Transform your home into a buyer's dream. Learn professional staging techniques that help Des Moines homes sell faster and for top dollar.
Buyers make decisions emotionally. Staging creates that crucial positive first impression that leads to offers. Combined with strategic pricing, it's a powerful formula for success.
Staged homes sell faster than non-staged homes
Average increase in sale price for staged homes
Of buyers start online—photos matter
Buyers visualize staged homes easier
Remove 50% of what you normally have out. This creates the open, airy feel buyers want. Use your moving checklist to stay organized.
You're moving anyway—start now. Box up seasonal items, books, collections, and anything you won't need.
Remove family photos, children's artwork, religious items. Buyers need to picture their family, not yours.
Kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, mantels should be nearly empty. Leave only a few decorative items.
Buyers WILL open closets. Remove 50% of clothes and organize. Full closets signal "not enough storage."
Remove oversized or excess furniture. One sofa, coffee table, two end tables is usually enough for living rooms.
Often forgotten—garages should be clean enough to park in. Remove clutter and sweep floors.
Different rooms require different approaches. Focus on high-impact areas first—these are what buyers see in online listing photos.
Maximum impact for minimum investment. These affordable updates can boost your net proceeds significantly.
Roll crisp white towels in each bathroom for instant spa feel.
$30-50Update tired pillows with modern, neutral options.
$40-80Add life to every room with fresh flowers or quality faux plants.
$20-50Replace dim bulbs with bright, warm white LEDs throughout.
$20-40Crisp white bedding photographs beautifully and appeals to all.
$50-100First impressions start at the door. Clean, attractive welcome mat.
$20-40Swap dated knobs for modern brushed nickel or black pulls.
$50-100Dark mulch in front beds instantly improves curb appeal.
$30-60Buyers often do a drive-by before scheduling a showing. If your exterior doesn't impress, they may never see inside. Stand out in your Des Moines neighborhood.
Paint or stain the door, polish hardware, add welcome mat, flank with potted plants.
Mow, edge, trim bushes, pull weeds, add fresh mulch, plant seasonal flowers.
Replace dated fixtures, ensure all bulbs work, add solar path lights for evening showings.
Clean driveway, walkways, siding, and deck. Removes years of grime instantly.
Update house numbers, mailbox, doorbell. Small touches signal well-maintained home.
Stage outdoor living areas with clean furniture, fresh cushions, potted plants.
Even well-intentioned sellers make these staging mistakes that hurt their home's appeal.
Too much decor overwhelms buyers. The goal is to highlight the home, not the staging. Keep it simple.
You're nose-blind to your home's smells. Pet odors, cooking, smoke are instant turn-offs. Deep clean.
Family photos, religious items, sports memorabilia make it harder for buyers to envision themselves there.
Dark rooms feel small and uninviting. Open blinds, use brighter bulbs, turn on all lights for showings.
Rugs hiding stains, furniture blocking damage, strong air fresheners signal problems. Fix issues instead of hiding them—and check for insurability concerns.
All interior staging won't help if buyers never make it inside. Poor curb appeal kills interest before they walk through the door.
Heavy air fresheners make buyers wonder what you're covering. Fresh air and light natural scents only.
Ultra-modern staging in traditional homes feels disconnected. Stage to complement your home's character.
I can walk through your home and provide specific, actionable staging recommendations tailored to your space and budget. See my complete selling guide for the full picture.