The Do’s and Don’ts of Home Staging in Southeast Florida: A Local Realtor’s Tips to Selling Faster and Smarter
Hello friends and future sellers! If you’re preparing to sell your home in beautiful Southeast Florida, one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal is home staging. As a real estate professional who’s helped many clients sell quickly and for top dollar, I can’t stress enough how much of a difference the right staging strategy can make—especially in our unique tropical market.
Buyers in SE Florida aren’t just shopping for a home; they’re often chasing a dream lifestyle. Whether they’re snowbirds, retirees, or families relocating for the sunshine, they’re picturing morning coffee on the lanai, ocean breezes through open windows, and bright, airy spaces. So let’s help them see that vision.
Here are my top Do’s and Don’ts of Home Staging in Southeast Florida:
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DO: Embrace Natural Light
Why it matters: Florida sunshine is one of our biggest selling points! Buyers want bright, cheerful interiors.
Tips:
• Open all blinds and curtains before showings
• Wash windows inside and out for maximum sparkle
• Use mirrors strategically to reflect light and create a sense of space
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DON’T: Overcrowd Your Furniture
Why it matters: Even spacious homes can feel cramped if there’s too much furniture.
Tips:
• Remove oversized or excess furniture
• Aim for open walkways and clear focal points
• Consider renting stylish, coastal-modern pieces
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DO: Highlight Outdoor Living Spaces
Why it matters: Patios, pools, and lanais are golden in SE Florida real estate.
Tips:
• Stage outdoor areas with clean, inviting furniture
• Add greenery or colorful pillows for a resort-like vibe
• Power wash decks, clean pool tiles, and remove clutter
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DON’T: Go Too Coastal and DO: Neutralize Bold Colors
Why it matters: While a beachy touch is great, going overboard can make your home feel kitschy instead of classy.
Tips:
• Think elegant coastal, not souvenir shop
• Stick with soft blues, whites, and neutrals
• Use subtle accents instead of heavy sea-themed decor
Why it matters: While tropical colors are fun, buyers need to picture their life in your space.
Tips:
• Repaint bright walls in soft, neutral tones
• Add color through accessories, not paint
• Let natural lighting and layout shine
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DON’T: Forget the Smell Test
Why it matters: Our humid climate can bring unwanted odors, especially in older or coastal homes.
Tips:
• Use dehumidifiers to keep things fresh
• Avoid overpowering air fresheners
• Deep clean carpets and upholstery if pets live in the home
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DO: Keep It Cool and Comfortable
Why it matters: Buyers want to linger—and no one wants to linger in a hot, stuffy house.
Tips:
• Set the A/C to a comfortable 72–74°F
• Use ceiling fans for gentle air flow
• Offer bottled water during open houses
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DO: Boost Curb Appeal
Why it matters: First impressions happen fast—often from the car window!
Tips:
• Freshen up landscaping with trimmed hedges, flowers, and a mowed lawn
• Add a new welcome mat or paint the front door
• Make sure house numbers are clean and visible
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DON’T: Overlook Small Repairs
Why it matters: Buyers notice the little things—and they can signal bigger problems.
Tips:
• Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, or cracked tiles
• Replace burnt-out bulbs and tighten loose handles
• Even minor touch-ups can add big value
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DO: Hire a Professional Cleaning Service
Why it matters: A truly spotless home feels more luxurious, cared-for, and move-in ready.
Tips:
• Deep clean bathrooms, kitchens, baseboards, and windows
• Don’t forget appliances—buyers open ovens, fridges, and even dishwashers
• A professional cleaning before listing is worth every penny
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Selling a home in SE Florida is about more than just listing it—it’s about presenting a lifestyle. Proper home staging helps buyers fall in love from the moment they walk in. It tells them, “this is it—the Florida dream.”
If you’re unsure where to start or you’d like a to schedule a consultation, I’m always here to help. I’ve assisted many clients through the process to make their home shine.
Let’s start working together!
Annette Dammeyer, REALTOR®, ABR®, AHWD®
Coldwell Banker Realty
901 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
808.747.3686
Annette.Dammeyer@cbrealty.com
www.AnnetteDammeyer.com
SL 3535792
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