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If you’ve lived in your home for 20 years or more, you’re not alone – according to a report by the National Association of Realtors, nearly half of today’s seniors are in the same boat. And as it turns out, older adults make up 58% of the homeowners selling in today’s market. But here’s the catch: the real estate landscape has changed dramatically since the last time many seniors sold a home. What worked 20+ years ago might not cut it now.
That’s why understanding home staging is more important than ever.
Modern buyers are looking for a certain feel when they walk into a house, one that reflects their lifestyle and helps them imagine living there. If you’re a senior considering downsizing, rightsizing or moving to a maintenance-free senior living community like Friendship Village, here’s what you need to know about home staging trends and how to prepare your home for a top-dollar sale.
A Quick Look Back: How Home Staging Has Evolved
Back in the 80s and 90s, “staging” mostly meant cleaning, decluttering and maybe baking cookies before an open house. Fast-forward to today, and staging has become a full-blown strategy, complete with color psychology, strategic lighting and lifestyle-based design.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 81% of buyers say home staging makes it easier to visualize a property as their future home. And staged homes sell faster and often at a higher price compared to unstaged ones.
In other words: it’s worth the effort.
Today’s Home Staging Trends: What Buyers Really Want
Here’s where it gets interesting. Modern staging isn’t about making your home look fancy, but rather making it feel livable, fresh and flexible. The most appealing spaces today highlight these five key aspects:
Neutral, modern color palettes
That maroon dining room or floral wallpaper might need to go. Today’s buyers favor light, airy tones like soft greys, warm whites and calming beiges.
Lifestyle “nooks”
Buyers want to see how they’ll use the space. Create cozy reading corners, yoga spots or a small home office nook, especially if you’re staging a guest bedroom or bonus room.
Updated but not overdone
You don’t need a full renovation. Swapping outdated light fixtures, updating cabinet hardware and repainting can go a long way without breaking the bank.
Functional outdoor areas
Even a small patio can become a selling point with a café table and some string lights. Buyers love outdoor living now more than ever.
Minimalist but warm decor
Decluttering is essential, but so is warmth. Aim for that “HGTV feel”: not empty, but intentional.
Advice for Seniors: Home Staging That Works
You don’t have to go it alone – and you don’t have to make it perfect. The goal is to help buyers picture their own life in your home, not yours. Here are some tips tailored for seniors:
- Depersonalize without erasing history. Take down the wall of family photos but leave a few warm touches, like a favorite piece of art or a cozy throw blanket.
- Highlight the home’s best features. Have a bright kitchen or great natural light in the living room? Make sure those spaces shine.
- Keep accessibility in mind. Clear walkways, remove trip hazards and consider staging with light, easy-to-move furniture.
- Consider virtual staging. It’s a cost-effective option with a modern edge. Read more about it here.
Selling Smart and Starting Fresh
Staging is just one part of preparing for a senior living rightsize – but it’s a powerful one. Selling your home can feel emotional, especially if it’s filled with decades of memories. But letting go doesn’t mean losing out. It’s about creating space for what’s next: freedom, community and ease.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of moving, start small. This post on downsizing sentimental items is a great first step.
Ready to sell your home and enjoy a maintenance-free retirement lifestyle? Schedule a visit to Friendship Village Tempe or attend one of our upcoming events. We’re here to help you take the next step – confidently and on your terms.
