How to Stage Your Home Like a Pro: Tips to Make Buyers Fall in Love

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions aren’t just important — they’re everything. Ask any real estate agent any they’ll say the right staging can make buyers swoon, spark bidding wars, and in most cases bump up your sale price. Good news is, you don’t need a Hollywood set designer or a six-figure budget to make your home shine. Below are some tips on how to stage your home like a pro (and have a little fun while you’re at it!).

Start With a Clean Slate

Clutter is not your friend. Grab a few boxes and trash bags, turn up your favorite playlist, and start editing your space. If you don’t use it daily, it’s time to store it. If you haven’t worn it for a year or more, it’s time to donate it. Think of this as the first step toward moving — you’re just getting a head start! One of the most important aspects of preparing your home to list for sale, is “less is more” approach. Buyers want to imagine their things in your home, not feel like they’re intruding on yours. Whether you’re selling a Carmel-by-the-Sea coastal cottage, a modern Pebble Beach estate or a Monterey charmer, clean and simple always wins.

Find Your Home’s “Hero Room”

Every home has a star — maybe it’s the cozy living room with ocean views, the chef’s kitchen made for entertaining, or a dreamy primary bedroom suite that feels like a retreat. Make that room shine brightest. Add fresh flowers, soft lighting, and a few accent pieces that pop. This is the image that will live rent-free in a buyer’s mind (and in your listing photos). Think about highlighting and enhancing the indoor-outdoor living spaces, charming fireplaces or cottage gardens.

Set the Mood with Light and Scent

Good lighting makes every home feel bigger and happier. Open those curtains, replace dim or burned-out bulbs, and let in as much natural light as possible. Then, add a subtle scent — think clean linen, citrus, or fresh coffee. Nothing too strong; you want it to feel fresh, not like you’re hiding something.

Neutral, But Never Boring

Neutral colors are a stager’s secret weapon — they make your home feel spacious and elegant. But neutral doesn’t mean lifeless. Add texture and warmth with throw blankets, plants, woven baskets, or a statement rug. Your goal is “inviting and elevated,” not “empty and echoey.” Use nature-inspired tones that echo the surrounding landscape — sandy beiges, soft blues, gentle shades of green and warm woods that reflect the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula.

Accessorize With Purpose

The best-staged homes feel curated, not crowded. Stack a few beautiful coffee table books, style a tray with a couple of candles, or add a bowl of lemons to the kitchen counter for example. Small touches like these help tell a story — one that says, “I live well here, and you could too.”.  If your home overlooks the golf course, coastline or has mountain views, lean into it! Highlight those lifestyle details that make real estate so sought after here.

Think Like a Photographer

Before your home hits the market, take a step back (or a few pictures on your phone) and take an unbiased look at your home the way a professional photographer (and potential buyer!) will see it. Does each space feel balanced? Is there a clear focal point? Sometimes viewing your home through a camera lens reveals what needs tweaking — maybe that chair is off-center, the rug could use straightening, or the kitchen counters need to be cleared. Most buyers start their search online, so photos are technically your first showing. Make sure your home looks its best from every angle.

Don’t Forget Curb Appeal

Buyers start forming opinions before they even walk through the door. Sweep or power wash the driveway and walkways, add a cheerful doormat, and pop a few potted plants near the entry. Nothing says “This home is loved” more than a welcoming exterior. Consider freshening up the landscaping, applying subtle seaside accents, and add a touch of color that complements the natural setting and coastal charm.

Final Thoughts

Remember, staging isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection. You’re helping buyers imagine their future, one beautiful space at a time. Whether you DIY it or bring in a pro, working with your realtor to create a thoughtfully staged home can make all the difference when it’s time to sell. So fluff those pillows, open those windows, and get ready to wow your buyers. Your home deserves to shine!