Staging to Sell: How to Make Your Northwest Wisconsin Home Stand Out

As you begin the process of selling your home in northwest Wisconsin, the first thing on your mind should be finding the right buyer. Finding the right buyer (read: someone who will make a fast, reasonable offer) means you’ll want to make your home as appealing as possible. One thing that many sellers do is to “stage” their home. This helps buyers envision their lives in your space, making them more likely to put in an offer. 

At Northwest Wisconsin Realty, we take care of everything you’ll need to attract the right people, including taking incredible photos of your property and writing a catchy listing. But before all of that, we help you make decisions on how to stage your home. Here’s a brief guide on what staging a home means, what it costs, how to DIY, and how staging ultimately helps to sell your home.

Why staging a home matters

When potential buyers come to look at your house, you want them to see your house — not your personal possessions. When buyers can make an emotional connection to the space, you’re much more likely to close the sale. Ideally, buyers should easily be able to envision themselves (and their things) fitting into the space, so keep them in mind as you make changes.

Staged homes are also perceived to be better maintained, as part of staging involves keeping the home as clean as possible. It’s all about making your home look its absolute best, as a house that looks “move-in ready” is a much easier sell! Removing distractions like bulky furniture or outdated decor makes a world of difference when it comes to perceived value. 

Staging also makes your home easier to market. Whether you’re living in your home during the selling process or you’ve already moved out, eye-catching listing photos are a must. Making a great first impression means everything in this online-heavy market. Empty spaces look, well, empty; and cluttered spaces may turn potential buyers off. 

How to stage a home

Staging a home encompasses many things, but they’re all focused on one thing: making the space more appealing to potential buyers. Here are a few of the most popular suggestions for staging a home for sale:

1. Clean and declutter. Remove items like photos, memorabilia, knickknacks, excess furniture, and any other pieces that are specific to you. Then clean every room from top to bottom — that means floors, walls, windows, and surfaces. 

2. Make necessary repairs. Prioritize noticeable repairs like leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked tiles. Small fixes can make a significant difference in buyers’ overall impression of your home.

3. Neutralize rooms with paint. If your home features accent walls or unique paint colors, consider repainting the walls with a neutral shade of white or gray. This makes your rooms look larger and helps buyers visualize their own furniture in the space.

4. Rearrange furniture. If your rooms are packed with mismatched furniture, it’s time to clear them out. Creating an open, inviting layout that’s tailored to the room’s size and function makes your house feel more like a home.

5. Brighten up the space. Introduce as much natural light into the space as possible. Open curtains and blinds to let in the sun. For darker interior areas, you’ll want to replace dim or burnt-out bulbs and add extra lighting where needed. Good lighting creates a welcoming vibe. 

6. Update the decor. If your home features outdated decor, it’s well worth an update. Adding artwork, rugs, mirrors, and other pieces can help enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal. However, avoid overdoing it — you don’t want to reclutter a space you’ve just decluttered.

7. Show functional spaces. Stage each room to showcase its intended purpose. For example, set up a home office, create a cozy reading nook, or display a well-dressed dining table. Highlighting the use of each room can help buyers imagine their new life in your old home.

8. Finish with a flourish. Before showings, add a little bit of flair by lighting a scented candle, arranging fresh flowers, or putting out a bowl of fruit. Small details make a world of difference when it comes to the overall atmosphere of your home.

Home staging DIY vs. professional home staging

Home staging costs can vary widely depending on your situation. In many cases, you can take steps to stage your home on your own. Your real estate agent can also help you with this process — they’ve got experience and know what sells. However, if your house is already empty and you need items like furniture to be moved in, you might be better off going with a professional. Here are the pros and cons of each option:

• DIY: If you’re handy around the house or simply want to save a bit of money, taking steps to stage your own home can be a smart choice. Painting, rearranging furniture, updating small decor pieces, and adding greenery are just a few easy things you can do to draw buyers in. And don’t forget curb appeal — again, first impressions are important! 

• Realtor: Because so many agents are strongly in favor of staging, they’re often experts at it! Most real estate agents will help clients stage the home before taking listing photos, showing it, or otherwise marketing it. Your agent’s level of involvement may vary — some may make recommendations for changes, and others may have items on hand that can help you make your property more attractive. 

• Staging companies: If you want a full-service experience, you might choose to hire a professional staging company. A staging company can help you with the entire process, from evaluating your space and making recommendations for changes to executing the plan. Professional stagers also have access to a wide variety of furniture and decorative items. While using a staging company is the most costly option, it’s a great choice for sellers who have already vacated the space and sellers who need a significant amount of staging assistance. 

How much does it cost to stage a home? 

The cost of staging your home varies widely. For example, taking the DIY route can end up costing you a few hundred dollars for supplies and some updated decor. Using a professional staging company can cost you thousands of dollars a month in rental fees. However, there are ways to control your costs:

Stage only the main areas of the home

Focus on the rooms that potential buyers will spend most of their time in, such as the living room, kitchen, dining room, and primary bedroom. You’ll also want to give the buyers a great first look when they enter the home as well, so be sure that your entryway is inviting! 

Book a consultation 

Instead of opting for full-service staging, book an initial consultation with a home stager. Doing a walk-through with a professional who will give you recommendations on how to maximize the space yourself can save you a ton of money. 

Do it yourself

This recommendation only applies if you’re skilled in home improvements — or if your home needs only minor adjustments. If you’re not confident in your abilities, leave it to the professionals. You don’t want to make a blunder that could end up costing you more money than you’re trying to save! 

Make your home stand out from the crowd

Successful staging depends on making your space look its absolute best, and that can mean both subtracting and adding items. While many suggestions for staging your home focus on neutralizing the space to allow the buyer to envision their things in your space, there are a few things that you can do to make your home stand out:

• Make use of unconventional spaces by transforming unused space into functional areas. For example, convert a space under the stairs to a customized pet corner or add racks and a folding area to the laundry room.

• Highlight your home’s unique architectural details. Whether it's an exposed brick wall, a decorative fireplace, or intricate moldings, draw attention to these features through strategic staging and lighting.

• Utilize unexpected colors and textures. Although neutral colors are commonly recommended for home staging, incorporating unexpected pops of color or textures can make a home memorable. Consider adding an unexpected piece of art or furry throw pillows to add visual appeal.

Great staging can help you sell your home in northwest Wisconsin

Staging your home is essential to landing the right buyer, so the cost of staging is well worth it. And if you can do it yourself, even better! But whether you decide to go it alone or take advantage of a professional staging service’s experience, you can rely on the Realtors at Northwest Wisconsin Realty to get your home sold fast. We’ll be at your side throughout the entire process, from listing and staging to closing the sale. Reach out to our Realtors to sell your home in Hayward or the surrounding area ASAP!