DIY Home Staging: Tips and Tricks to Sell Your House Fast
Aesthetics in home staging are huge.
To truly capture a buyer's attention, and in traditional real estate, the look (and appearance) is everything.
While there are simpler ways to sell your home, if you’re going the traditional route, you’ll need to ensure your home captures a buyer’s attention by heightening the interiors. Consider this as your go-to guide for DIY home staging, packed with tips to impress potential buyers without draining your pockets, so when you say “sell my home,” people will listen.
Always remember, if you want to skip the staging process and sell your home fast, House Buyers of America is always here; we buy houses for cash, making the real estate process a breeze.
The Importance of Home Staging
First impressions are everything— in our lives, and in the homes we visit.
When potential buyer steps into your property, they're not just looking at the walls and floors; they're envisioning their future lives.
A well-staged home can inspire them to cherish their families more, bask in relaxation, or create a rejuvenating and invigorating work-from-home space. A staged house doesn’t force them to imagine the potential of the space; it's laid out right in front of them. In the end, it’s not just about making the space pretty; it's also about speeding up the sale. Homes that are staged tend to sell faster compared to those that aren’t— a challenging aspect of the home-selling process.
Though we’re not fans of this process, we still want to help you get your home ready for sale. And if you decide it’s all too much, we want you to know that you have other, easier options, so when you say “sell my house,” it can get done!
DIY Home Staging Tips and Tricks
1. Declutter Your Space
If your space is a mess, it’s time to get cleaning for that open house.
There’s nothing worse than a potential buyer walking into your space and letting it go just because it could have used some TLC. This is part of the process There’s nothing worse for a buyer than walking into a cluttered space and trying to envision it as their future home. When you declutter, you’re allowing potential buyers to envision their own lives unfolding there. Starting this process early can transform it from a chore into a rewarding experience… maybe even a little opportunity to reminisce about what you loved about this home in the first place!
Remember— moving around this space isn’t just because the company is over— it’s the difference between getting your home’s value or not. As a little rule of thumb, separate things into 3 piles: keep, donate, or discard.
And if you don’t want to deal with the cleaning and organizing, head over to House Buyers of America so you can get cash for your house and we can do all the dirty work for you— literally.
How to Have a Successful Open House
2. Refresh Your Walls with Neutral Colors
Picking the perfect wall color is an art, especially when it comes to making your home look presentable.
While vibrant shades might appeal to some, they might be off-putting to others, so when it comes to staging your home, stick to neutral colors to make your home look spacious, clean, and like a blank canvas ready to be painted on by the future homeowner. Potential buyers want to be able to see their dreams, not see the home as somebody else’s. They want to visualize their belongings in the space and their days spent going in, out, and around the rooms.
Consider going for universally loved shades like beige, soft gray, taupe, or gentle pastels to enhance the room's ambiance by bringing calmness while making the space seem wide, open, and clean.
3. Maximize Curb Appeal
First impressions hold significant weight in the world of real estate, and before your future buyers step inside your home, they will see it first. People form an opinion based on a home’s exterior, and how it presents itself on its quaint little curb. So, by sprucing up the outside, you can ensure every open house attendee’s initial impression is a positive one.
Think of those simple touches that can make a huge difference:
- A regularly mowed lawn
- Trimmed shrubs
- Clean paint
- A freshly painted front door
- Basic lighting
- A pop of colors with fresh flowers or potted plants
- A power-washed front porch
- Clean windows
- A smooth driveway
If you’re thinking this is a lot of upkeep just for staging a home, you’re right! You could spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars just getting home staging right, without any guarantee of a sale. That’s the unfortunate reality of selling your home traditionally, which is why we like doing things a little differently.
4. Focus on Key Rooms
We all have those favorite spots in our homes where we spend most of our time, and guess what? Potential buyers will, too!
