Make your home look like it was staged by a pro! (Whether you are selling or not...)

Staging a house is the process of strategically arranging furnishings and decor to make a house look its best. This may involve paring down and refreshing your own belongings, or moving all of your own stuff out and renting furniture and decor.

A 2017 National Association of Realtors survey says 49% of buyers’ agents believe staging affects most buyers’ view of a home. 77% of them say it’s easier for people to visualize a staged home as their own. Here are 5 steps (actually 6) to making this happen in your little piece of the USA.

0. Make sure your home is sparkling clean. Hire the pros--they do an amazing job. A spring cleaning is the key to all the rest of the tips here, which is why it's number zero on the list! Don't skimp. This is super-important. (Plus your house will smell really good.)

1. Minimize the clutter. We all have miscellaneous items that we gather. It indicates a life well-lived full of memories. However, when selling, a clean, empty-as-possible house looks bigger. Remove knick-knacks and personal items from all surfaces. Don’t just put them in closets; potential buyers usually look in those, and you want yours to appear roomy.

2. Shoot for a light and bright look. Open your blinds or pull your curtains back before a showing. Make sure your light fixtures look appealing. If your lampshades are dingy or your fixtures are dated, consider replacing them. Even dusting your bulbs and fixtures can help let more light through.

3. Remove furniture then rearrange. Your house will look bigger and more appealing to most buyers with less furniture in it. If your furniture just doesn’t look showroom-ready (or if it’s already moved into your new home), you can rent nice, new pieces. Rearrange the furniture away from the walls and "float" it in the room, anchored by an area rug. This creates a cozy, intimate space, ideal for chatting with friends and family.

4. The charm is in the details. Make the beds up in neutral colors with throw pillows. Add some finishing touches like fresh flowers in vases, a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter, and folded towels in the bathroom. Think about hotels present their rooms. It doesn't have to be expensive or chic, it just has to be "hotel neat" and inviting.

5. Don't forget the outside. “Curb appeal” is a real estate term for first impressions. Even if you have only a tiny stoop, make it say “welcome home” with a clean doormat, potted plants in bloom and — if you have room — one or two pieces of neat porch furniture. Keep your porch lights on in the evenings, in case potential buyers drive by.

When we began staging houses for sale, (it wasn't always a thing), my wife started staging our house and it has had amazing results. Our lives became simpler and we started spending our money on experiences rather than things. Whether you are selling or not, staging your home actually has great everyday-life payoffs that have really surprised us.