If you decide to stage your home on your own, you can include things such as a new rug or a fresh coat of paint. Use these simple do-it-yourself staging tips to make affordable fixups in your home.

Start with a Neutral Slate

As much as you might love that deep red wall or baby blue tiled bathroom, a neutral palette will likely attract the most offers. Painting is one of the least expensive and easiest ways to broaden the appeal of your home. Research shows a clean coat of soft whites, light warm grays and neutral taupes are your best bets.

Declutter Counter Tops and Fridge Doors

When it comes to kitchens, err on the side of removing more personal items rather than less. Uncluttered counters, tucked away appliances, and the removal of catch-all baskets and bowls highlight the clean lines and airy freshness of a kitchen. A contemporary house often needs even more streamlining than a colonial, bungalow or cottage style house. Rule of thumb, if you’re wondering whether or not to remove something… remove it!

Brighten and Lighten

Most people like natural light. Show off windows by removing blinds or opening curtains. Warm sunlight brings out the beauty of hardwood floors, and makes any room seem bigger and more inviting.

TIP: Natural light is a home seller’s best friend

Arrange Furnishings

Simple furniture and minimal accents show off the potential of any room. Arrangements that invite quiet reflection or encourage conversation help buyers see themselves enjoying their life in the space. Above all, make sure you have an attractive space where potential buyers can sit down and discuss purchasing your home.

Think in Threes

Items arranged in odd numbers are generally more appealing to the eye. When grouping items for display, use a minimum of three items to create visual depth.

Balance with Symmetry

Balanced design appeals to our subconscious, giving buyers a sense of harmony and peace. Designs like the one to the left draw on the magic of symmetry.

Freshen with Flowers

Breathe new life into a room with the addition of fresh flowers. Flowers can add a splash of color, a sense of vibrancy, and fill spaces that used to contain family photos or other personal items.

Wrap up Projects

Make smart choices when it comes to home projects that will pay off when you sell. Think of changes that add safety, function, and beauty without breaking the bank.

TIP: Never leave a project partially completed

Tidy with Towels

Create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom with carefully selected and arranged towels. Choose neutral colors and thick, soft towels that look inviting.

TIP: Fluffy white towels easily upgrade any bathroom

Enhance Rooms with Rugs

If you’re staging a home with just a few furniture items, consider a large rug to pull the pieces together and ground the space. Rugs can also cover scrapes or stains on hardwood floors and visually level out uneven flooring.

Grout it Out

Give tile an instant facelift by refreshing the grout. You can rent a steam cleaner to tackle dingy tile jobs. Moldy tile grout is a big turn-off as potential homebuyers will almost certainly associate it with other larger problems.

TIP: Clean grout makes a bathroom or backsplash feel brand new

Help Your Home Looks its Best

Staging takes time, effort and expense, but most homeowners feel it’s well worth their while as it significantly increases the appeal of your house to buyers. Use staging to turn potential negatives into positives and highlight your home’s best features.