While it's great to have every room in tip-top shape, rooms like the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom often become the stars of the show, especially when it comes to interested home buyers. These are the main areas that they’ll focus the most on— the living room with comfy seating that's just begging for a chat, or your kitchen counter free from clutter but decorated with a bowl of fresh fruits or cheery flowers.
When you zero in on the main rooms, it can easily make the rest of the home come together— even if it’s not perfect.
Related: Home Improvements That Don’t Add Value to Your House
5. Update Lighting and Light Fixtures
Good lighting is both functional and atmospheric and can make a world of difference when presenting your home. Just like you’ll feel differently in a Home Depot than you would in a tea house, so will you in a home that doesn’t have up-to-date lighting fixtures or lighting overall.
When it comes to lighting, opt out of bluer lights for warmer lights to make for a more inviting experience, and updating older fixtures or insufficient lighting can give a space a dated feel. When it comes to the fixtures themselves, consider updating to more modern fixtures or adding floor or table lamps to brighten up darker areas. For those on a budget, even simple changes like swapping out old bulbs for LED lights can make a noticeable difference without breaking the bank.
Don't avoid the power of well-placed lighting to transform your home's appeal— it takes an investment to make your home look updated, or you won’t see the benefits you could. And if this is all overwhelming you, no fret! Turn to House Buyers of America for a no-BS approach to selling your home. No swapping out fixtures, no updating the look, just selling your house fast.
6. Make Small Repairs
It's often those smallest details that catch the eyes of a potential buyer. Those loose doorknobs, dripping faucets, or chipped paint may seem inconsequential now, but when potential buyers are taking a discerning look at everything in your home, it could be a sign of neglect, and a reason to negotiate for a lower price.
For many of these repair costs, a basic toolkit and some DIY videos can be your best allies, but more than anything, you’ll want to get these fixed up now before anyone comes by to see the house. Yes, we’re talking about tightening those loose fixtures, patching up holes in the walls, replacing burned-out light bulbs, and giving any scuffed areas a fresh coat of paint.
Just these simple touches can create an impression of a well-maintained home, setting the minds of potential buyers at ease.
7. Use Mirrors and Add Accessories to Create Space
Mirrors are a home stager's secret weapon, and simple accessories can create that “lived-in” feeling without making things feel cluttered.
When strategically placed, mirrors can amplify light and give the illusion of increased space, which is a huge, inexpensive win even when you’re in tighter quarters.
Think about those smaller rooms, narrow hallways, and darker sections of the home that need a little bit of light bouncing around, or those wide and empty spaces that could use a little zhuzh to make it look like a home and not an empty few rooms.
Think about those sections like above fireplaces, opposite windows (to reflect natural light), and along corridors, where something a little extra could add some flavor to the space and make potential homebuyers feel like they’re just at home.
8. Make It Smell Like Home
While visual cues are paramount, getting a lovely whiff of gingerbread, lavender, or sandalwood can transform a space for a small price.
This can come through using incense, candles, or even baking cookies or pies right in the kitchen so potential buyers can feel comfy and cozy walking through the space like it’s already home.
Just be careful not to use anything too overpowering, artificial, or allergy-inducing, so nobody’s too uncomfortable or taken aback by jarring smells.
The real beauty of setting your home up for staging is making it a perfect canvas for your buyers. A personal touch coupled with strategic staging, can strike that perfect balance between structure and beauty, resonating with potential buyers by their feelings and their senses.
But let’s not forget— not everyone has the time or flair for home staging. Powerwashing, decorating, cleaning, replacing furniture, and adding detail to a home takes a lot of work, and can sometimes take more time and money than it’s worth.
That’s where House Buyers of America comes into play, where we buy homes and you can sell your house as is and not have to worry about doing any of the annoying little touches to prep for buyers. Instead, you can sell your house in 7 days or less, and forget all scouring the internet practically shouting “buy my home.”
Leave the staging, cleaning, and organizing up to us, and request an offer today!
