What if we told you that most buyers make their decision about your home in the first 30 seconds?

It’s true. Before they’ve walked through the kitchen or master bedroom, they’ve already formed an opinion that could make or break your sale. With fall buyers eager to settle in before the holidays, this season presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on motivated purchasers.

But, even in a competitive market, some homes sit while others sell within days. What makes the difference? It’s not necessarily location or price; it’s often the small details that help buyers instantly envision themselves living in your space.

After staging over 10,000 homes since 2007, we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). Here are the top things we recommend for staging your home for fall to transform your home from “just another listing” to the one buyers can’t stop thinking about:

Tip #1: Start with a Fresh Paint Refresh

If your home feels a little dark or you need to update the overall look, painting is the easiest and most effective way to change the appeal and attract more buyers. A fresh coat of paint can instantly modernize your space, creating a clean, move-in-ready feel that buyers love.

Pro tip: Consider getting a complimentary paint color consultation during your staging process with Novari to ensure you’re choosing colors that appeal to the broadest range of buyers.

Tip #2: Declutter and Pack Early

Start packing NOW and create a minimalist feel that allows buyers to see the home itself, not your belongings. Remove personal photos and niche items—this is one of the best ways to generate more interested buyers.

People often struggle to see past what’s right in front of them (whether it’s an empty home, a full home, or a staged home), so you need to show them the possibilities! A decluttered space helps buyers envision their own life in your home rather than being distracted by your personal items.

Tip #3: Invest in White Bedding and Towels

Just because fall (and the holidays) are right around the corner doesn’t mean it’s time for a themed home staging. Try to invest in white bedding and towels to give your home a clean, fresh look similar to a hotel experience.And if you can’t afford to stage your entire home, this simple change can make a huge impact.

Avoid unmade beds and stained towels on display—these small details can turn buyers off. This affordable swap creates an instantly more appealing environment, and you can take these items with you to your next home.

Tip #4: Focus on Key Rooms That Make the Biggest Impact

Not every room needs to be staged. Focus your efforts on areas that matter the most:

• Living room
• Kitchen
• Primary bedroom
• Main entry

These are the spaces that create the strongest first impressions and emotional connections with buyers!

For small bedrooms or those with awkward layouts, professional staging can be especially valuable in helping buyers see how furniture can actually fit and function in the space.

Tip #5: Add a Mirror (Strategically) to Open Up Spaces

Use floor mirrors in corners or challenging areas to make rooms feel more spacious and inviting. This is particularly effective in vacant homes where it can be challenging to visualize the space without much furniture to provide points for scale and proportion.

A well-placed mirror opens up the space and helps buyers better understand the room’s dimensions and potential.

Remember: Professional staging helps homes sell 73% faster and receive higher offers. These tips can help improve your home’s appeal, but for maximum impact in today’s competitive market, consider working with experienced staging professionals who understand what today’s buyers want.

Ready to sell faster and for more? Book a consultation with Novari for professional staging to unlock your home’s full potential this fall.