Jillian Harris, co-host of W Network’s Love It or List It Vancouver, sheds light on the dos and don’ts of home staging.

When selling a home, first impressions matter. That’s why staging is key for creating an emotional connection with buyers. Signs of a happy life (like the scent of freshly baked cookies or a book beside the sofa) can instantly boost a prospective buyer’s mood and maximize your home’s selling potential. Here are a few important tips about the process.

Do: Declutter your space. This is by far the most important step for staging and resale. Organize every nook and cranny, including closets and cupboards. It doesn’t seem like much, but going the extra mile will help leave a lasting impression.

Do: Paint your walls white. Crisp white walls will make your home feel extra fresh and clean. Opt for a simple off-white shade like Slipper Satin by Farrow & Ball.

Do: Focus on curb appeal. People always notice the front entry first, so make sure it’s inviting. A few must-dos: Repaint the front door, mow the lawn and double-check that the outside lights work.

Do: Keep every space organized, including bookshelves. It’s small efforts like this that hold the most weight when preparing your home for sale.
 

Don't: Hide all personal mementoes. A few trinkets suggest a home is filled with good memories, but limit the number of family photographs. Potential buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living there, too!

Don't: Renovate the entire house. This is a definite don’t. Some homebuyers would rather do the reno themselves, and others aren’t particular about everything being brand new.

Don't: Stage every room. As mentioned above, you don’t need to remodel your entire house before you sell. Save yourself the time and money, and focus on smaller adjustments like furniture placement and overall tidiness.