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Ways to Sell Your House Fast For countless homeowners, the thought of selling a house as is can be a daunting challenge. One often imagines the leisure to smoothly navigate through the home-selling journey. However, as elaborated below, life throws curveballs like: Job transfers Growing families A sudden demise in the family Financial tight spots Divorce upheavals Relocating for fresh job prospects Mounting maintenance costs Such pivotal moments demand rapid action. That's where homeowners prioritize locking in the sale of their houses swiftly. Trusted partners like House Buyers of America have an upper hand with their comprehensive resources, ensuring homeowners receive competitive, fair cash offers and fast house sales in their tight schedules. Why "Sell My House Fast For Cash" Could Be Your Answer Ever stood in your living room pondering, "Can I sell my home for cash?" Many find the start of the selling journey mystifying. Perhaps, your residence has adorned the market for ages, making you wonder, "How do I expedite the sale?" Such queries aren't solitary. For those in haste, House Buyers of America extends a lifeline. Remember, opting for a cash sale is a lifesaver when the clock's ticking. Collaborating with an iBuyer ("we buy houses" company), like House Buyers of America, shuns realtor commissions with its sleek procedures. Their proposition: an "as is" offer. And if it resonates, your cash materializes in mere days. Related: The Average Time to Sell a House Scenarios Perfect for Our Services: 1. The Inherited Abode: Inheriting a house might sound dreamy, but sometimes it's more of a responsibility, especially if co-inherited or needing extensive repairs. Instead of plunging into rentals, the swifter sale is often preferred. House Buyers of America often collaborate with such families, turning potential fixer-uppers into quick cash. 2. Downsizing for Simplicity: Life stages shift, and a desire to minimize arises. If you're resonating with the "I need to sell my house fast for simplicity's sake" sentiment, know that the condition of your home isn't a deterrent. House Buyers of America promises a quote in just ten minutes. If you've found your next nest, it's wise to seal the deal on your current residence and avoid financial strains. House Buyers of America is your ally in such ventures. Related: Selling An Inherited House What to Consider Before Selling Your House for Cash Any house sale mandates due diligence. To optimize your outcome, being informed is key. At House Buyers of America, we always advise our clientele to weigh these factors before settling for a cash buyer: Time Constraints: Situations like job relocations, unexpected inheritances, or pending divorces vary in urgency. Depending on market dynamics and the state of your home, the sale might be instant or prolonged. For those seeking an assured quick sale, a cash offer might be the golden ticket. How Much Work is Needed to Sell There’s a lot of preparation that goes into selling a home the traditional way with a real estate agent. There’s packing, renovating, fixing up the house, listing photoshoots, home staging, and open houses—the list goes on. The only way to avoid these obligations is to opt for a “sell house for cash” program. These programs, like the one we offer at House Buyers of America, provide you with a fair cash offer based on the current condition of your home—no cleaning or prep work required. We work with you every step of the way based on your unique selling situation. Who Cash Home Buyer Programs Are Right For If you want a simple and hassle-free home sale, selling a house to a cash buyer might be your best available option. House Buyers of America is here to help sellers in those situations. We offer a competitive sales price for your house AS IS, no matter its condition, saving you the time and stress that would have gone into trying to sell on the market. So, what’s the benefit? A qualified company that buys houses for cash, like House Buyers of America, has the funds to make the purchase. You also get a guarantee that the sale will go through. That's never the case with selling a house to a high-tech real estate cash buyer like House Buyers of America. Also, when you sell your home fast to a cash buyer, you know they can process the payment much more quickly because they aren’t relying on lenders or third parties. This means that your house is sold fast, and you're free to move on to your next place. Of course, while working with an iBuyer is usually the best way to sell your home quickly (for cash or otherwise), there are still several other options that might be worth exploring: Related: The Top 6 Reasons You Should Sell Your House “As Is” For Sale by Owner (FSBO) Listing This method allows homeowners to bypass real estate agents. However, the onus of managing paperwork and attracting buyers falls squarely