Hosting an Open House? Use These Staging Tips to Make Your House Feel Like a Model Home

Are you selling your home? If so, you’re going to have to host an open house at some point. In today’s blog post we’ll explore a few staging tips that make your house feel like a model home.

Make A Solid First Impression

Start with the front of the home and give a great first impression. Have the sidewalk, driveway and walkways power washed. Ensure that the lawn, plants and landscaping are healthy and look great. Clean the windows and address any external paint issues that may have come up over the years.

The goal is to ensure that your guests think “WOW” when they drive up. Keep staging the front of your home until the neighbors are jealous.

Clean, Clean And Clean Some More

Even if you think your home is ‘clean enough’, it’s likely not. You’ve lived in your home for years, which means that your brain has learned to un-see certain aspects of it. Even if you’re sure you’ve cleaned it as much as possible, you may have missed a few spots.

Here’s a helpful exercise. Imagine that the President, Vice-President and Secretary of State are coming over for dinner. And that they’ll be touring through every room in your home to see how you live. That’s how clean your home needs to be for your open house.

Appeal To Your Target Buyers

Do you know what age range your expected open house guests are in? Are they first-time home buyers, young families or single professionals? If at all possible, try to stage your home to appeal to your guests. If they are younger, then you can stage the basement more as a media or entertainment room. If they have children, that might become storage and a play area. You get the idea.

Lighten Things Up A Bit

Regardless of what time of day you host an open house, you’ll want there to be a lot of light. Open up all the drapes and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. If you have to use artificial light, invest in high-quality LED bulbs. There are models that can produce light that is close to sunlight in quality. The more light you have, the better your spotless home will look.

The More (Room), The Merrier

Finally, do your best to open up your space. Remove all clutter and store it. Arrange your furniture to maximize the walking areas. But try not to overdo it. You want your staged home to feel livable — and not like a series of large, empty caves.

There you have it — five great staging tips that will boost your next open house. Remember, the fastest way to sell your home is with the help of an experienced real estate agent. Give me a call to learn more about open houses, staging and closing a quick sale – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253!

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

36845 N Moyle Street San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$485,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,535 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695146

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

*RATE BUYDOWN ALERT* Seller will pay for a 2/1 rate buy down! Best deal in the Southest valley for a 5 bedroom, 3 bath single story with a 3 car garage. This near new bailey model is ideal for extended family with many seperate living spaces. The 12 ft wall of glass is a welcome focal feature, tinted for privacy and shade. Great open concept white kitchen with staggered cabinets and black granite. This very versitile open floorplan offers multiple wings of the house. Great next-gen flexibility! All 5 bedrooms have walk in closets. Ideal location in this gated community close to the community center and pool yet very private with only 4 houses on the street.

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15740 W Ironwood Street Surprise, AZ 85374

$485,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,588 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700057

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautifully upgraded home nestled in the desirable Mountain Vista Ranch neighborhood. Boasting 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, this residence exudes modern elegance with new carpeting throughout, providing a luxurious and cozy ambiance. The kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring freshly painted cabinets and a convenient mini wine fridge. Downstairs, gleaming wood floors enhance the stylish aesthetic, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The meticulous attention to detail extends to the downstairs half-bath, guest bath, and primary bath, where cabinets have been expertly painted and the guest bathtub and surrounding areas resurfaced. The highlight of this property is the private, sparkling gated pool, offering a perfect retreat for relaxation and entertainment.

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10525 E Sunnydale Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

Open House

$485,000

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,850 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695467

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into this beautifully updated home and be greeted by spacious, light-filled interiors. NEW ROOF plus recently remodeled, boasting new flooring, stainless steel appliances, and quartz countertops in the kitchen, while the bathrooms feature modern fixtures. Every room is refreshed with new paint and updated lighting, ensuring both style and comfort. Outside, a large private backyard invites relaxation or outdoor gatherings. Conveniently located near shopping and dining, this home offers the perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to own a modern, stylish retreat.

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2725 W Bisbee Way Phoenix, AZ 85086

Open House

$485,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,432 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700354

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Check out this beautifully remodeled home nuzzled in the highly desirable Anthem community with a lush backyard, extending views, and a builder-grade (and HOA-approved) children's playhouse! All new clean white cabinets, honed quartz countertops, matte black faucets, darling light fixtures, detailed feature walls, and fresh paint throughout. This property has been loved, cared for (maybe a little spoiled), and well-maintained by its owners since the day it was built. The kitchen is to die for and offers full functionality with a large peninsula and all new appliances while overlooking the dining area and living room. The Charm floorplan features an open-concept living space, a split floor plan, and a large primary suite comfortably fitting a king-sized bed. The primary bathroom accent flo or tile and updated tile shower with a rain shower head give the space a unique and luxurious experience. You are within walking distance of the Anthem Dog Park, stunning desert trails, and a pocket park, with a 2-minute drive to shopping and the freeway while still being nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood. This property is excited for its next family to begin their new chapter in life together! Come see 2527 W Bisbee Way - you won't want to miss out on this one!

