In today's competitive Edmonton real estate market, a vacant or cluttered home is a significant disadvantage. Home staging is the strategic art of preparing and furnishing a property to highlight its best features, maximize space, and appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers. This isn't just about decorating it's a powerful marketing tool proven to impact your bottom line directly.

This guide will walk you through the benefits, costs, and practical steps to effectively stage your home for the Edmonton market.

Why Stage Your Home? The Data-Driven Benefits

Staging is an investment, and the return is clear:

  • Sell Faster: According to industry surveys, staged homes often spend 73% less time on the market than non-staged homes.
  • Sell for More Money: A staged home can increase the offer price by up to 10% compared to a non-staged counterpart. This ROI often far outweighs the initial cost.
  • Professional Photography: A staged home photographs beautifully, creating a powerful first impression online where over 90% of buyers start their search.
  • Highlight Potential: Buyers struggle to visualize empty spaces. Staging defines rooms (e.g., a small office nook, a formal dining room) and helps them imagine living there.

To DIY or Hire a Pro? Making the Right Choice

DIY Home Staging (Ideal for occupied homes on a budget)

If your home is already furnished, you can effectively stage it yourself by following expert principles.

  • Pros: Lower cost, you know your home best.
  • Cons: Time-consuming, requires a keen eye for design, difficult to be objective.
  • Our Advice: Use our checklist below and consider a consultation with a professional stager for a few hours of targeted advice.

The Essential Home Staging Checklist: Room-by-Room

Follow these expert tips to prepare your Edmonton home.

Whole-House Principles

  • Declutter & Depersonalize: Remove family photos, personal collections, and excess knick-knacks. Buyers need to see themselves in the space.
  • Deep Clean: Every surface must sparkle. Floors, windows, baseboards, and light fixtures are crucial.
  • Maximize Light: Open all curtains/blinds, clean windows, and ensure all bulbs are working with bright, warm-white LEDs.
  • Neutralize: Repaint bold walls to neutral tones like light grey, beige, or off-white. This makes spaces feel larger and brighter.
  • Fix & Maintain: Repair leaky faucets, squeaky doors, and cracked tiles. These small items signal how well the home has been cared for.

Key Rooms to Focus On:

1. Living Room

  • Create a conversational furniture arrangement.
  • Add texture with throw pillows and blankets.
  • Define the space with a area rug.

2. Kitchen

  • Clear countertops completely (except for a knife block or a vase of fresh flowers).
  • Place a nice bowl of fruit on the island or table.
  • Ensure appliances are spotless.

3. Primary Bedroom

  • Make the bed with new, neutral bedding.
  • Style the bed with pillows and a throw.
  • Create a "hotel-like" sense of retreat and relaxation.

4. Bathrooms

  • Put out fresh, fluffy white towels.
  • Clear shower and countertops of all products.
  • Add a small plant or candle.

5. Basement & Bonus Rooms

  • Clearly define the purpose of each space (e.g., home gym, game room, guest suite).
  • Ensure the area is well-lit and feels warm and inviting, not like a dungeon.

Ready to Make Your Edmonton Home Irresistible?

We have partnered with trusted, professional staging companies across Edmonton. We can connect you with the right stager for your home's style and budget and help you coordinate the process seamlessly.

Get a free, no-obligation quote from our recommended stagers today.

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Data last updated on November 2, 2025 at 09:30 AM (UTC).
Copyright 2025 by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. All Rights Reserved.
Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton.
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