Getting your home ready to sell in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. You want strong offers, quick results, and a smooth process without overspending. With the right plan, you can create a bright, inviting space that highlights LA’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle and makes buyers feel at home the moment they walk in. In this guide, you’ll get a practical, room-by-room staging checklist, a 60 to 120 day timeline, and local tips on light, landscaping, and flow. Let’s dive in.
Why staging matters in Los Angeles
Staging helps buyers see how each space can work for their lives. It commonly improves marketability and can help you achieve faster sales or better offers. In LA, buyers care about natural light, clean lines, and easy transitions to outdoor areas. Good staging respects your home’s architecture, whether you own a classic Spanish, Craftsman, mid-century, or a modern build.
Your 60–120 day plan
A clear plan keeps you focused and cost-conscious. Use this timeline to prepare for market.
Day 60–120: Assess and plan
- Walk through with an ASP-trained stager or trusted advisor for a prioritized list.
- Order a pre-listing check to catch obvious issues like leaky faucets, loose railings, or old smoke detectors.
- Confirm any exterior changes with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety and your HOA, if applicable.
- Plan neutral paint, minor repairs, and early landscaping cleanup. Budget now so work finishes on time.
Day 30–60: Cosmetic updates
- Complete paint and flooring touchups. Deep clean carpets or replace if needed.
- Update worn cabinet hardware or faucets in kitchens and baths.
- Declutter storage areas and consider a short-term storage pod.
- Finish drought-friendly landscaping with mulch or gravel for a tidy look.
- Schedule professional photography, including optional twilight photos.
Day 14–7: Staging and cleaning
- Place furniture and accessories, either with your stager or curated soft staging.
- Deep clean the entire home, including windows and light fixtures.
- Confirm photography timing to capture the best light.
- Prepare a showing kit with keys and property information.
Day 7–0: Final polish
- Fluff pillows, steam bedding, and add fresh flowers.
- Keep counters clear and closets tidy.
- Confirm trash and recycling pickup before showings.
- If you plan an open house, ensure outdoor seating and lighting are ready.
Room-by-room staging checklist
Use this section to work quickly and confidently.
Curb appeal and entry
- Power wash driveway, walkway, and siding. Remove weeds and trim hedges.
- Repaint or refinish the front door if worn. Clean house numbers and porch lighting.
- Add tidy, drought-tolerant planters like succulents or ornamental grasses.
- Repair or replace damaged mailboxes or fencing. Make sure gates open smoothly.
- Clean windows and remove cobwebs. If street parking is tight, prep clear guidance for showings.
Living room and great room
- Declutter and depersonalize so buyers can imagine themselves in the space.
- Arrange furniture in a conversational layout with open walkways.
- Use layered lighting and warm white bulbs. Open shades to maximize daylight.
- Define a focal point, like a fireplace or view, and keep it styled but simple.
- Add neutral textiles and a few curated accessories for a calm, elevated look.
Dining room or eat-in area
- Set the table lightly to show scale. Avoid full formal place settings.
- Remove extra chairs if the room feels tight. Keep a clear path to the kitchen or patio.
- Clean and turn on the chandelier or pendant for photos.
Kitchen
- Deep clean everything: counters, appliances, cabinet faces, and grout lines.
- Clear counters. Leave one lifestyle item, like a coffee maker or fruit bowl, if it adds appeal.
- Replace dated hardware or a worn faucet if needed. Tighten hinges and handles.
- Remove fridge magnets. Add a small plant or cutting board to warm up the space.
- Turn on under-cabinet lights and all overheads for a bright, crisp look.
- If you have patio or BBQ access, keep that path open to show easy indoor-outdoor flow.
Bathrooms
- Deep clean and de-lime fixtures, mirrors, and grout. Replace caulk where needed.
- Use neutral towels and minimal accessories. Clear counters.
- Update worn shower curtains, swap slow drains, and brighten bulbs.
- If there is a spa-like feature, keep it pristine and uncluttered.
Primary and secondary bedrooms
- Make the bed the focal point with neutral bedding and two lamps.