on the homeowner. This route can often be more time-consuming than anticipated, especially if the market is slow. Real Estate Listing This method has its merits, but the time and effort involved in maintaining the house for viewings, alongside agent commission fees, can make it less appealing for those wanting to Sell Your House Fast. Doing “Whatever It Takes” Selling a house requires effort, whether you're working with an agent, promoting it on social media, or hosting open houses. But remember, more effort doesn't guarantee a faster sale. The below statistics demonstrate why this is the case: The entire length of time it takes to sell a home is more than just the number of days your house is on the market. Before your house can be listed for sale, you must do your research to ensure selling your house is the right decision and also find contractors. That takes time. 86% of home buyers finance their homes, meaning they must wait for their mortgage loan to be approved before finalizing a purchase. That adds additional time to the closing process. It takes 30 days, on average, for a mortgage to be approved, and 50 days for the sale of a house to be completed (from initial offer to closing). On top of that, if the house needs a lot of work and the buyer is getting a construction loan—like an FHA 203K loan—you can expect another 90 to 120 days for that to be approved. Why The Traditional Route Might Not Be Fast Enough Traditional house selling methods often require time, sometimes stretching from 6 months to a year. This can be problematic for those seeking a rapid solution, making a "sell my house fast" approach a more appealing alternative. Our team at House Buyers of America is passionate about providing homeowners with a convenient and rapid-fast alternative that puts cash in their pockets sooner rather than later. House Buyers of America's Sell Your House Fast Process Have you ever thought, "I need to sell my house for cash now"? House Buyers of America's process is efficient and designed for speed. This approach is particularly beneficial for those eager to progress to their next life phase without the added stress of a prolonged selling process. The Experience of Selling Your House to House Buyers of America When you work with House Buyers of America, you're working with a seasoned, reputable company. With their history of buying thousands of homes since 2001, their process is streamlined, efficient, and trustworthy. Unlike traditional real estate agencies, we do not require you to: Clean or prepare your home for sale Be present for viewings or open houses Wait until a potential buyer receives loan approval Complete costly repairs Pay a commission fee Instead, we make the house selling process easy by: Providing you with a fair cash offer in just a few minutes Buying your property AS IS, no matter the size or condition Paying you cash upon settlement of your house Providing outstanding customer experience with our real estate team Offering cutting-edge technology to simplify the home selling process How We Make A Quick House Sale Possible If you are hoping to “sell house for cash quickly” or “sell house for cash fast”, we’re here to help. We make it possible for you to: Move forward with your life in a matter of days (not months or a year) Sell your home without cleaning or renovating Save money by avoiding commission fees and closing costs Walk away with cash in your pocket Why Sell Your House to House Buyers of America? In business since 2001, thousands of homes purchased We close on time You never pay any commissions (yep, none!) We work with your schedule If you sell your house to us, you have no worries, no commissions, and no delays. Why deal with the headache of staging a home, scheduling open houses and maintaining listings? Contact us now to sell your house fast and save time and money. We have bought thousands of homes since 2001. When you sell your house to us, you are dealing with a local, established company. You can visit our office and talk with us any time if you have questions or concerns. We even provide you with a real estate consultant to help you through every step of the process. Making the Right Choice for Your Needs While traditional methods might work for some, many find the efficiency and ease of a "sell house for cash" approach preferable. If a hassle-free, swift sale is what you're after, House Buyers of America might be your ideal choice. FAQ Why might someone want to sell their house swiftly? Reasons vary, from job relocations to financial challenges or even unexpected property inheritances. Is selling my house for cash a reliable option? Yes, especially when you want to sell your house fast without the regular market uncertainties. What advantages do iBuyers like House Buyers of America offer? They provide a streamlined process, no realtor commissions, and swift cash offers, among other benefits. Does the condition