Want to sell your Austin home faster and for a better price? Staging it yourself can make a big difference without the cost of hiring professionals. Here’s a quick summary of 7 simple DIY staging tips to attract buyers:
- Declutter & Depersonalize: Remove personal items, extra furniture, and keep spaces tidy.
- Deep Clean & Fix Minor Repairs: Address leaks, patch walls, clean grout, and refresh paint.
- Boost Curb Appeal: Maintain the lawn, add potted plants, and ensure the entrance looks inviting.
- Use Neutral Colors: Light, neutral tones help buyers imagine their own style.
- Brighten Spaces: Maximize natural light with mirrors and light curtains; add layered lighting.
- Arrange Furniture for Flow: Create open, functional layouts in every room.
- Add Austin-Inspired Touches: Showcase local art, native plants, and Texas-made details.
These tips make your home feel welcoming and help buyers envision themselves living there. Whether you’re aiming to save money or personalize the process, DIY staging can be a practical and effective option.
10 DIY Home Staging Tips That Really WORK!
1. Remove Clutter and Personal Items
Clear out personal belongings and unnecessary items to give buyers a blank canvas they can imagine as their own.
Put away family photos, political or religious decorations, kids’ artwork, bathroom products, extra furniture, and seasonal decorations. If possible, store these items offsite to keep the space open and inviting.
Focus on these key areas:
- Kitchen: Keep countertops clear, leaving only one or two appliances visible.
- Closets: Remove about half the contents to highlight the available storage space.
- Bathrooms: Hide hygiene products and display only fresh towels and hand soap.
- Living Areas: Take out extra seating and side tables to create a better flow.
To make sure your home looks its best, take photos of each room before and after decluttering. This will help you maintain the staged appearance.
Once the clutter is gone, give your home a deep clean and take care of any minor repairs.
2. Clean and Fix Minor Issues
Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, it’s time to tackle a deep clean. Pay attention to areas that often get overlooked, like baseboards, window tracks, light fixtures, vents, grout lines, the insides of cabinets, and screens.
Next, address small repairs around the house:
- Plumbing: Repair leaks, stop dripping faucets, replace old caulk, and clear out slow drains.
- Walls and Paint: Patch up any holes or cracks, touch up scuff marks, and replace any discolored switch plates.
- Doors and Windows: Oil squeaky hinges, fix doors that stick, replace torn window screens, and tighten loose knobs.
Once these fixes are done, keep your home in top shape with quick daily touch-ups.
Up next, focus on enhancing your home’s exterior to make a great first impression.
3. Improve Your Home’s Exterior
Begin with basic lawn maintenance: mow the grass, pull weeds, and trim any overgrown shrubs or hedges to create a neat appearance. For the entrance, consider adding potted flowers that thrive in Central Texas – placing them in pairs can make the space more inviting. Inside, use neutral paint colors to help potential buyers imagine their own decor and personal touches.
4. Use Neutral Colors
In your newly updated space, incorporate a mix of light and medium neutral tones throughout the interior. Add some texture with woven fabrics, matte finishes, and natural fibers to create depth and visual interest.
5. Brighten and Open Spaces
Letting in more natural light can make a room feel more inviting. Start by removing heavy drapes and replacing dark curtains with sheer, light-colored panels. Consider adding solar shades to south-facing windows – they reduce glare without making the room feel dim.
Using light, reflective surfaces and fabrics (as mentioned in Section 4) can also help rooms feel brighter and more open.
Mirror Placement for Maximum Effect
Place large mirrors across from windows to bounce natural light around the room and make the space feel larger. For example, a 36" x 60" mirror on the wall opposite your biggest window can significantly brighten the area. In smaller spaces, like hallways or bathrooms, try grouping smaller mirrors to brighten darker spots.
Layered Lighting for Depth
To create a well-lit and balanced space, use three types of lighting:
- Ambient lighting: Upgrade old fixtures with modern LED ceiling lights.
- Task lighting: Add under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen or desk lamps in workspaces.
- Accent lighting: Use wall sconces or track lighting to highlight unique features in the room.
Switch out dark cabinet hardware for polished nickel or chrome, and add metallic accents like vases, trays, or picture frames to reflect light and enhance brightness.
Finally, arrange your furniture to allow for easy movement and flow (explored further in Section 6).
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6. Arrange Furniture for Flow
Organize your furniture to encourage easy movement and emphasize the purpose of each room.
Start by anchoring the space with larger pieces, then arrange smaller items to keep walkways clear and functional. In open floor plans, use rugs, lighting, or furniture groupings to create distinct areas for living, dining, or working.
Room-Specific Tips:
- Living Room: Pull seating away from walls and group it to encourage conversation.
- Dining Room: Place the table under the main light fixture and leave enough space for chairs to move comfortably.
- Bedroom: Center the bed in the room and ensure there’s access from both sides.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Blocking windows or doorways
- Pushing all furniture against the walls
- Overcrowding the room with too many items
- Choosing furniture that’s too large for the space
7. Add Austin-Inspired Details
Bring a touch of Austin into your home by adding accents that reflect the city’s unique vibe and culture.
Ideas for Austin-Inspired Accents
- Highlight artwork from neighborhood galleries or prints of Austin’s iconic landmarks.
