Staging is the highest-ROI thing you can do before listing your Des Moines home. The National Association of REALTORS® reports staged homes sell 73% faster and for 1-5% more on average. Here is the actual checklist I walk every Des Moines metro seller through before we hit the MLS.
Before You Stage — The Three Rules
Rule 1: Declutter aggressively. The biggest single visual improvement is removing 30% of what's in the house.
Rule 2: Depersonalize. Family photos, religious items, sports memorabilia, hobby collections — pack them away. Buyers need to picture themselves in the home, not feel like guests in yours.
Rule 3: Clean to a level you'd never live at. Professional cleaning is worth every dollar.
Exterior — First Impressions
- Power-wash siding, walkways, and driveway
- Mow, edge, mulch, and add fresh annuals at the entry
- Repaint the front door (a fresh color adds disproportionate appeal)
- New welcome mat
- Clean or replace exterior light fixtures
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Fresh house numbers if yours are dated
- Hide trash cans and recycling
- Stage the porch with two chairs and a small table
Entry / Foyer
- Remove all coats, shoes, and clutter from entry closet
- Add a small mirror or piece of artwork
- Bowl for keys, single small accent
- Fresh flowers on a console table if there's space
Living Room
- Remove 30% of the furniture so the room feels larger
- Arrange remaining furniture in conversation groupings, not against walls
- Neutral paint touch-ups
- Fresh throw pillows in modern colors
- One large piece of art per wall, not gallery walls
- Open all blinds and curtains for max natural light
- 60W+ bulbs in every lamp, daylight color temperature
Kitchen
- Clear every counter except 1-2 small appliances and a fruit bowl
- Empty the refrigerator front of magnets, photos, kid art
- Polish stainless appliances or hide fingerprints
- Fresh dish towels, soap pump, sponge
- Add a cookbook on a stand for staged warmth
- Clean inside the oven, microwave, and refrigerator (buyers WILL look)
Dining Room
- Remove leaves from the dining table to make the room feel more spacious
- Set the table with simple place settings
- Centerpiece — fresh flowers or a single sculptural piece
- Remove any extra furniture (china hutches, sideboards) if the room feels crowded
Bedrooms
- Master bedroom is the second most important room after the kitchen
- White or neutral bedding (hotel-style)
- Remove personal items from nightstands
- Clear closet floors and reduce hanging clothes by 50% so closets look spacious
- Make sure the bed is the focal point, not the TV
Bathrooms
- All-new white towels (3 per bathroom — never use them, just for showings)
- Clear all counters except a soap pump and one decorative item
- Replace any caulk that is mildewed
- Clean grout
- New shower curtain
- Hide all personal toiletries, medications, and trash cans
Basement and Garage
- Buyers care about basements and garages even though sellers often don't stage them
- Sweep the garage floor and remove 30% of stored items
- Stage one corner of the basement as "this is what the space could be" (workout area, kids playroom, office)
The Day Before a Showing
- Run a fresh towel through every bathroom
- Empty all trash
- Vacuum
- Open all blinds
- Turn on every light
- Set thermostat to 70F in summer, 68F in winter
- Bake cookies or use a subtle vanilla scent — not strong air fresheners
- Take pets and pet bowls out of the house
Should You Hire a Professional Stager?
For Des Moines metro homes priced over $400,000, professional staging usually pays for itself. For homes under $300,000, a good REALTOR® walk-through is often enough. As an SRES® REALTOR® I do a free pre-listing walk-through and give you a customized staging plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does professional staging cost in Des Moines?
A: Typical Des Moines metro staging costs $1,500 to $3,500 for a vacant home or $500 to $1,500 for a consultation with rented accent pieces if you're still living in the home. The ROI is usually 3-10x.
Q: Can I stage with my own furniture?
A: For most homes yes. Professional stagers add the most value when the home is vacant or the existing furniture is dated. A REALTOR® consultation is usually enough to make your existing furniture work.
Q: What is the most important room to stage?
A: Kitchen first, master bedroom second, living room third. These three rooms are where buyers make their decision.
Q: How long before the listing photos should I stage?
A: Stage 100% of the home before the photographer comes. The listing photos sell the house — every showing after that is just a confirmation of what the buyer saw online.
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