Why You Need To Stage Your Arkansas Home Before Selling

By Kerry Ellison

Over the past 30 years, Kerry has proven herself time and time again by remaining in the top tier of Central Arkansas real estate. As her business grew, Kerry saw the need to start a team to continue providing clients with the best experience possible.

Do you really need to stage, declutter, or update your Arkansas home before selling? It’s one of the most common concerns sellers have. The tricky part is that when you live in your home, it’s hard to see it the way a buyer does. What feels normal to you might stand out to someone else. Professional guidance can make a huge difference, and here’s why.

The buyer’s perspective. Looking at your home through a buyer’s eyes isn’t easy. Buyers notice things you might not even think about, like scratches on walls, clutter on countertops, or personal items scattered around. As a seller, you’re too close to the space to be fully objective, which is why getting an outside perspective is so valuable.

Professional walkthroughs. We often bring stagers to assess the home and answer questions like: Should I paint my walls? Do I need new floors or carpet? What updates will add value? The answer is often yes, but whether it’s worth it depends on your home and the market. We can’t know for sure until we see it in person.

Market conditions. How much work your home needs depends on the current market. If most homes nearby are already under contract, you might not need many updates. But if most are still active, upgrades like floors, paint, and staging may be necessary to stay competitive. Knowing your neighborhood comps helps guide these decisions.

Buyers’ appeal. Regardless of the market, buyers always want a clean, crisp home. That means walls without scratches, clean baseboards, and clutter-free spaces. Personal photos and décor should be minimized, and countertops should be cleared off so the home feels like a fresh, move-in-ready space. The goal is to help buyers imagine themselves living there, not your family.

The reality is that today’s buyers expect a clutter-free, well-maintained home. It’s not just about keeping up with trends, but about meeting buyer expectations and making your home as appealing as possible.

If you’re curious about what your home is worth in today’s market or want to know what updates might help you get top dollar, I’d love to come out and do a consultation. Call me at 501-725-1227 or send an email to info@theellisongroup.com. Seeing your home in person is the best way to determine which changes will have the most impact and help you sell with confidence.