- Feature creations by local artists that reflect the city’s rich music and arts scene.
- Add handcrafted pieces from Texas artisans for a personal touch.
- Incorporate native plants or fresh floral arrangements to bring in natural elements.
- Use accessories made with locally sourced materials for an authentic feel.
- Include textiles or ceramics created by regional makers to tie it all together.
Where to Place These Accents
- Living Room: Add one or two standout pieces that reflect Austin’s charm and character.
- Entryway: Set the tone with a carefully chosen Texas-inspired detail to welcome guests.
- Kitchen: Display locally made ceramics or serving pieces for a practical yet stylish touch.
Choose accents that complement your existing color scheme and design to enhance your home’s personality without overwhelming the space.
Top Rooms to Stage in Austin Homes
After tackling clutter and using neutral color schemes, it’s time to focus on the most impactful rooms to highlight your Austin home’s best features. Local buyers often look for open layouts and practical spaces, so concentrate on these areas:
Primary Living Areas
- Living Room: Arrange furniture to create cozy conversation spots. Keep décor minimal to emphasize the room’s size and flow.
- Kitchen: Clear off all countertops except for a sleek coffee maker and a bowl of fresh citrus. This draws attention to the available workspace.
- Dining Area: Use a table that fits the space, paired with no more than six chairs. Keep it simple to showcase its potential for hosting.
Private Spaces
- Master Bedroom: Use white bedding and matching nightstands for a clean, inviting look. Limit furniture to just a bed and dresser.
- Master Bath: Stick to white towels, a soap dispenser, and remove personal items. This creates a spa-like atmosphere.
First Impressions
- Entryway: Add a slim console table and a statement mirror to reflect natural light and set the tone.
- Home Office: Keep the workspace tidy with minimal accessories, appealing to Austin’s tech-savvy buyers.
With these rooms staged, it’s time to weigh the benefits of doing it yourself versus hiring professional staging services.
DIY vs Professional Staging Comparison
Once you’ve staged the key rooms, it’s time to decide whether to handle the rest yourself or bring in professionals. Here’s a breakdown to help you weigh your options based on your schedule, budget, and goals.
DIY Staging
- Cost: Low – use what you already have, like furniture and simple décor.
- Time: Requires days of effort for cleaning, painting, and rearranging.
- Control: You have complete creative freedom and can make changes anytime.
- Impact: Improves appeal but depends heavily on your design skills.
Professional Staging
- Cost: Higher – includes designer fees, furniture rentals, and styling.
- Time: Typically completed in 1–2 days with minimal involvement from you.
- Expertise: Tailored strategies designed to attract local Austin buyers.
- Impact: Creates a polished, high-end look, often leading to faster sales and better offers.
Your decision should factor in your available time, budget, confidence in your design abilities, and the price range of your property. Professional staging tends to shine in higher-end markets, while DIY can be a practical choice for more modest homes.
Up next, learn where to find local staging support.
Where to Get Local Help
Tap into these Austin Local Team resources to fine-tune your DIY home staging:
- Free home evaluation: Identify which updates are most likely to boost your home’s value.
- Agent connections: Get paired with local agents who know your neighborhood and can offer staging tips tailored to buyer preferences.
- Market insights: Stay updated on Austin’s real estate trends with newsletters and blog posts.
- Trusted contractors: Find reliable professionals for small repairs, painting, and other staging needs.
With these resources, you’re all set to finalize your DIY staging plan.
Next Steps
It’s time to finalize your listing approach:
Use the tools and support mentioned in the "Where to Get Local Help" section to seal the deal:
- Schedule a free home evaluation to assess the impact of your staging and identify any final adjustments.
- Work with a local real estate agent to fine-tune your staging, establish the right price, and list your home with confidence.
FAQs
What are some affordable ways to boost curb appeal when staging my Austin home?
Enhancing your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few budget-friendly tips to make a great first impression:
- Spruce up the landscaping: Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and add fresh mulch to flower beds. Consider planting colorful, seasonal flowers for an inviting touch.
- Freshen up the front door: A new coat of paint in a bold yet tasteful color can make your entryway pop. Don’t forget to clean or replace the door hardware and add a welcoming doormat.
- Update outdoor lighting: Replace outdated or dingy light fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options. Ensure all bulbs are working to brighten up your home’s exterior at night.
- Power wash surfaces: Clean driveways, sidewalks, and siding to remove dirt and grime, instantly making your home look well-maintained.
These simple improvements can make your property more appealing to potential buyers and help it stand out in the competitive Austin real estate market.
Is DIY staging a good option for selling my home in Austin?
Deciding if DIY staging is the right choice for your Austin home depends on your specific property and the local market. Start by evaluating your home’s condition and how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in staging. For tailored advice, consider consulting with local real estate experts who understand the Austin market. They can provide insights into what buyers are looking for and whether professional staging might offer a better return on investment. Connecting with a knowledgeable agent can help you make the best decision for your situation.
What are some local resources in Austin to help with home repairs and staging?
If you’re preparing to sell your home in Austin, Austin Local Team can connect you with experienced real estate agents who know the local market inside and out. These agents can guide you through the staging process and recommend trusted professionals for repairs or updates to help your home stand out.
Their personalized approach ensures you have the support you need to maximize your home’s appeal and value, making the selling process smoother and more efficient.
