Home Staging on a Budget- Five Golden Rules

May 1, 2018

Home staging will help you sell your house faster. When you show your home’s best features by staging it effectively, you help increase your final selling price without breaking the bank. In fact, on average, sellers receive $2 in increased sale price for every $1 they put into staging a home. As the infographic below shows, the following five golden rules of home staging will help you show off its best assets.

Rule #1- Depersonalize your house

Buyers need to picture themselves in your home, not you. Remove photos, trophies, personal items from your home. They are a distraction to a buyer.

Rule #2- Declutter and Maximize space

Clear closets of unnecessary clutter- it makes your closets look larger. Use boxes stacked together to hide your clutter. Use matching hangers for a modern and clean look. Use gender neutral colors, and try to create a focal point for each room. Remove anything not related to sleep from the bedrooms, such as televisions or office furniture.

Rule #3- Clean your home

The easiest and cheapest way to stage your home is to clean it. Wash dirty dishes; clean floors, walls, baseboards, ceiling fans and windows. Clear off countertops. Put white bath and hand towels in the bathroom. Clean shower doors.

Rule #4- Modernize

Modernize your cabinets with a coat of stain or paint. Replace brass or wooden cabinet hardware with brushed silver or stainless steel. Clean your refrigerator, sink, inside of oven and declutter kitchen cabinets and drawers. Remove rugs. Flat appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators can be updated quickly, using stainless steel stick-on coverings or specialty appliance paints.

Rule #5- Neutralize

Paint your home neutral colors. Depersonalize each room. Maximize all available space.

Painting is one of the most inexpensive ways to update your home. Window treatments can also help to make a room feel larger. Use neutral color curtains and thin rods to hold them.

Tips taken from blog.rismedia.com. When you are ready to sell your home, contact Dupont Real Estate. We are here for you.

Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams

Having been a top producer since 1996, I empower every client with my knowledge to help them make the best decision. Over 70% of my business is from repeat clients and referrals from past clients and other professionals. Your best interests are my priority, hence my strong marketing and negotiating skills. I treat you the way I want to be treated.

Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams22 hours ago

The NAR settlement brings important changes to how commission fees are handled in real estate transactions, focusing on transparency and clarity.

Previously, commission fees were often bundled or unclear, leading to confusion for both buyers and sellers. Now, Realtors will be required to clearly outline their fees upfront, ensuring clients understand exactly what they are paying for.

This change allows us to offer greater clarity in fee structures, eliminating surprises and helping to build stronger relationships based on trust. Buyers and sellers will be better informed, with a clearer breakdown of costs and services provided, allowing for a smoother and more transparent real estate process.

#NARsettlement #realestatefees #transparentcommissions #Realtortrust #realestatechanges

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Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams2 days ago

Holiday entertaining is all about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere where your guests feel relaxed and festive.

Here are some tips to elevate your holiday gatherings:
1. Set the Mood with Lighting: Use soft lighting like candles and string lights to create a cozy, inviting ambiance. Dim overhead lights and let warm, glowing lights do the work.
2. Signature Drinks: Serve a holiday cocktail or mocktail to add a festive touch. Consider spiced cider or a cranberry-infused cocktail that ties into the season.
3. Interactive Food Stations: Set up DIY food bars like a hot cocoa station, charcuterie board, or a make-your-own dessert bar. This makes it fun for guests and lightens the hosting load.
4. Seasonal Décor: Incorporate natural elements like pine branches, dried oranges, or berries. A simple, elegant tablescape using seasonal greenery can make your space feel festive without being overwhelming.
5. Music & Entertainment: Craft a playlist that fits the holiday vibe or add a fun activity like a holiday trivia game to keep guests engaged.

Creating a memorable holiday gathering is about balancing comfort with thoughtful details that make the night feel special for everyone.

#holidayentertaining #seasonaldecor #entertainingideas #holidaygatherings #hostwiththemost

Dining In

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Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams2 days ago

VIDEO: The smart home technology you need now!

4 Reasons Your Home Needs a Smart Faucet

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Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams3 days ago

Buying or selling real estate with a talented agent transforms the entire experience.

As Realtors, we provide more than just guidance—we offer expertise, strategy, and peace of mind. For buyers, we work to understand their needs, finding properties that align with their goals while leveraging our market knowledge to negotiate the best deal. We handle the complexities of inspections, paperwork, and timelines, so clients can focus on the excitement of finding their new home.

For sellers, we create tailored marketing strategies, from pricing to staging, that attract the right buyers. Our negotiation skills ensure they receive top dollar for their property, while we manage the finer details of contracts, inspections, and closing.

Having a skilled agent means you have an advocate, a strategist, and a trusted partner at every step of the journey, ensuring that both buyers and sellers feel confident and supported.

#realestateexperience #expertagent #buyingandselling #Realtorservices #trustedRealtor

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Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams4 days ago

Adding a bold area rug is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to transform a room.

A well-chosen rug introduces vibrant color, texture, and style, instantly giving any space a refreshed look. It can anchor a seating area, define open-concept spaces, or simply add warmth and personality to a room. Whether you prefer geometric patterns, rich textures, or deep, saturated hues, a bold rug ties together existing décor and brings cohesion to your design.

For home sellers, incorporating a striking area rug during staging can draw attention to a space’s potential, helping buyers envision themselves living in it. It’s a quick and affordable update that delivers maximum effect.

#arearugs #homestaging #interiordecor #bolddesign #realestatetips

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Francine Dupont - Realtor - Dupont Real Estate Corp / Keller Williams5 days ago

In a real estate market that could be impacted by legislation like the recent NAR settlement, having a knowledgeable Realtor becomes even more critical.

As commission structures and transparency around fees evolve, Realtors are well-positioned to help clients navigate these changes and make informed decisions. Whether you’re buying or selling, an experienced agent who stays up to date on industry shifts will offer strategic advice that keeps you ahead of the curve.

For sellers, this means understanding how to adjust pricing and negotiate commissions in a more transparent environment, while ensuring your home is still presented effectively in a competitive market. For buyers, a skilled Realtor will help you assess properties with a deeper understanding of how these legislative changes may impact costs and long-term investments.

Market conditions are always in flux, but with the right Realtor by your side, you’ll have someone who can interpret these shifts, offer proactive solutions, and help you make confident decisions regardless of the market climate. The key is having an experienced agent who not only understands the current landscape but is also prepared to pivot strategies to help you succeed.

#realestatemarket #NARsettlement #realestateadvice #strategicrealestate #buyingandselling #Realtoradvantage #marketchanges

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