3 Ways to Make a Home Sell Faster, According to ‘Selling Sunset’ Stars Mary & Romain

The number-one home-selling mistake they see people make all the time? Staging without decor. “We do get it from a money-conscious standpoint, we’re quite thrifty believe it or not. But we still believe staging expenses is one that is worth every penny—and will almost always provide the seller a quicker sale and a higher sales price every time,” they tell us. Basically, you want to incorporate small, thoughtful pieces of decor to make the space feel lived-in (and give potential buyers a chance to envision their lives there). 

“You can always count on plants to bring a room to life,” Fitzgerald also mentions in an interview with House Beautiful. “And succulents are about the only things I can keep alive so I have them around a lot.” Beyond that, she recommends finding affordable (yet chic) throws and area rugs that skew towards a more traditional design style (but more on that below). “If you don't have a pool, place an area rug underneath your sitting area—it brings an outdoor space together and makes it look complete,” she explains. And finally, she mentions how adding candles can help create a positive environment for potential buyers: “Tom Dixon jars are beautiful, smell great, and there's a little charm inside that's supposed to ward off negativity.”

Shop the Look: Alice Lane Home Moss Mound ($593); Primrue Set of 2 Succulent Plants in Stone Pots ($53); Architectural Digest at 100 Coffee Table Book ($85); Threshold designed with Studio McGee Woven Block Print Throw Pillow ($22); Tom Dixon Elements Air Candle ($170; $92); Threshold Designed with Studio McGee Casual Border Outdoor Rug (from $70)

“Sexy lighting is always a showstopper,” they tell us. Think: sprawling chandeliers, dangling pendants and eclectic lamps with interesting shapes. “Not only does this add value, but it also makes the home instantly more impressive and luxurious.” It’s also worth mentioning that statement lighting (which doubles as artwork) is nothing new. While ornate, neoclassical chandeliers were all the rage in Greece and Rome during the 18th Century, contemporary tiered glass fixtures were about as popular as Andy Warhol and Studio 54 during the ‘70s and ‘80s. And so, since the Newstalgia trend seems to be here to stay, the couple says it’s worth investing in some lighting that can pull on potential buyers’ heartstrings. “Choose something mesmerizing,” Fitzgerald also adds (aka shop some of our favorite lighting picks from Bonnet’s penthouse project above).

Shop the Look: Mannie II 2-Light Gold Pendant ($444); Hinkley- Large Single Tier Chandelier ($599); Anthropologie Mariana Table Lamp ($248; $174); Robert Abby Dal Pendant Light ($307); Adesso Grover LED Floor Lamp ($173)

“Ultra-modern designs are over,” they assert. “Buyers are moving towards warmer tones that offer more of a timeless style.” Translation? It’s time to give your modern farmhouse a Hipstoric Heritage makeover. ICYMI, Pinterest identified Hipstoric Homes—a style that features a mix of historic, 20th-century interiors with modern eclectic accents—as its top home trend for 2023. Fitzgerald and Bonnet seem to be jumping on the bandwagon:  “We personally love traditional vibes with a contemporary twist that offers open floor plans, larger closets, but maintaining the original character and charm.”

Basically, you want to hone in on traditional heritage designs from the 18th and 19th centuries (like dark wood surfaces, parquet flooring and ornate architectural moldings) and modernize it with minimal-maximal details (like Persian rugs, velvet/leather upholstery and patina brass hardware). And if you’re working with a more modern architectural style, you can incorporate more classic elements in the furniture and decor. Take it from the couple’s Toluca Lake abode, which nails the look with everything from dark wood and brass bar stools to traditional, argyle-patterned pillows. 

Shop the Look: Ovo Table (pricing upon request); Lulu and Georgia x Jake Arnold Chiltern Rug (from $1,498); Jenni Kayne Alpaca Basketweave Pillow ($195); Fenton Woven Leather Dining Chair (from $399); Portrait of Władysława Bucewińska Artwork ($75)