How Can You Stage Your Home While Living in It?

    

Learn my best tips for staging while still living in your home, like ‘pre-moving,’ creating a showroom feel, and more.

Selling your home while you’re still living in it might sound tricky, but it’s doable with the right strategy. After all, it pays to do a little work before you list your house–whether you’re still living in it or not. Did you know that staged homes sell 13% faster and can even bring in higher offers? With a few adjustments, you can create a space that feels fresh, inviting, and buyer-friendly while still enjoying your daily routine. As a professional real estate agent, I help homeowners like you sell faster and for top dollar—even while living in the home. Let’s go over some smart, doable steps to stage your home effectively without disrupting your life: 1. Declutter and pack early. Think of it as pre-moving. Pack away seasonal clothes, personal photos, and anything you don’t use daily. This makes your space feel bigger, cleaner, and move-in ready for buyers. Plus, it reduces last-minute stress when it’s time to move. Buyers will also find it easier to envision themselves living in the home. 2. Deep clean and maintain your home. A spotless home makes a huge first impression. After a deep clean, keep things easy with a simple daily routine—wipe counters, put dishes away, and keep floors clear. A little effort each day prevents last-minute stress before a showing. 3. Create a showroom feel. Buyers love neutral, airy spaces. Swap out bold bedding or décor for light, inviting colors. Keep furniture arranged to make rooms feel open and welcoming. If you have kids or pets, store away extra toys and supplies to keep things tidy.

"By staging smartly while still living in your home, you’ll attract more buyers, sell faster, and maximize your sale price without turning your daily life upside down."

4. Make a ‘showing-ready’ checklist. Before leaving for work or errands, do a quick 5-minute sweep: this involves making the beds, wiping the kitchen counters, putting away daily clutter, opening up your blinds for natural light, and setting the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. That way, your home is always ready when a buyer comes by. 5. Plan for showings in advance. It’s best to leave the house during showings so buyers can explore comfortably. Have a go-to plan—maybe a park visit, a coffee shop break, or running errands—so it’s easy to head out whenever needed. Keep a small bag ready with essentials like snacks, chargers, and activities for kids or pets. The more prepared you are, the less stressful last-minute showings will feel. By staging smartly while still living in your home, you’ll attract more buyers, sell faster, and maximize your sale price without turning your daily life upside down. If you want more tips on preparing your home for a top-dollar sale, let’s chat! Just call or email me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

What’s the Best Way To Find Out Your Home’s True Value?

   

Learn how to find out your home’s true value, from simple solutions like online valuations to more involved strategies like comparative market analysis.

Ever wonder how much your home is actually worth? Whether you're thinking about selling, refinancing, or just curious, knowing your home’s true value is essential. But here’s the issue—many homeowners rely on the wrong sources and leave money on the table. Most people turn to quick online estimates, but those tools can be off by tens of thousands of dollars. If your home is priced too high, buyers may overlook it. Price it too low, and you’re walking away from potential profit. And when refinancing, an inaccurate valuation could mean missing out on thousands in equity. So, how do you ensure you’re working with the right number? Having helped countless homeowners maximize their home’s value, I can tell you this: understanding your home’s worth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making informed financial decisions. There are three key ways to determine your home’s true value: 1. Comparative market analysis. This is a professional assessment done by a real estate expert—like me! A CMA compares your home to similar recently sold homes in your area, factoring in size, features, location, and market trends. It’s free and far more accurate than online tools.

"Websites like Zillow and Redfin provide quick estimates, but you shouldn’t rely on them alone."

2. Professional appraisal. A licensed appraiser provides an unbiased valuation, often required for refinancing or loans. They assess your home’s condition, upgrades, and market comps. It’s the most precise method but comes at a cost of a few hundred dollars. 3. Online valuation tools and research. Websites like Zillow and Redfin provide quick estimates, but you shouldn’t rely on them alone. Cross-check multiple sources and look at recently sold homes that closely match yours for a more accurate picture. Which is the best option for you? If you’re selling, a CMA gives you an accurate market value. If you’re refinancing, an appraisal is necessary. And if you’re just curious, online tools can be a starting point—but always verify with expert insight. If you’re thinking of selling or refinancing and want a precise, expert-backed valuation, let’s talk. I offer a free, no-obligation home valuation to help you make the best decision. Just call or email me to get started.