When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. This is where staging comes in. By taking a thoughtful approach, you can create an immaculate space that intrigues potential buyers here in Pennsylvania.

What is home staging?

Home staging is the art of preparing a property for sale. The idea is to make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

It involves a blend of interior décor and expert styling. That way, you can highlight your property’s best features and mask even the most subtle flaws.

Ultimately, staging helps your property stand out in a competitive market—and you don’t need to stage the entire home. The 2023 Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) revealed that buyers considered staging the living room most important, followed by the primary bedroom and the kitchen.

Why stage your home?

Staging your home has several benefits that can lead to a quicker and more profitable sale. Here are some of the reasons sellers invest in professional interior design before listing their home:

Intrigue potential buyers

When a space is staged, it becomes easier for buyers to picture how they would live in the home.

Timeless décor, clean lines, and a warm environment help people look beyond the home’s current occupants. Instead, a thoughtful staging approach encourages pretty much anyone to see themselves in the space.

Attract a higher offer According to the NAR report, 20% of buyers’ agents shared that staging a home increased the dollar value offered by up to 5% over similar homes that were not staged.

This means that staging—or creating a luxurious, move-in-ready environment—can enhance the perceived value of your property.

Sell your home faster

Homes that are staged tend to sell more quickly. In fact, 27% of sellers’ agents reported that staging decreased the time a home spent on the market.

From where we’re standing, it’s simple. Buyers are more inclined to act quickly when your home looks well-maintained and enticing.

Interior design strategies to stage your Pennsylvania home Staging doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In 2023, the median cost of professional staging was $600—or just $400 if the seller’s agent handled it personally.

These four strategies will help you master the basics and enhance your home’s appeal:

1. Declutter the space

Clutter is the enemy of a well-staged home. Start by eliminating unnecessary items—like excess furniture, small knick-knacks, and even toiletries.

A clean, streamlined space allows your home’s natural features to shine and gives the appearance of more room.

2. Remove anything personal

Family photos, children’s artwork, and other sentimental items can make it difficult for buyers to view the home as their own.

Conversely, depersonalizing the space creates a blank canvas that resonates with people from all backgrounds.

3. Embrace your home’s natural light

Natural light is a key selling point, so open curtains and arrange furniture in a way that boosts sunlight in every room.

And if your home doesn’t have much natural light? Consider adding elegant lamps or light fixtures to brighten things up.

4. Offer each room a clear purpose

Avoid leaving rooms ambiguous or underutilized. For example, consider staging a spare room into a home office—or defining a cozy reading nook in the living room.

Giving every last corner of the home a clear function helps buyers see the property’s full potential.

And now a bonus tip: don’t forget your home’s exterior! Curb appeal is equally important, so make sure to trim the lawn, add a few potted plants, and create an inviting entrance.

Stage your Pennsylvania home today

Staging can make your home feel more appealing and spacious. It could even bring you one step closer to building your dream home.

That’s right. At Berks Homes, we understand the importance of presentation. Since 1973, we have built thousands of homes in Southeast, South Central, and Central Pennsylvania.

We view our track record as a testament to our relationships with people like you. And truly, we’d love to help you stage your property, sell it faster, and introduce you to your new home.

Simply reach out to our Online Sales Consultants Kelly & Megan with questions or for more information.