Staged homes spend half the time on the market and sell for approximately six percent above asking price, according to a recent survey. The 2008 recession changed the way realtors approach the sale of homes. Move-in ready real estate is hot right now and staging is becoming more of a rule than a suggestion. Buyers want to drop their bags and move right in. When prepping for a home sale, target the following rooms with these affordable updates that will lead to a swift sale.

Open up the Living Room

To help prospective buyers envision themselves in a home, remove family pictures. Replace them with aspirational travel images that display a certain lifestyle, or hang mirrors to add extra light, depth and dimension. Use smaller recliners to make the room appear larger, and arrange pieces in symmetrical vignettes as conversation areas.

Stain Kitchen Cabinets

Dated cabinets turn buyers away. Instead of replacing the cabinets all-together, give them a good stain and add new hardware for an affordable updated look.

Simplify the Master Bedroom

Stage the master bedroom to appear spacious and convey serenity. Remove distracting furniture and leave only a bed and dresser. Make the room feel elegant by updating it with coordinating bedding and window treatments. Advise home sellers to remove half of their wardrobe from the walk-in closet and face hanging clothes in the same direction.

Light up the Dining Room

Dramatically alter the look of a dining room with proper lighting. Remove outdated, polished brass and glass dining room light fixtures and replace them with a new chandelier that matches the décor and color palette of the home. Rustic, modern and traditional are all hot styles. If the table is not under the chandelier, swag the light fixture to the right spot.

Clean the Bathroom Walls

A clean bathroom is a sign the homeowners took care of their home, while grimy walls are a red flag. You can clean the walls with bleach and water; however, the powerfully strong smell of chemicals may be a turn-off. Instead, clean the walls and other parts of the bathroom with a high-quality product that is recognized by the EPA Design for the Environment (DfE) program, like the Legacy of Clean multipurpose concentrated cleaner from Amway.

Spruce up the Front of the House

Spruce up a home’s curb appeal with a power wash, fresh layer of paint and groomed foliage. Outdoor lighting is essential as prospective buyers may drive by the home at night before they decide to go inside. Change out old weathered light fixtures and add landscape lighting.

Brighten the Patio

Extend the staging details into the backyard by brightening the patio. Apply a concrete stain to give the floor a new life, or add a welcoming outdoor rug. Install a new outdoor light fixture, and add color with a flowerpot.

Other Staging Tips

• Wash windows inside and out to let in more light and give rooms a fresh look
• Repaint in neutral colors to make it look like a blank canvas and help it appear larger
• Hide litter boxes and diaper pails and eliminate odors
• Pack up any collections the homeowners may have on display
• Install a pedestal sink in the bathrooms for a touch of class
• Don’t neglect the front door
• Go green where you can (i.e. LED light bulbs)