Ever wonder whether aesthetic really makes a difference when selling a home? Spoiler alert: it does!
According to the National Association of Realtors, 82% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for their clients to visualize the property as their future home—and those homes tend to sell faster and for more money.
We saw this play out beautifully with one of our clients, Gene.
A Home Full of Memories
Gene and his wife, Fran, built their charming Lewisville home more than 35 years ago. It was full of memories, laughter, and a lifetime of stories. But as the years went on and Fran’s health declined, keeping up with the home became too much for Gene. Eventually, he decided it was time to sell... but he had one big worry.
His concern was one we hear often:
“What if my house isn’t pretty enough to appeal to buyers?”
“Does my whole home need to be updated in order for it to sell?”
The short answer: With the right strategy (and a little Nail & Key magic), even an older home can shine brighter than ever.
From Dated to Dreamy (On a Budget)
Gene wanted to give his home the best shot at selling, so he gave us full creative freedom—and a $15,000 budget—to make it happen. That trust made all the difference.
We rolled up our sleeves and took on the roles of realtor, project manager, and HGTV-style renovator all in one.
First up: an estate sale to help Gene clear out years of treasures and create a blank canvas. Once the home was empty, we got to work.
Here’s what we tackled:
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Fresh paint throughout — nothing revives a space faster.
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Popcorn ceiling removal — goodbye, 80s!
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New recessed lighting and ceiling fans — bright, modern, and inviting.
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Front door refresh — because first impressions matter.
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Full home staging — to help buyers see themselves in the space.
We coordinated with a plumber, painter, roofer, and electrician to ensure every detail was handled professionally (Side note: If you ever need a home service referral, we've got you! We have worked with some great providers on projects like these).
Staging: The Secret Sauce
Now, you might be thinking, “Do I really need to stage my home?”
In our experience, absolutely.
Staging helps buyers imagine living in the home. It highlights the best features, draws the eye to the right things, and makes spaces feel warm and welcoming.
When we staged Gene’s home, we paid attention to small, meaningful details—like removing heavy curtains so natural light could pour in and drawing focus to the beautiful view of the pool from the entryway. We also moved the breakfast nook towards the windows to create a cozy feel, helping potential buyers to picture themselves sipping coffee there each morning.
That emotional connection is what sells homes.
And here’s the best part: you don’t need a huge budget to make a big impact. With creativity and strategy, even small updates can completely transform a space.
(If you’re thinking about selling, our team at Nail & Key includes a staging consultant who offers services to help you plan exactly what your home needs—nothing more, nothing less.)
The Results
Once the updates and staging were complete, Gene’s home looked incredible. We listed it right before Thanksgiving (a time of year that can be tricky for real estate) and still got a strong cash offer shortly after New Year’s. A few weeks later, Gene was closing and starting his next chapter with ease.
His once “outdated” home had turned into one of the neighborhood’s most desirable listings.
The Takeaway
If you’re worried your home isn’t modern enough, don’t stress. You don’t need to completely remodel to attract buyers. Sometimes, a little refresh and thoughtful staging are all it takes to make your home stand out.
Trust your real estate team (hint hint, that’s us!) to guide you through what’s worth investing in and what’s not.
Gene’s story is proof that when you mix trust, creativity, and a few coats of paint, amazing things can happen. Because at the end of the day, a home doesn’t have to be brand-new to be beautiful; it just needs the right team to help it shine.
Thinking about selling? Let’s chat about how to make your home’s best features pop without blowing your budget. Give us a call today at (972) 916-9646 and we'll start you on your journey to a successful home sale!
