Are you looking to stage a client’s home, but neither of you wants to spend too much money? Don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to get a house ready on a budget.

As the real estate market continues to be competitive, realtors are looking for ways to stage their clients’ homes without breaking the bank. Staging a home is vital to making a good first impression on potential buyers.

With a little effort and creativity, staging a home on a budget is possible. By following these tips, home sellers can create a space that is inviting and appealing to potential buyers.

Here are a few key things to remember when staging a home on a budget:

• Depersonalize the space. This means taking down personal photos, removing family heirlooms or other items with sentimental value, and neutralizing your décor. You want potential buyers to be able to envision their belongings in the space, not your client’s.

• Declutter the home. This goes hand-in-hand with depersonalizing. You want to remove any excess items, including knick-knacks, unused furniture, and anything else that might make the space feel cramped or cluttered.

• A fresh coat of paint. Paint can do wonders for a space, making it feel new and clean; even painting one wall to create a focal point will make the space feel newer.

• Add some greenery. Adding plant life to a space can make a big difference. It can make the room feel more cheerful and natural and help purify the air.You can always get fake plants if your client doesn’t have a green thumb.

• Brighten up the space. This means ensuring all rooms are bright in terms of light and colour. If you have rooms that don’t get a lot of light, try adding lamps, replacing dull or broken bulbs, and making sure your drapes are pulled back. You can also try adding light-coloured accessories to make a room feel brighter.

•  Clean the windows. Clean windows can make a space feel brighter and more inviting. If your client doesn’t have time to clean them, they can always hire a professional to take care of them.

• Make any minor repairs. Before listing a home, make sure all necessary minor repairs are complete. This can include fixing a squeaky door, replacing a broken light switch, and fixing any cracks in the walls.

• Make sure the home is clean. This means cleaning a house from top to bottom, including floors, counters, windows, and everything else. Depending on the state of the home, it may be worth hiring a professional cleaning service to come in.

• Make sure the home smells good. It’s important to make sure your client’s home smells fresh and clean when potential buyers come to see it. You can use air fresheners, candles, or even essential oils.

Realtors know when it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter. And that’s where home staging comes in. You can entice buyers and help them see the home’s potential by making it look its best. So before putting a home on the market, be sure to give it a little TLC first. With a bit of elbow grease (and maybe a professional touch), staging can make a home irresistible to buyers.

Farah Dhalla-Singh

Farah is the founder and CEO of A Lady’s Touch, a home staging and interior design company. Her eye for interior design comes instinctually. After designing her own home, she knew she had a natural talent. Farah has worked as a journalist and meteorologist; however, her passion for design inspired her to start her own business. Since then, Farah and her team have staged and designed thousands of homes in the Greater Toronto Area, helping homeowners achieve maximum value and top dollar for their homes.