- Remove excess furniture and bulky pieces that shrink the room.
- Tidy closets with uniform hangers and breathing room between items.
- Stage secondary rooms to a clear function that fits the area, like a bedroom or office.
- Open blinds to show light and views.
Home office or flex space
- Keep it minimal: a desk, chair, lamp, and simple art.
- If small, show versatility such as an office with a daybed.
Laundry, garage, and storage
- Clean thoroughly and remove chemicals or personal items.
- In the garage, clear the floor and show actual parking space.
- Organize shelves and storage to suggest capacity.
Outdoor living and backyard
- Clean patios and arrange a simple seating or dining vignette.
- Add shade elements like an umbrella to suggest comfort in warmer months.
- Refresh mulch or gravel. Remove dead plants and prioritize low-water options.
- Use string or landscape lights for evening showings and photos.
- Keep pools or spas sparkling and free of clutter.
- Balance privacy and views by trimming vegetation without blocking sightlines.
Odors, pets, and final touches
- Remove odors by deep cleaning carpets and upholstery. Avoid heavy fragrances.
- Hide pet beds, bowls, and litter boxes for showings.
- Right before showings, add fresh flowers, set clean doormats, and smooth bedding.
LA-specific tips that sell
Light and heat
- Maximize natural light by cleaning windows and opening shades. Trim shrubs that block sunlight.
- Add mirrors to reflect light in narrow spaces.
- Consider window film or simple shades on west-facing windows to show comfort during hot afternoons.
- Schedule a twilight photo session to highlight city lights and warm outdoor ambiance.
Drought-friendly landscaping
- Choose low-water plants like succulents, agaves, yucca, California natives, and ornamental grasses.
- Use decomposed granite, gravel, and mulch to reduce watering and create a tidy look.
- Highlight drip irrigation or smart controllers if installed.
- Before big landscape changes, check local rules and potential water rebates with your provider. Programs can change, so confirm current details with your water agency.
Indoor-outdoor flow
- Keep sliding doors spotless and thresholds clear.
- Coordinate indoor and outdoor textiles so spaces feel connected.
- If you have a view, keep windows and balcony areas clean and uncluttered.
Safety, permits, and rules
- Make sure railings, smoke detectors, and visible electrical issues are safe and functional.
- For exterior changes like fences or major hardscaping, check the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety and your HOA before starting.
- Water-use rules and rebates vary by provider. Confirm current guidelines with your local water agency before investing in turf removal or irrigation upgrades.
DIY or professional help?
You can handle high-impact basics like decluttering, neutral paint, deep cleaning, and simple furniture edits. A professional stager adds design expertise, rental furniture, and accessories that can elevate photos and help you stand out. Costs vary by scope and property, so get local quotes for a consultation and for full staging.
Ready to move faster?
If you want a hands-on plan, curated vendors, and elevated marketing, reach out for a personalized walkthrough and staging roadmap. With accredited staging experience and brokerage tools that support pre-sale prep, you can present a polished home that resonates with LA buyers.
If you are preparing to list in the next 60 to 120 days, connect with Karean Wrightson for a complimentary market consultation and a tailored staging plan.
FAQs
What is the benefit of staging for Los Angeles homes?
- Staging commonly improves marketability and can help you achieve faster sales or better offers by showing space, light, and a lifestyle buyers value.
How much does professional staging cost in LA?
- Prices vary by property size and scope, from a consultation to full furniture rental. Get local quotes to compare options and timelines.
Can I stage my home myself?
- Yes. Tackle decluttering, neutral paint, deep cleaning, and simple furniture arrangement. A pro can add finishes and rental pieces that elevate photos.
What landscaping upgrades are worth it before selling in LA?
- Focus on curb appeal and low-water plants, clean mulch or gravel, and clear sightlines. Confirm any exterior work or rebates with local agencies first.
How long should my home stay staged?
- Keep staging in place through photos and showings. If you rent furniture, review rental terms so you are covered through your marketing period.
Do I need permits for exterior updates before listing?
- Some exterior work may require permits or HOA approval. Check with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety and your HOA before starting.
