So, you’re thinking of selling your home here in the Philippines, and you want to make sure you get the best possible deal, right?

You’ve probably seen other houses linger on the market, or maybe you’ve heard about some selling quickly for a great price. What’s the secret? Often, it’s something called home staging.

While specific data for the Philippines can vary, in other markets, staged homes are known to sell significantly faster than unstaged ones. 

Think of it like this: you’re about to introduce your beloved home to its future owners.

Home staging is simply about making sure your house looks its absolute best so they fall in love at first sight!

It’s not about expensive renovations; it’s about highlighting what makes your home special and helping buyers imagine their own happy memories being made there.

Believe it or not, even a few simple staging steps can make a huge difference.

Real estate experts say that staged homes tend to sell faster and sometimes even for a higher price!

Why? Because when a buyer walks in and can already picture their furniture and their life in the space, they’re much more likely to make an offer.

Ready to make your house shine and attract the perfect buyer? Let’s break down some easy home staging tips you can do yourself:

1. Start with a Good Clean Sweep (and Get Rid of Clutter!)

• First things first, let’s tackle any clutter that has accumulated over the years. Be honest with yourself – do you really need all those extra bits and pieces? Clearing out unnecessary items will instantly make your home feel bigger and more open.
• How to do it: Go room by room and ask yourself if each item is essential. If not, pack it away (even just temporarily in storage). Pay special attention to surfaces like countertops and tables – keep them as clear as possible.
• Common mistake to avoid: Just shoving everything into closets and cabinets. Buyers will often open these, so aim to declutter inside them as well.
• Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time for a deep clean. We’re talking about making every corner sparkle – floors, windows, walls, even those often-forgotten areas like baseboards and light fixtures. A clean home just feels better and tells buyers you’ve taken good care of it.
• Your DIY Tip: Open all your windows while you clean to air out the house and make it feel fresh and inviting! Don’t forget to clean window tracks and screens!

2. Fix Those Little Things and Give Walls a Fresh Look

• Think about those small repairs you’ve been meaning to get to – that leaky faucet, a loose doorknob, or a chipped tile. These little things might seem minor, but they can give buyers the impression that there might be bigger, hidden problems. Take the time to fix them – it’s worth it!
• Then, consider giving your walls a fresh coat of paint. You don’t need to go for anything fancy – just a nice, neutral color like a soft beige, light gray, or a clean white. This makes the rooms feel brighter and gives buyers a blank canvas to imagine their own style.
• How to implement: You can easily repaint yourself with readily available paint supplies. If you’re unsure about colors, ask for recommendations at your local hardware store.
• Simple Transformation: If you have a room with a very bold or personal wall color, a fresh coat of a neutral shade can completely transform it and make it appeal to a wider range of buyers. Make sure to fill any nail holes and clean the walls before painting.

3. Make it Less “You” and More “New Home”

• This might be a little tough, but try to remove very personal items like family photos, unique artwork (especially very taste-specific pieces), and collections. The goal here is to help buyers see themselves living in the home. You want them to feel like they can easily make it their own space.
• Easy Swap: Instead of family photos, consider putting up some neutral artwork – landscapes or abstract pieces work well – or even just a nice mirror to help make the space feel bigger and brighter. Store away trophies, personal diplomas, and religious items.

4. Let the Light In! (And Make Sure Your Lights Work)

• Here in the Philippines, we love natural light! So, during showings, make sure to open all your curtains and blinds to let as much light in as possible. A bright home feels more welcoming and spacious. Also, double-check that all your light bulbs are working, and consider updating any old or dim fixtures with brighter, more modern ones.
• Quick Win: Even just cleaning your windows thoroughly (inside and out!) can make a big difference in how much natural light comes in! Consider using higher wattage bulbs in your existing fixtures if they are dim.

5. Arrange Your Furniture to Show Off the Space

• Think about how your furniture is arranged. Does it make the room feel open and easy to move around in? If you have too much furniture, especially large pieces in smaller rooms, it can make the space feel cramped. Consider temporarily removing some items to create a better flow and highlight the size of the rooms.
• How to implement: Focus on creating clear pathways and defining each room’s purpose. For example, in a living room, arrange seating to encourage conversation. In a dining room, ensure the table is set nicely (even if simply).
• You don’t need to buy new furniture unless you really want to! Sometimes, just rearranging what you have can make a huge difference.
• Imagine This: Take a look at your living room. Could you arrange the sofa and chairs to make it feel more conversational and inviting? Could you position furniture to highlight a nice view or a focal point of the room? Angle furniture away from walls to create a more inviting and open feel.

6. Don’t Forget the Outside! Make a Great First Impression

• The first thing buyers will see is the outside of your house, whether online or in person. So, take a good look at your curb appeal. Is the lawn tidy? Are there any weeds? Could you add a few colorful potted plants by the entrance? Even a fresh sweep of the walkway and maybe a new doormat can make a difference. If your front door is looking a bit tired, a fresh coat of paint in a welcoming color can really make your house stand out.
• Your Outdoor Touch: Even a couple of well-placed plants in attractive pots (consider local, low-maintenance options) on either side of your front door can instantly make your entryway feel more inviting. Make sure your house number is clearly visible.

7. Add Those Welcoming Touches That Say “Home”

• Finally, think about those little details that can make your house feel more warm and inviting. Fresh flowers in a vase on the dining table, a cozy throw blanket draped over the sofa, or a few carefully chosen decorative pillows can help buyers feel more comfortable and create a positive impression.
• Simple Comforts: A nice bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen or some clean, neatly folded towels in the bathroom can also add a welcoming touch. Use subtle, pleasant scents like vanilla or light citrus, but avoid anything overpowering.

By taking these simple home staging steps, you can significantly increase the chances of selling your house faster and at a better price right here in the Philippines. It’s all about helping potential buyers see the wonderful life they could have in your home.

Now it’s your turn! Think back to when you first moved into your home. What were some of the things that made you fall in love with it? Now, how can you highlight those same qualities for potential buyers through staging? Share your thoughts and any other advice you might have in the comments below or on social media using #PHHomeSellingTips or #DIYHomeStagingPH. We’d love to hear your insights!