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1506 E Bishop Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

Open House

$485,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,280 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677904

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to the perfect location! This meticulously maintained home w/NO HOA has a BRAND NEW A/C & is move in ready- Just bring your belongings! Only a few short blocks to A.S.U., Meyer Montessori School & neighborhood park. Close to Sky Harbor Airport, Tempe Town Lake, Gammage Auditorium, Mill Ave, Tempe Marketplace, shopping, restaurants & more. Outside you will notice the curb appeal, w/solid block construction, plenty of parking in the carport driveway, fresh paint job, & native AZ plants. Enter through a spacious living room that's light & bright. You will be delighted by an updated kitchen complete w/new SS appliances, updated cabinetry, butcher block countertops on the island w/breakfast bar, Formica on the perimeters, & perfect dining space overlooking the beautiful backyard! Exit through French doors to find plenty of space to host a BBQ or add a pool. Entertainment possibilities are endless! There is a large detached structure out back, perfect for extra storage. Backyard has convenient Alley access & an RV gate perfect for all your toys. Large laundry room is detached & is located right off of the carport. Upgrades include brand new Stainless Steel appliances, hood range, & garbage disposal. New water heater April 2024. New A/C May 2024. New interior & exterior paint. Both exterior gates repainted. Both bathrooms have new toilets, light fixtures, vanities, & faucets. Free transportation to downtown Tempe on the blue bus, which runs down College Ave. From there, the light rail system can pick one up, easily move toward the airport, downtown Phoenix & Mesa. Right in the heart of an ASU residential neighborhood rich in University heritage & history, this one is priced to sell and a fantastic opportunity w/short and long term potential. Come & see this one before it's gone!

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17963 W Agave Road Goodyear, AZ 85338

Open House

$485,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,399 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6660355

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Reduced! Motivated! Seller will help W/ buydown! One story 4 bedroom 2 bath home in Estrella Mountain Ranch. Open Concept! Farmhouse Kitchen, 2399 sq feet, high ceilings, windows galore Newly remodeled (2023) kitchen features white quartz counters, island, white cabinets, custom range hood, elegant tiled backsplash, floating wood shelves is open to family & kitchen nook. High Ceilings, Newer Updated (2023) warm wood tone flooring throughout, large windows, curved entry offers consistent open feel throughout. Relax in backyard W/shaded trees, extended pavers & yard has plenty of room for a pool + wider side yard. Extended garage with built in storage! Nestled in sought after Estrella Mountain Ranch featuring lakes, golf, pool, water park, hiking, tennis, pickleball, fitness centers +

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1301 E Meadow Lane Phoenix, AZ 85022

Open House

$485,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,757 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6681029

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW! JUST REDUCED $25,000 FROM ORIGINAL PRICE! This spacious home is located in the much coveted, Lookout Mountain foothills. This area offers so much enjoyment especially if you are a nature lover! Home sits on an elevated corner lot with 2 covered patios, an outdoor Kiva fireplace, desert landscaping, a N/S exposure and gorgeous Sunset Views. A community walking trail meanders thru a natural desert arroyo. There's also easy access to Lookout Mountain. A dream for hikers! This wonderful home is just waiting for your updating expertise to make it something to cherish for many years. The floorplan is open & bright, no popcorn ceilings, nice sized kitchen with a breakfast area. 2nd bdrm has a murphy bed & desk set-up. SOLAR contract is assumable only by owner/occupant. Credit Check requ

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3131 N Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012

Open House

$485,000

1 Bed

1.5 Baths

822 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6413953

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

*Construction Completed* 3.5% buyer incentive can be used towards rate buy down, upgrades, closing costs, or combo of those! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious one bedroom condo offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Enjoy the views to the East from the spacious balcony. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

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1526 E Vaughn Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$484,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,507 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6653473

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

THIS GILBERT GEM IS A MUST SEE! There are only 2 other single story homes in Gilbert with pools currently Active on the market in this price range. Come take a look at this Move in ready split floor plan, 3 beds, 2 full baths, Primary bedroom has brand new flooring, huge family room with cozy fireplace, dining, laundry room with fairly new high end washer and dryer INCLUDED, kitchen features fairly new high end appliances, A/C is less than 3 years old, sparkling pool, covered back patio & 2 car garage. Newer Roof! Great Location, close to Freestone Park & Recreation Center, Riparian Preserve (See Docs tab for more info). Easy freeway access (US60), close to shopping, dining & entertainment.

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17943 W Townley Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$484,999

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,045 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691608

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Amazing opportunity to move into a newly built(2023) move-in ready popular Sapphire open floor plan with mountain views. This home has 4 bedrooms,3 full bathrooms and teen/great room.The kitchen boast stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops and a center island that opens up to spacious living area that has large sliders, which open up to a beautiful finished backyard landscaping. The primary suite showcase a generous walk-in closet and upgraded primary bath.Home has a Tesla charger installed in garage. Super friendly and quiet neighborhood with multiple parks that are walking distance. Minutes away from tons of shopping, new commercial development,Costco and White Tank Foothill hiking and campground. Home is nearby great schools (Legacy/American leadership academy. Don't miss out!

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18626 W Honeysuckle Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$484,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,092 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6645411

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this exceptional Emerald home on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; 3 Bedroom and Study, a well-appointed kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a roomy pantry and a center island; an elegant dining room; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops and shower bench; a large living room; a convenient laundry; an additional suite with living room space and its own separate entry door, bedroom and 3rd Bath, a covered patio and a 3-car garage. This home also offers wood laminate flooring, ceiling fan prewiring and additional windows in select rooms.

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19582 W Cambridge Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$484,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6697500

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this thoughtfully designed Slate home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting front yard landscaping and driveway pavers. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an impressive kitchen layout offering 42'' cabinets, stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, a center island and a roomy pantry; an open dining area; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a convenient laundry; a covered patio and a 2-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, additional windows and ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms.

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