of my home affect the cash sale? Not with entities like House Buyers of America, as they offer to buy homes "as is." How long does it take to get a cash offer for my house? With House Buyers of America, you can get an offer in as quick as 10 minutes. Is it wise to downsize my home? It's a personal decision, often influenced by lifestyle changes, desires for simplicity, or financial considerations. What should I consider before selling my house for cash? You should assess your time constraints, the current market, your home's condition, and the reliability of your chosen cash buyer. Can I sell an inherited house for cash? Absolutely. Many opt for this to avoid the responsibilities and potential repairs of an inherited property Get Started Today There is simply no other method of selling a home that is this stress-free. We look forward to helping you sell your house as fast as possible. There’s a reason why we have so many five-star reviews—our process simply works. If you’re ready to get started on the process of selling your house fast, the quickest way to do so will be by filling out our online form or calling us at 855-336-7167. After you answer just a few questions, you’ll have the option to accept a fair cash offer, sign a sales agreement, and close the deal. We know it’s hard to believe, but really, that’s it! Sell Home Fast and Fast House Buying House Buyers of America is one of the leading services for people looking for companies promising a cash offer for their homes in Maryland. Are you looking to sell your home? Do you want your home bought now? Rely on House Buyers of America to buy your house fast, AS IS for cash without the hassle of commissions or a lengthy sales process. If you need more convincing, check out these customer sold homes stories. Call us now at 855-336-7167 or fill out our online form to get a cash offer in 10 minutes! Cities and Counties in Maryland Where We Buy Houses Aberdeen Adelphi Annapolis Baltimore Bel-Air Beltsville Bowie Burtonsville Bushwood Catonsville Chesapeake Beach Chevy Chase Chillum Clinton Colesville College Park Columbia Crofton Darnestown Edgewater Eldersburg Elkton Essex Fells Point Fort Washington Frederick Gaithersburg Glen Burnie Greenbelt Gwynn Oak Halethorpe Havre De Grace Hyattsville Indian Head Lanham Leonardtown Lexington Park Lochearn Marlow Heights Mechanicsville Milford Mill Monkton Monrovia Montgomery County Mount Rainier Nanjemoy Olney Oxon Hill Pikesville Potomac Prince George's County Randallstown Rockville Rosedale Walkersville West River White Plains And more! We’ve worked hard to establish the best platform for quickly selling your home in Maryland. With our “We Buy Maryland Houses” program, you can quickly get your home off your hands, all for a very fair price. We’d love to chat more about finding ways to sell your Maryland property and help you achieve your long-term financial goals. Why You Should Use House Buyers of America Selling a house is stressful enough, even if you live in a very competitive state for housing like Maryland. When you add in the trials of trying to sell your house during a personal financial emergency or the emotions of an estate sale, it can be overwhelming. Let House Buyers of America buy your house; as suggested, we buy houses in Maryland and we put a lot of pride into our work. Here are just a few ways House Buyers of America can make a real difference: No Commission Yes, you read that right. House Buyers of America takes no commission when buying your home. This frees up at least 6% in the value of your home, significant savings that you can apply to your next home. With Maryland’s high real estate values, that means you could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars. With no commissions, you can be assured that you get a fair price for your home. Related: Three Tips to Sell Your House Fast for Cash Fast House Buying House Buyers of America promises to get you an offer within 10 minutes over the phone. It doesn’t matter if you are trying to sell a home in Maryland, Virginia, D.C., or any of our other markets. That means no more waiting on real estate agents to list your home and then receiving an offer from a potential buyer in weeks or months. Close in as Little as 7 Days Some companies will tell you “We buy Maryland houses in 7 days,” but they don’t have adequate capital or a fully staffed office to accomplish this. House Buyers of America’s goal is to buy houses in Maryland in as little as 7 days because we try hard to ensure we buy it as quickly as possible. We have plenty of capital—enough to buy many more houses than we’re buying now. Plus, we have a fully staffed office ready to handle any new deals. Our commitment to a speedy sale is a hallmark of House Buyers of America. Any Condition, AS IS This is not a gimmick. We buy houses AS IS in Maryland, in any condition—from a tear-down to relatively new houses. Whether it needs tons of