How to Stage Your Home for Sale: Expert Tips to Maximize Value and Attract Buyers

By Jocelyn Kelley & Hays Westbrook | Kelley | Westbrook Group

When it comes to selling a home in today’s competitive Los Angeles real estate market, staging is no longer optional — it’s strategic. Properly staged homes consistently sell faster, attract more qualified buyers, and often command higher offers.

As experienced real estate professionals working throughout Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Venice, Brentwood, and the Westside, Jocelyn Kelley and Hays Westbrook have seen firsthand how impactful staging can be in achieving top results.

Why Home Staging Matters in Real Estate

Staging allows buyers to emotionally connect with a property. The goal is simple:
👉 Help buyers visualize themselves living in the home.

Professionally staged homes:

• Photograph better for online listings

• Feel more spacious and intentional

• Highlight architectural features

• Reduce perceived flaws

• Create a strong first impression

In many cases, staging can mean the difference between multiple offers and a property sitting on the market.

Declutter First — Always

Before furniture placement or décor decisions, decluttering is essential.

Key areas to focus on:

• Kitchen countertops

• Closets and storage spaces

• Entryways and hallways

• Bathrooms and vanities

A decluttered home feels larger, cleaner, and more move-in ready — exactly what buyers are looking for.

Depersonalize to Appeal to More Buyers

Buyers want to imagine their life in the home, not someone else’s.

We recommend:

• Removing personal photos and collections

• Keeping décor neutral and cohesive

• Minimizing bold colors or overly specific design themes

This approach allows your home to appeal to the widest possible buyer audience.

Furniture Placement Is Everything

Proper furniture placement helps define spaces and improve flow.

Effective staging emphasizes:

• Open walkways

• Functional room layouts

• Balanced scale and proportion

Oversized or excess furniture can make rooms feel cramped, while the right layout makes spaces feel purposeful and inviting.

Let the Light In

Light is one of the most powerful selling tools.

Staging tips to maximize light:

• Open all curtains and blinds

• Use light, airy window treatments

• Add mirrors to reflect natural light

• Replace dim or outdated light fixtures

Bright homes consistently feel more welcoming and valuable to buyers.

Focus on Key Rooms

While staging every room is ideal, some spaces matter most:

Top priority rooms:

• Living room

• Kitchen

• Primary bedroom

• Bathrooms

These are the spaces buyers remember — and where staging has the greatest return on investment.

Don’t Forget Curb Appeal

First impressions start before buyers step inside.

Simple curb appeal upgrades include:

• Fresh landscaping

• Clean walkways and entry doors

• New exterior lighting

• A welcoming front entry

In coastal and Westside neighborhoods, outdoor presentation plays a major role in buyer perception.

Professional Staging vs. Light Styling

Not every home requires full-scale staging. The right approach depends on:

• Price point

• Property condition

• Buyer profile

• Market conditions

At the Kelley | Westbrook Group, we guide sellers on whether professional staging, partial staging, or strategic styling will deliver the best results.

The Return on Investment

Well-staged homes often:

• Sell faster

• Receive stronger offers

• Reduce price negotiations

In many cases, staging pays for itself — and then some.

Expert Guidance Makes the Difference

Every home is unique, and staging should be tailored accordingly. Understanding buyer psychology, neighborhood expectations, and market trends is key.

Jocelyn Kelley and Hays Westbrook work closely with trusted stagers, designers, and vendors to ensure each listing is positioned to stand out.

Thinking About Selling Your Home?

If you’re considering selling and want guidance on how to prepare your home for market, we’re here to help.

Contact Jocelyn Kelley and Hays Westbrook for a personalized staging and pricing strategy designed to maximize your home’s value.