Lisa: Hi Sabrina, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me. I’ll be honest—I’m feeling pretty desperate right now. My house has been on the market for five months with barely any interest. I’m at the point where I can’t afford to keep up with the mortgage payments much longer, and I’m terrified of facing foreclosure. I’ve heard that staging might help, but I have a very limited budget. What can I do to improve my chances of selling without breaking the bank?

Sabrina: Hi Lisa, first of all, I’m really sorry to hear about the situation you’re in. It’s tough, but you’re not alone, and there are definitely some things we can do to help get your home sold quickly, even on a tight budget. The key is to focus on the most impactful changes that will make your home appeal to as many buyers as possible.

Lisa: That’s a relief to hear. So where should I start? What are the essentials I need to focus on?

Sabrina: The first thing I’d suggest is decluttering and depersonalizing your space. This is something you can do yourself, and it’s incredibly important. Buyers need to be able to envision themselves living in your home, and that’s hard to do if your personal items are everywhere. Box up family photos, personal collections, and any excess belongings. If you don’t have a storage unit, even organizing things neatly in the garage or a closet can make a big difference.

Next, let’s talk about cleaning. A spotless home feels well-cared-for and inviting. I recommend a deep clean from top to bottom, including carpets, windows, and any outdoor spaces like the porch or patio. If your budget allows, hiring a professional cleaning service can be worth it, but if not, roll up your sleeves and tackle it yourself.

Lisa: Okay, I can definitely handle that. What about furniture? I’ve read that staging often involves bringing in new furniture, but I can’t afford to rent or buy anything new right now.

Sabrina: That’s completely understandable. We can work with what you already have. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of rearranging furniture to improve the flow of a room. I’d focus on making sure each space has a clear purpose. For example, if your living room is also serving as a home office, try to separate those areas as much as possible, even if it’s just by moving furniture around.

You can also freshen up your existing furniture with inexpensive updates—throw pillows, slipcovers, and a new area rug can go a long way in making a room feel updated without spending much.