Home Staging and Selling Tips: How to Get Top Dollar for Your Riverdale Home

Selling a home is more than just listing it—it’s about making your property stand out in a competitive market. Presentation is key, and the way your home looks can be the difference between a quick sale at top dollar and a property that lingers on the market.

This guide covers expert home staging tips, essential selling strategies, and how to make your Riverdale home irresistible to buyers.

Why Home Staging Matters

Home staging is about creating a space that appeals to the broadest range of buyers. When done right, it helps buyers envision themselves living in your home, leading to faster sales and higher offers.

Key Benefits of Staging

• Homes sell faster – Staged homes spend 73% less time on the market than unstaged ones.
• Higher selling price – On average, staged homes sell for 5-10% more than comparable unstaged homes.
• Stronger first impressions – Buyers often decide within seconds whether they like a home.

Pro Tip: Riverdale’s real estate market is competitive, so making your home stand out with staging can give you a real advantage.

1. Declutter and Depersonalize

One of the most effective ways to stage your home is to declutter and remove personal items. Buyers need to picture themselves in your home, not be distracted by personal decor.

What to Remove

• Personal photos, memorabilia, and items that are overly specific to your style.
• Excess furniture that makes rooms feel small and cramped.
• Clutter from countertops, tables, and storage spaces.

What to Do Instead

• Create open, airy spaces by removing unnecessary furniture.
• Use neutral decor to appeal to more buyers.
• Organize closets and storage areas—buyers will check!

2. Focus on Curb Appeal

Your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see. If it’s not inviting, they may never step inside.

Ways to Boost Curb Appeal

• Mow the lawn and trim bushes for a neat, polished look.
• Power wash the driveway, walkway, and front porch.
• Add potted plants and flowers for a fresh, welcoming touch.
• Repaint the front door to make it stand out.

Pro Tip: A clean, well-maintained exterior can add up to 10% to your home’s value.

3. Let in Natural Light

Bright, well-lit homes feel larger and more inviting. Maximizing natural light is a simple way to make your home look its best.

How to Brighten Your Home

• Open curtains and blinds to let in sunlight.
• Replace dark, heavy drapes with light, airy ones.
• Clean windows to remove smudges and increase brightness.
• Use mirrors to reflect light and make rooms feel bigger.

Pro Tip: If a room lacks natural light, soft white LED bulbs create a warm, welcoming glow.

4. Highlight Key Rooms First

Not all rooms carry the same weight with buyers. Focus on staging the most important areas.

Top 3 Rooms to Stage

• Living Room – Arrange furniture to create an open and cozy
• Kitchen – Keep countertops clear, add fresh flowers, and make appliances sparkle.
• Primary Bedroom – Use neutral bedding and soft lighting for a retreat-like feel.

Pro Tip: Less Important: Guest rooms, laundry rooms, and garages—buyers spend less time evaluating these areas.

5. Keep It Neutral, But Add Warmth

Neutral colors appeal to the most buyers, but a completely sterile home can feel cold. Add warmth with subtle accents.

Best Neutral Paint Colors

• Light Gray (Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams)
• Soft Beige (Accessible Beige by Sherwin-Williams)
• Warm White (Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore)

Ways to Add Warmth

• Use soft textures like throw pillows and blankets.
• Add a few pops of color with decor, plants, or accent pieces.
• Light candles or diffuse essential oils for a fresh, clean scent.

6. Set the Scene for Showings

On showing days, go the extra mile to make your home feel inviting.

Before Buyers Arrive

• Turn on all lights and lamps for a bright, welcoming space.
• Play soft background music (classical or jazz works well).
• Set the dining table with stylish tableware.
• Bake cookies or light vanilla-scented candles for a cozy atmosphere.

Pro Tip: Buyers tend to spend more time in homes that feel comfortable—small details make a big difference!

7. Hire a Professional Photographer

📸 90% of buyers start their home search online—high-quality listing photos can make or break their interest.

Why Professional Photography Matters

• Captures bright, well-composed images that highlight your home’s best features.
• Uses wide-angle shots to make rooms look larger and more inviting.
• Showcases outdoor spaces that add value to your listing.

Pro Tip: Homes with professional photos get 61% more views and sell 32% faster than those with low-quality images.

Sell Your Riverdale Home for Top Dollar

Staging your home doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, but it can make a huge difference in how quickly and profitably your home sells.

Thinking about selling?

📞 Call/Text: (470) 885-8804
📩 Email: jebentonsr@gmail.com

🔹 Let’s get your home sold—fast and for top dollar!