Do you know that staging or decorating your home can not only give you a competitive advantage in the market, but add 10-15 percent to the price you get for your home? While if you can afford a stager, we suggest you do. But if not, you can do it yourself - and for under $100. All you need is a little bit of creativity and most areas can be staged for nothing! So here's our tips for staging on a budget:

Rule #1: De-Personalize

Remember that buyers need to see your home, not your stuff. Personal items like photos, collections, personal awards, and electronics will make it difficult for buyers to see past your personal style and may deter a sale. Taking yourself out of the picture makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves, and their stuff, in your space. More than anything, it’s important to remove any distraction that prevents them from seeing a home for their family.

Rule #2: Maximize

Less is more. Oversize couches, chairs or coffee tables have to go. If you cannot replace them with smaller pieces, take them out of sight. Organize and maximize the space in your home. Make sure closets are cleared and items are organized. Otherwise, consider temporarily storing the overflow elsewhere.

Rule #3: Clean

This simple tip is essential. The cheapest way to stage your home - just clean it. Dust, vacuum, wipe the windows and mop the floors. Make sure there are no strange odors floating around or major stains on the carpet or furniture. A sink full of dirty dishes is as unappealing to you as it would be to a buyer. It is well worth the elbow grease in cleaning floors, walls, baseboards, ceiling fans and windows.

Rule #4: Modernize

Consider removing or replacing worn or outdated furnishings and get rid of some excess pieces. The time has come to move beyond matching furniture, so break up your sets; dated can easily become eclectic with editing and rearranging. If a buyer feels the home is dated, they will reflect that feeling in a lower offer.
Simple investments in little things like swapping out gold fixtures for nickel or chrome can potentially yield high returns during the offer.

Rule #5: Neutralize

It's the best bang for your buck that will quickly refresh a dull, dated room. As color can make or break a buyer’s interest in your home, slap a fresh, neutral color on the space. You may love that bright colored wall, but all the potential buyer sees is a great deal of painting in their furniture because it clashes with their style. Painting is one of the most inexpensive ways to change a look of a home. Also, open up blinds and draperies to make sure there's sufficient natural light throughout the home. Remember, right lightning can set a difference in the entire room.