How to Stage Your Home to Sell Fast in Florida

Staging is not about making your home look like a magazine cover. It is about helping buyers envision themselves living there. According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell 73% faster and for 5-10% more than non-staged homes.

You do not need to spend thousands on professional staging to make an impact. Here are the techniques that deliver the highest return in the Florida market.

Start with Decluttering

This is the single most impactful thing you can do, and it costs nothing.

• Remove at least 50% of personal items -- family photos, collections, and memorabilia
• Clear kitchen counters down to 2-3 decorative items maximum
• Empty closets by 40-50% so they look spacious
• Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel larger
• Clear the garage -- buyers in Florida care about garage space

Florida tip: If you have hurricane shutters, pool equipment, or outdoor gear stored inside, move it to a storage unit. Buyers want to see clean, open spaces.

Deep Clean Everything

A clean home signals "well-maintained" to buyers. Pay special attention to:

• Grout and tile -- Florida homes have a lot of tile, and dirty grout is immediately noticeable
• Windows inside and out -- let the Florida sunshine in
• Ceiling fans -- every room has one in Florida and buyers look up
• Lanai and pool area -- pressure wash the screen enclosure and patio
• A/C vents -- clean or replace all vent covers

Maximize Natural Light

Florida buyers expect bright, airy homes. Dark rooms feel smaller and less inviting.

• Open all blinds and curtains for showings
• Replace heavy drapes with light, sheer curtains
• Add lamps to any dark corners
• Use higher-wattage LED bulbs (4000K daylight)
• Clean light fixtures and remove any dead bulbs

Focus on Curb Appeal

In Florida, curb appeal extends to your landscaping and outdoor living spaces.

• Fresh mulch in all plant beds -- this is cheap and transformative
• Pressure wash the driveway, walkways, and exterior walls
• Paint the front door -- a fresh coat in a complementary color makes a statement
• Add potted plants near the entry (tropical plants like bird of paradise or crotons work beautifully)
• Refresh the mailbox and house numbers

Stage the Outdoor Living Space

This is where Florida staging differs from the rest of the country. Your lanai, patio, or pool area is essentially another room.

• Clean and arrange outdoor furniture as a conversation area
• Add outdoor cushions and throw pillows in neutral or tropical tones
• Set a small table with glasses and a pitcher (suggesting relaxation)
• Ensure the pool is crystal clear and equipment is hidden
• Add potted plants or hanging baskets for color

Neutral Paint Goes a Long Way

If your walls are bold colors, consider repainting in warm neutrals. In the Florida market, the best-performing paint colors are:

• Walls: Soft whites (Benjamin Moore White Dove, SW Alabaster) or warm grays (SW Agreeable Gray)
• Trim: Crisp white
• Accent walls: Only if done tastefully in a muted tone

One gallon of paint and a weekend can transform a room's appeal to buyers.

The Kitchen and Bathroom Priority

If you have a limited budget, focus staging efforts on the kitchen and bathrooms. These rooms sell homes.

Kitchen quick wins:

• New cabinet hardware ($50-$150)
• Fresh caulk around countertops and backsplash
• A bowl of fresh fruit or a small herb plant
• Matching towels and soap dispenser

Bathroom quick wins:

• New towels (white, folded like a hotel)
• Remove all personal products from the shower
• New shower curtain if needed
• A small plant or candle

What Not to Do

• Do not over-stage with too many accessories -- less is more
• Do not use strong air fresheners -- some buyers are sensitive to fragrance
• Do not leave pets or pet items visible during showings
• Do not neglect any room -- empty rooms look small, so add minimal furniture

The Bottom Line

Staging does not have to be expensive. The most impactful changes -- decluttering, deep cleaning, maximizing light, and refreshing outdoor spaces -- cost very little but dramatically improve how buyers perceive your home.

If you are preparing to sell your Florida home, I offer a complimentary staging consultation as part of my listing services. Together, we will create a plan to present your home at its absolute best.