Staging your home effectively absolutely makes a significant difference in how quickly it sells, particularly in a competitive market like Ottawa. Here are some tips to stage your home for a quick sale: 

1. Declutter: First things first, start by decluttering your home. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that makes the space feel crowded. Clean out closets and storage areas to make them appear spacious, making sure you can see the floor!
2. Deep Clean: Ensure your home is spotless. Pay attention to details like baseboards, light switches, and windows. Consider hiring professionals for a thorough cleaning if necessary. Exterior window cleaning in particular can have a huge impact!
3. Depersonalize: Buyers need to envision themselves living in the space, so remove personal items such as family photos and unique décor. Neutralize the space to appeal to a wide range of tastes.
4. Maximize Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Spruce up your home's exterior by maintaining the lawn, trimming bushes, and adding potted plants or flowers. A fresh coat of paint on the front door can also make a big difference.
5. Brighten Up: Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light. Replace dim or outdated light fixtures with brighter, more modern options. Well-lit spaces appear larger and more inviting. Avoid white/cool light bulbs, and opt for ‘warm’ bulbs instead.
6. Arrange Furniture: Arrange furniture to create a sense of flow and highlight the best features of each room. Consider the traffic flow and ensure there's plenty of space for potential buyers to move around.
7. Neutralize Color Palette: Repaint walls in neutral tones to appeal to a broader audience. Neutral colors create a blank canvas that allows buyers to envision their own style and décor in the space. Don’t be afraid to go all white!
8. Focus on Key Rooms: Pay extra attention to key rooms like the kitchen, primary, and bathrooms. Ensure they are clean, organized, and updated if possible. These rooms can heavily influence a buyer's decision.
9. Add Finishing Touches: Add tasteful décor accents like fresh flowers, throw pillows, and artwork to enhance the overall appeal of the space. But be mindful not to overdo it—less is often more in staging.
10. Highlight Unique Features: If your home has unique features like a fireplace, built-in shelves, or architectural details, make sure they stand out. Arrange furniture and décor to draw attention to these selling points.
11. Professional Staging: Consider hiring a professional stager who can provide expert advice on how to best showcase your home's potential. They can bring in furniture and accessories to enhance the space and create an inviting atmosphere. We love working with Staged Ottawa!
12. Professional Photography: Invest in professional photography to showcase your home online. High-quality photos can attract more buyers and generate interest in your property. And don’t underestimate the value of virtual walkthroughs. These became popular during COVID when site visits were limited, and have stuck around as an industry standard. Buyers love having the option to ‘walk through’ the home before booking a showing!

We hope this helps!