On a budget? 30 dollar-store finds to spruce up your listing for fall

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This story was updated on Sept. 26, 2023.

Inflation, which hit a 40-year high of 9.1 percent in July 2022, is, thankfully, not nearly what it used to be. As of August 2023, it was sitting at about 3.67 percent.

But that doesn’t mean that prices are exactly comfortable either. Interest rates have continued to rise, and consumers are still looking for ways to make their dollar go further.

On top of those factors causing agents to pinch pennies, the competition to win listings today is fierce, with agents outnumbering homes for sale in the U.S. At the end of January, there were 980,000 listings compared to 1.53 million National Association of Realtors (NAR) members, according to the real estate trade organization. Many agents have also faced a market cooldown and less business over the last few months as buyers became deterred by rising mortgage rates and home prices.

But even with rising prices, real estate agents can still find deals at dollar stores that may come in handy for fall-inspired stagings, showings or open houses — from furniture and décor to the necessary bottle of hand sanitizer — without breaking the bank.

Here are 30 ideas to get started.

Perfect harvest plaid throw

This throw will exude luxury — and just a hint of being down on the farm — at the end of any staged bed. ($15 at Dollar General)

Glass soap dispenser

Contemplate the honey harvest with this embossed soap dispenser. ($3 at Dollar Tree)

Tapered glass champagne flutes and ice bucket

Treat your guests with a set of champagne flutes and a bottle of chilled bubbly artfully displayed on the kitchen island. ($1.25 each for glasses, $1.25 for ice bucket at Dollar Tree)

Black decorative rod sets with square finials

Very inspired agents might want to do a quick window treatment installation inside of a home, and these black decorative curtain rods will do the trick. ($10 at Family Dollar)

Interiors by Design ivory sheer window panels

These ivory sheer window panels will easily refresh a drab living room. ($3 at Family Dollar)

Outdoor By Design solar-powered iron geometric design lanterns

Light up outdoor walkways for evening showings with these chic lanterns. ($5 at Family Dollar; price varies by location)

Faux succulents in glass pots

Give potential buyers a zen space with these energy-inspiring faux succulents. ($5 at Family Dollar)

Gray and white 10.5-inch dinner plates

Set an inviting dining room table with these eye-catching dinner plates. ($2.25 each at Family Dollar)

Solid black ceramic bowls

To make a striking tablescape, add these snazzy solid black ceramic bowls to complement those striped dinner plates. ($1 each at Family Dollar)

Harvest carved pumpkin

Let the spirit of “The Great Pumpkin” fill the room with this cute carved pumpkin. ($1 at Dollar General)

Interiors by Design decorative runner rugs

These colorful runner rugs will warm up any room from a hallway to a bedroom. ($12 at Family Dollar.)

Interiors by Design end tables set

Fill out living room staging with a quick pair of end tables, perfect for accent lamps or a vase full of fresh flowers. ($30 for two at Family Dollar)

Interiors by Design black 4-tier bookcase

A bookcase is a great venue for plants and other accent pieces to make a room more inviting. ($20 at Family Dollar.)

Interiors by Design floor lamp

Add this floor lamp to any room that suffers from harsh overhead lighting to make the space more welcoming to prospective buyers. ($15 at Family Dollar)

Dual-color fragrance warmer

These holders for scented candles provide a decorative touch and a fresh aroma to any room. ($1.25 each at Dollar Tree)

Purell advanced hand sanitizer

An essential for any kind of home showing or open house, these portable bottles with calm mantras on them will be a sure hit with buyers. ($1 each at Dollar General)

Harvest glass candle holder

Make your home showing a bit more artsy with these colorful candle holders that will set a whimsical, fall mood. ($1.25 each at Dollar Tree)

Hanging harvest scarecrow décor

Get listings into the fall spirit with these friendly scarecrow door decorations. (Varies by store at Dollar Tree)

Collapsible storage cube

Show prospective buyers how they might organize an entryway or corral kids’ items in a mud room with these handy, kid-friendly collapsible cubes. ($3 each at Dollar Tree)

Crafter’s square white ceramic vase

Grab some discount fall flowers from a local grocery store and place a few in one of these vases to add a fresh pop of color to a kitchen or dining area. ($3 each at Dollar Tree)

True Living 3-in-1 candle

Let the flavors of fall permeate the air with this candle that burns through three different scents: Amber Spice, Weathered Oak and Cashmere. ($7 at Dollar General)

Harvest coir doormat

Welcome potential buyers home with a harvest-themed welcome mat. ($10 at Dollar General)

Decorative marble pot with succulent

You can never have enough greenery. Give a sense of calm to prospective buyers by bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside with these succulents. ($1.50 at Dollar General)

Printed fabric shower curtain

Give the bathroom a touch of color with a floral shower curtain. ($10 at Dollar General)

Harvest decorative pillow

Don’t forget a bright, fall throw pillow to add pop to any sofa or lounging chair. ($10 at Dollar General)

Harvest themed kitchen towel

Remind potential buyers how much fun it will be baking this year’s pumpkin pies in their new home with these festive dish towels. ($1 at Dollar General)

Harvest artificial wreath

A harvest wreath that channels the deep oranges and reds of fall will brighten any doorframe. ($5 at Dollar General)

Halloween stacked LED ceramic decor

Get Halloween enthusiasts excited about future holiday garden parties with these spooky ceramic lanterns. ($5 at Family Dollar)

Harvest traditional three-frame vertical hanging decor

During the season of thanks, show a little gratitude to clients with some subtle, yet grateful, home decor. ($5 at Family Dollar)

Writer’s note: Some items listed are only available in-store and not online. In addition, some items have minimum number requirements to purchase them online.

Email Lillian Dickerson