When preparing a home for sale, there is a big difference between staging and decorating. While both enhance a home’s appearance, the outcome is quite different. Read on for the key differences between staging a home for sale and decorating a home to your tastes.

What’s the Goal? 

• Staging: The main aim here is to make your home super appealing to as many buyers as possible. Think of it like setting the stage for a play—everything’s set up to look just right so people can imagine themselves living there. It’s all about showing off the best parts of your home and creating a blank canvas for buyers to work off of. 
• Decorating: This is more about making your space feel like you. It’s all about personal style and comfort. When you decorate, you choose colors, furniture, and accessories that make you happy and reflect who you are.

How Do You Do It?

• Staging: When staging, you’ll probably start by decluttering and taking down personal items. You might rearrange furniture to make rooms look bigger and brighter and maybe even bring in some staged furniture to give your home a fresh look. The idea is to keep things neutral so buyers can picture their stuff in the space.
• Decorating: Decorating is all about what you love. Maybe you have a favorite color you want on the walls or some art pieces that make you smile. It’s about making the space cozy and functional for you and your family.

Learn more about timing, staging, and the art of selling your home with these posts next:

• The Power of Timing and Staging Real Estate Listings
• Staging Your Home: What to Expect and Why it’s So Important
• What to Do if You Need to Sell Your Home Fast

Key Elements

• Staging:

• • • Declutter!!!
    • Stick to neutral colors
    • Keep personal items to a minimum
    • Arrange furniture to show off the space
    • Use mirrors and lighting to brighten things up
    • Make sure the outside looks inviting

• Decorating:

• • Choose colors and items you love
  • Display your favorite collections and photos
  • Arrange furniture for comfort
  • Add accessories that give character
  • Make it feel like home

Why It Matters for Selling

• Staging: A well-staged home can make a big difference when selling. It helps buyers see the potential and leads to quicker sales and better offers. It’s about making your home stand out in the best way possible.
• Decorating: While a beautifully decorated home is great, it might not always click with buyers. Everyone has different tastes, and what you love might not be someone else’s cup of tea. Too much personalization can sometimes make it hard for buyers to see themselves living there.

Do you love home decor and design? Read our post about how to make your home look more expensive on a budget right here.

The Bottom Line

In a nutshell, staging and decorating are two sides of the same coin. Staging is about appealing to buyers and making your home market-ready, while decorating is about making a space feel like you. If you’re selling, focusing on staging can help your home shine and attract buyers. Knowing the difference can help you make the right choices for your goals!

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If you’re looking to buy or sell in the DMV, we’d love to help. Contact us today! Fill out the form below or call us directly at 703-362-3221 or email sue@thegoodhartgroup.com or allison@thegoodhartgroup.com.