repairs or no repairs at all, our purchases are not made based on the condition of the home. Our offers are made in cash for any condition and on an AS IS basis. When Should You Use House Buyers of America? Clients of House Buyers of America range across demographics, ages, and financial situations. We help make it possible for Maryland homeowners to achieve their financial dreams. As a result, there are certain reasons why our customers tell us why they sell their houses to us. Job Transfer Did you just get a promotion that requires you to relocate? Or maybe your local office is closing down and you have to relocate to another city quickly in order to keep your job. Whatever your job transfer needs are, we offer cash for your home and we can close quickly. Buying a New House Perhaps the thought of juggling the sale of your current home and purchasing a new one at the same time in the same local market might be creating a lot of stress. Have you considered having to have your home staged and then factor in coordinating where to live after you sell? What should you do? Put a home sale contingency in an offer to purchase a new house and risk making your offer much less competitive. Or should you buy a house first and then risk not being able to sell your current house, leaving you stuck with two mortgages? This is the age-old real estate dilemma. If you’re in this situation, you’ve come to the right place! With House Buyers of America, you get a guaranteed sale of your house and we’re flexible on the closing date (and no closing costs). After the purchase agreement is signed, your home sale is covered and you can start looking for a new home without worrying about selling your existing home. Divorce Divorce can be a huge disruptor, emotionally and financially. In most cases, the divorced couple needs to sell their house fast so they can divvy up the assets and make a clean break. Many in a divorce situation look for a “sell my house fast Maryland” company so they can sell their house without having to go through the arduous process of a traditional sale. Finding a real estate agent, renovating, cleaning, and staging the house, agreeing on a list price, negotiating the terms of the contract, etc. This is normally a stressful enough task, but if you add divorce into the mix, it feels impossible. Why not pick up the phone and get an offer in 10 minutes? Or simply fill out our online form and get an offer quickly. No need to renovate, stage, select a Realtor, and deal with people traipsing through your house and losing all of your privacy for 6-12 months. Real solutions are well within reach. There is an alternative: House Buyers of America! Financial Distress Are you in a financial bind with thousands of dollars locked away in your home? Most people do not realize they can directly access the accumulated equity of their home in their hands in as little as 7 days until they contact House Buyers of America. We offer fair prices for when you need an immediate cash infusion to stave off foreclosure, bankruptcy, or whatever life throws at you. Medical Emergency, Retired, Downsizing Some of our clients are elderly and have stayed in their homes for years, but have stumbled into a medical emergency and need the equity in their homes to pay for hospital bills. When this is the case, whether you are a homeowner or a care provider, you might need to sell your Maryland home quite quickly. Others simply want a hassle-free solution for downsizing into a smaller home and want equity in their legacy home. Estate Sales House Buyers of America have also helped thousands of people who have suddenly inherited an unwanted or unneeded property. When dealing with an estate, many heirs can’t decide or agree on when to sell the house or who will take care of the paperwork, so the house is left sitting vacant and deteriorating for months or years. Estate sales can bring out the worst in people and families often get torn apart in the process. The traditional real estate process can be complicated and often doesn’t work well for estate sales. The unique estate laws that apply in Maryland can also create some additional complications. So why not try a simple, fast, and hassle-free solution that all of your family members can agree on? Get an all-cash offer in as little as 10 minutes by contacting House Buyers of America. A Fresh Start We’ve talked about several reasons you might want to sell your Maryland house to a cash buyer. Then there are those unfortunate circumstances in life that require a complete and total liquidation of your assets when you need a speedy exit from your current home and town. By getting an all-cash, guaranteed offer from House Buyers of America and getting your house sold in as little as 7 days, you get that fresh start without waiting. That’s why we continue to be the choice of people looking to “sell house fast in Maryland,” as well as other nearby states.