14 Home Staging Tips From Brittany Picolo-Ramos of ‘Selling the Big Easy’

Selling the Big Easy's Brittany Picolo-Ramos shares her secrets to success when it comes to staging properties in the New Orleans area.

October 07, 2020

By: Brittany Picolo-Ramos

Show: Selling the Big Easy

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Know Your Audience

The area, price point and lifestyle should always be considered when staging a property. For example, if you are decorating a home in a college area, a more modern staging will get a much better response than a traditional one.

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Make a Good First Impression

The outside of a home is often overlooked during staging — even though it’s the first thing potential buyers see. Landscaping, flowerbeds and power washing walkways will go a long way when trying to get buyers in the door. If you have a front porch, don't forget to include outdoor furniture and potted plants.

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Open a Window

When possible, always open a window! It creates a more homey and inviting feel. Opening a window before or during a showing can make the home smell fresh and feel less stuffy.

Arrange Furniture Wisely

Renting or buying the appropriate furniture is only the beginning of the process. Allowing space between your furniture and walls can create a cozy area for your buyer and their guests to enjoy without feeling like they are crammed in a corner.

Always Set the Table

A set dining table will always evoke a sense of entertainment and family gatherings. Whether you use silverware and plates or just a simple centerpiece and empty glasses, a well done tablescape brings a nice focal point to a dining room.

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Replace Lightbulbs

It’s simple: Make sure all light fixtures are fully functional and are at the same lighting temperature. Lightbulbs are a great accent to an area and can help invite buyers into a space. Different colored light bulbs are distracting and can turn buyers off.

A Bright and Open Look

Lighting is important in a home. Buyers want to feel invited in. If there are dated fixtures, consider replacing them with what’s in style. Opening blinds and pulling curtains back is another inexpensive way to create an atmosphere that feels open, airy and inviting.

The Extras

Once the home is staged, add some finishing touches. Buyers love to see fresh flower in the kitchen, fresh fruit in the dining room or neatly folded towels in the bathroom. The small things can add up when a potential buyer is in love with the home itself.

Declutter

Purging all unnecessary items makes a home feel cleaner and bigger. Don’t use closets to hide items as buyers tend to care a great deal about closet space. Kitchens and bathrooms especially need to be cleaned and decluttered as buyers are focused heavily on those spaces.

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Clean! Clean! Clean!

Whether it is scrubbing tile, wiping down cabinets, removing scuffs or dusting vents. Make sure all pet stains, smells and scratches have been attended to before a showing. There isn’t a corner that is off limits when potential home buyers walk into a home. A clean home is an inviting home, so taking that extra step in deep cleaning will always benefit the seller.

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De-Personalize

You always want a potential buyer to be able to envision themselves in the home. A great way to accomplish this is to set a blank canvas, but style the home with furniture and other decorative items that gives the home style and charm. Reducing or emptying the home of personal items helps a potential buyer connect with the property.

Neutral Is Always Better

Some people love bright red in their living room, but when you are looking to sell your home, neutral colors are the best bet. Color palette preferences vary with every buyer, so creating a blank canvas can help them envision what they want to do with the space.

Be Style Agnostic

Try to stay away from décor that is too style specific. You want your décor to appeal to mostly everyone who walks through the door. Your own personal design styles may not translate to most potential buyers, so keep your eclectic ideas to yourself.

Don't Forget the Backyard

A properly staged backyard can be the cherry on top of a close sale. Manicured lawns and potted plants go a long way when creating an inviting backyard space. Water features and string lights are also an inexpensive way to create a great outdoor setting.

See More Photos: 50 Beautiful Backyard Landscaping Ideas

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