My House Isn’t ‘Instagram Ready’ — Can I Still Get Top Dollar?

Scrolling through Instagram and TikTok can certainly make homeowners nervous if they’re thinking about selling. It seems that every home on social media is straight out of a Magnolia magazine, with trending paint colors, perfect decor, and kitchen remodels that must have cost a fortune. Not everyone has the budget, time, or energy to make their home look like that in order to attract buyers.

Fortunately, St. Louis is still a seller’s market, which means buyers are willing to consider any home that meets their needs and budget—even if it’s not picture perfect. A home that looks great and is free of flaws, however, can entice buyers to offer more. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot or take months to make a house look more appealing. It just takes a few updates and a little help from a great realtor.

Getting top dollar for a home in St. Louis doesn’t require help from Joanna Gaines or a lot of time and money. What buyers are really looking for is:

In today’s digital world, buyers search online listings first. Since first impressions matter most, they’ll be looking for homes that:

Are clean and decluttered. Even desperate buyers will turn away from a filthy home. Pack away kids’ toys, clear small appliances off the counters, and get rid of as much clutter as possible. Then make sure to dust, mop, vacuum, and scrub to make your home sparkle.   

Are turnkey. You may have loved lime green walls, peach countertops, and shag carpet when you chose them for your home, but today’s buyers likely won’t. Since buyers are willing to pay more for homes that don’t require work before moving in, it’s worth it to paint the walls in neutral colors and make updates to any decorating choices that are too bold, busy, or outdated.   

Have great curb appeal. Freshly mowed grass, trimmed bushes, and fresh potted plants on the porch look great in pictures. If the front door is faded or peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint could also do wonders. Siding in the humid Midwest can grow mildew. Giving the exterior a thorough power wash is time and money well spent.

Have no major flaws. Water marks on the ceiling, hanging gutters, and loose roofing shingles are all visible red flags to buyers. These are worth fixing just to get buyers to see your property in person.

Today, buyers are looking for more than just the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms. They’re also looking for:

A home office. This is especially important for millennials, who comprise the majority of remote workers. Designating a room or furnishing a quiet corner of the home with a desk can make working from home seem possible.

An entertainment area. Buyers like to see space where they can host friends and family. If you don’t have an expansive kitchen island or a basement bar, consider staging the kitchen with a bar-height table and stools where guests can gather. 

Outdoor living space. According to a 2024 national survey by the National Association of Home Builders, 86% of buyers want a patio. The desire for outdoor space skyrocketed during the pandemic, but has stayed important as buyers like to entertain at home. If you have an existing patio, it’s worth it to power wash, fix any loose or broken pavers, and pull weeds between cracks. Add new furniture cushions and flower pots for a fresh new look.

One big thing that draws buyers to St. Louis’ hot housing market is value. They are anxious to find properties that are affordably priced, and likely won’t even look at homes listed above their budget. Overpricing your home could mean it stays on the market for too long, and that could lead to having to lower the price later. A knowledgeable realtor will know how to price your home competitively so it draws interest from day one.

Buyers definitely see it as a plus if they can picture themselves living in a home, which is essentially what staging can do. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Profile of Home Staging, 19% of sellers' agents reported an increase of 1% to 5% of the dollar value offered by buyers of staged homes in comparison to similar homes. And 30% of sellers' agents stated that there were decreases in time on the market when the home was staged. 

But staging doesn’t require spending a lot of money. The median dollar value spent is usually between $500 and $1,500. And in 23% of cases, realtors offer to stage the home since they have an inventory of staging furniture and supplies. This saves buyers a considerable amount. 

What’s most important to note, however, is that only 21% of sellers’ agents said they staged homes prior to listing them for sale, and 10% said they staged only difficult-to-sell properties. Long story short? In some cases, staging isn’t necessary to sell a home.

St. Louis buyers aren’t just looking for Instagram-worthy homes. They’re looking for homes where they can make memories for years to come. 

A knowledgeable real estate agent at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties will provide a list of affordable updates that will draw buyers in, help stage your home so they can picture themselves living there, and price your home competitively so you’ll get top dollar. 

When you’re ready to sell, give us a call.