How to Prepare Your Home If You're Thinking of Selling Soon

The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

Selling your home is more than just putting a sign in the yard—it’s about making sure your property stands out in a competitive market. Buyers today have more options, which means sellers need to be intentional about how they present their homes. One of the most effective ways to do this? Home staging.

What Is Home Staging?

Home staging isn’t about making your house look like a showroom or following the latest design trends. It’s about creating a welcoming, move-in-ready space that allows buyers to picture themselves living there.

Staging can range from simple adjustments—like decluttering and rearranging furniture—to more extensive transformations, such as renting furniture or making minor upgrades. The good news? Even small efforts can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells and how much money you get for it.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes tend to sell faster and for a higher price than homes that aren’t staged.

Which Rooms Matter Most?

The best part? You don’t have to stage your entire house to make an impact. Focus on the rooms buyers care about most. According to NAR, the most important spaces to stage are:

• Living Room – This is where buyers envision relaxing and entertaining.
• Primary Bedroom – A well-staged bedroom helps buyers imagine a peaceful retreat.
• Kitchen – Often considered the heart of the home, a clean and inviting kitchen can be a major selling point.

These rooms are where buyers spend the most time, so making them look their best can significantly influence their decision.

How an Agent Helps You Decide What You Need To Do

A local real estate agent is your best resource when it comes to staging. They know what buyers in your area are looking for because they hear feedback firsthand during showings and walkthroughs.

Here are a few staging strategies an agent might recommend:

• Declutter and depersonalize – Remove personal photos and excess items to create a neutral space.
• Improve room flow – Rearrange furniture to make rooms feel larger and more functional.
• Add finishing touches – Incorporate plants, artwork, and accessories to enhance the space.

For some sellers, these simple tweaks are enough. But if your home needs a more dramatic transformation—or if it’s vacant—your agent may suggest hiring a professional stager.

While professional staging comes at a cost, it can be worth the investment. NAR reports that the median amount spent on professional staging is around $1,500, compared to $500 when the seller’s agent stages the home themselves.

Weighing the Costs and Benefits

A great agent will help you determine the right level of staging based on:

• Your budget
• Your timeline
• The condition of your home
• How quickly similar homes are selling in your area
• What buyers expect at your price point

The goal isn’t to spend a fortune—it’s to make strategic improvements that help buyers feel at home.

Bottom Line

Staging doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. A few thoughtful changes can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home. And with the guidance of a knowledgeable real estate agent, you can focus on the updates that will give you the best return on investment.

So, which room in your house do you think would make the biggest impression on a buyer? If you’re thinking about selling, reach out to me to talk about how to make your home stand out.