Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Birmingham real estate agents share expert home staging tips
Reading time: 4 minutes
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When it comes to selling your Birmingham home, presentation is everything. That’s why staging can make or break a buyer’s first impression—whether they’re scrolling through photos online or walking through the front door.
We sat down with two local real estate agents, Jake Callahan and Mary Evans at Ray & Poynor, to learn their best tips for making a home look (and feel) irresistible to buyers. Here’s what they shared.
Easy staging tips to wow buyers
According to Jake Callahan, some of the most effective staging tricks are also the simplest. The first thing buyers notice when walking into a home isn’t always the décor—it’s the smell.
“When you’re walking into a home, a good smell is the first thing that you notice. It sets the tone of the house, but that can be a bad thing if the smell is too overpowering. Think fresh, clean and neutral scents—I’d recommend a hotel collection.”
Jake Callahan, Agent, Ray & Poynor
(Pro tip: Use a diffuser so it can be hidden easily, like the one Jake placed discretely behind a picture frame—smart, right?)
Jake also suggests adding touches that bring warmth and life to the space. A vase of fresh flowers, for example, can instantly make a room feel more welcoming.
Once inside, clutter is the next big distraction. Clearing vanities, closets and kitchen tops gives the impression of a tidy room. As Jake told us, simple storage bins are a lifesaver for keeping everyday items tucked away during a showing.
Most importantly, he advises thinking about how each space functions as you stage the room.
“When you’re planning how to stage a space, you want to show the functionality of each room. For example, in a large rectangle-shaped space, you can divide it into sections to show some various usage, like a conversational place or an area for games to show its entertainment potential.”
Jake Callahan, Agent, Ray & Poynor
First impressions matter
“In the digital world, photos are very important. The first thing the buyer sees are photos of a house on the internet, and 46% of buyers have looked at the home and envision themselves living there before even going inside.”
Mary Evans, Agent, Ray & Poynor
That means staging starts well before an open house; it starts with preparing a home to photograph beautifully. For the seller, this may include anything from simply decluttering to painting and repairs.
Why staging can make or break a sale
According to Mary, there are three pillars of selling a home: price, presentation and condition.
“Staging comes into play in all three—it can affect the price, it can help with the condition and it is obviously a huge part of the presentation.”
Mary Evans, Agent, Ray & Poynor
Her personal favorite part? Helping homeowners see their house in a new light.
And at the end of the day, Mary says the goal is simple: the buyer needs to envision the house as their forever home. It needs to be a place where families can see themselves growing and evolving, adapting the space for whatever life changes happen along the way.
Bringing it home
From Highland Park bungalows to new builds in Vestavia, buyers in Birmingham are looking for homes that feel move-in ready. A few simple changes—like decluttering, adding fresh flowers or a new coat of paint—can make a world of difference when it comes to catching a buyer’s eye.
Check out this video for a closer look at how Jake and Mary took these two homes to the next level.
Thinking of selling your Birmingham home? Ray & Poynor can help.
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