortable to live in, and adaptable to different needs. You don't have to follow any rules or trends, but you do want to follow some principles of design and ergonomics.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?