8 Tips for Staging a House for Sale in Buffalo, NY

For the second year in a row, Buffalo, New York, has been named the “hottest housing market”—and for good reason. Homebuyers are flocking to the Nickel City because of its (relative) housing affordability, growing job markets in popular industries (like manufacturing, leisure/hospitality, and finance), and lower-than-average cost of living.

So, how can listing agents stand out from the crowd, sell faster, and get higher offers in this region? Read on to learn why staging is an essential strategy, plus nine tips for staging a home to sell in Buffalo’s competitive housing market.

Why Staging Matters in Buffalo, NY

Staging has long been a mainstream method agents use when they want to give their properties an extra boost. But in markets like Buffalo, it’s an essential strategy due to the city’s seasonal challenges and buyers’ modern preferences.

According to a NAR study, 81% of buyer agents say staging helps buyers visualize themselves living in a home, 48% of listing agents say it decreases the time spent on the market, and 20% of agents in general report it increases offers by anywhere from 1% to 5%.

Why does staging work so well? Tastefully furnishing and decorating a home can help boost its visibility and make it more attractive to buyers, especially during seasons with lower real estate activity (like winter months in Buffalo).

Now that we know why staging is so critical, let’s look at how to stage a house for sale and practical tips for catering to Buffalo’s community.

8 Home-Staging Tips for Buffalo, NY

1. Get Rid of Clutter and Personal Items

One of the most critical steps to successfully staging a house for sale is to clear out any unnecessary clutter and most, if not all, personal belongings in the main living areas.

Ask the homeowner if they can temporarily store any unnecessary furniture in the garage, a storage unit, or their new home. This will allow you extra space for staging or simply give the home a more open feel.

2. Lean into Buffalo’s Unique Architecture

Buffalo boasts a wide range of residential architecture, from historical homes (think Queen Anne or Victorian styles) to prairie-style houses with an emphasis on horizontal lines and open floor plans. When staging a home in this city, consider its architectural design and use it as a springboard to create your interior aesthetic.

For example, if your listing has a historical structure, try combining traditional and modern interior design styles to create a timeless yet stylish feel for the home.

3. Let in Natural Light

Homes with plenty of natural lighting tend to evoke feelings of warmth, health, and cleanliness. As such, maximizing sunlight exposure in a listing is key, especially during Buffalo’s colder or cloudier months.

Here are a few ways to let more natural light inside:

• Scrub windows to get rid of dirt, cobwebs, smudges, and residue buildup
• Open blinds all the way
• Replace heavy drapes with voile curtains
• Rearrange furniture that may be blocking light from windows or glass doors
• Trim or clear away any overgrown shrubbery outside windows or doors
• Use a few metallic sculptures or tables inside to reflect natural light
• Clean hard surfaces inside, as dust and dirt can keep light from reflecting

If a home doesn’t have many windows or is in a particularly shady area, consider getting rid of any yellow lightbulbs and replacing them with daylight LED bulbs, which best mimic sunlight.

4. Enhance Your Curb Appeal

The first thing buyers see in an online listing or during an in-person tour is the outside of the home. Make sure a listing’s exterior is in peak condition by:

• Clearing out any personal items or toys on the front lawn
• Mowing the lawn and trimming any bushes and trees
• Replanting the flower bed and laying down fresh mulch
• Pressure washing the driveway and sidewalk
• Cleaning the siding, front door, and windows
• Repainting the front door, shutters, or any areas that are peeling or looking dull
• Adding a stylish welcome mat and perhaps some potted plants at the entrance
• Adding a few rocking chairs and some intentional decor to the porch

5. Make a Great Impression at the Front Door

When staging a home, pay attention to the first thing buyers see when they walk through the front door. Make the foyer (or whichever area they walk into) beautifully decorated and inviting.

In addition to clearing away any clutter on the coat rack, by the door, and on accent tables, consider adding a mirror for the perception of additional space or a vase of fresh flowers.

6. Match the Primary Buyer Aesthetic

In 2024, Buffalo’s concentration of Millennial homebuyers was around 66%, making it vital to appeal to this demographic’s design preferences when staging.

Millennials tend to favor minimalism, open space, and neutral colors with subtle pops of color. To cater to these design preferences, try to limit interior paint to colors like gray, white, or beige. Use tasteful accents (like throw pillows, flowers, or basic wall art) to add a bit of color to the environment.

By following these design themes, you can offer a blank yet warm canvas for Millennial home buyers (and other ages!) to envision themselves in.

7. Highlight Key Selling Points

If your listing has unique features, make sure the staging complements rather than distracts from them. For example, if a home has a beautiful stained glass window, make sure it’s the focal point of the room instead of forcing it to compete with bold furniture, paintings, or sculptures.

Energy-efficient systems, appliances, and lighting should also be emphasized, as they’re a significant benefit in Buffalo’s harsh winters.

Outdoor areas—like porches, pools, backyards, play areas, gardens, and sheds—should be properly staged to highlight the home’s outdoor usability. Even in cold winter months, buyers will want to visualize how they could enjoy the outdoor areas once the weather warms.

8. Invest in Professional Photography and Virtual Tours

As more buyers hunt online for homes, stunning photography has moved from being a nice-to-have to a necessity. Once the home is completely staged, hire a professional to photograph the house inside and out and perhaps even take drone footage or create a virtual tour.

With its rising buyer demand, Buffalo is an attractive market for any agent. By using the real estate staging tips above, you’ll be even better equipped to make your listings stand out to serious buyers and grow your business.