How to stage a Coquitlam home for sale — what actually moves the needle.

Declutter first

Remove 60-70% of personal items. Clear all surfaces. Empty closets to half-full. Buyers need to imagine themselves in the space, not see your life in it.

Deep clean

Professional clean ($300-$600). Carpet clean ($150-$300). Window clean inside and out ($150-$300). Everything sparkles.

Paint

Fresh neutral paint on walls (not stark white — warm off-whites or pale greys). Cost: $1,500-$4,000 typical for full home interior.

Furniture staging

Either keep existing if it photographs well, OR rent staging furniture ($2K-$8K depending on home size and duration). New construction or vacant homes always benefit from rental staging.

Curb appeal

First 8 seconds of arrival determine offer mindset. Front door fresh, landscaping tidy, exterior clean. Cost: $200-$800 for typical refresh.

Photography

Professional photos are non-negotiable. Often included in REALTOR® commission. Confirm before listing.

Smell

Fresh, neutral. No food smells, no pets, no smoke. Sometimes ozone treatment needed for stubborn odors.

Lighting

All bulbs same colour temperature (3000K warm white typical). Lamps on in every room for showings. Open all blinds for daytime showings.

Kitchen + bathroom

These two rooms drive 40%+ of buyer decisions. Clean grout, polished fixtures, fresh towels, no clutter.

ROI rule

Staging investment of $2K-$8K typically returns 3-10x in higher sale price. The math almost always favors staging.