Home Staging Mistakes To Avoid

Selling your home? Home staging can play a big role in attracting buyers and potentially fetching a higher price. But making mistakes during the staging process can backfire. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Declutter & Cleanliness:

• Not decluttering enough: Potential buyers need to picture themselves living in the space, and clutter makes it hard. Pack away personal belongings, knick-knacks, and excessive furniture.
• Hiding clutter instead of removing it: Don’t shove everything into a spare room or closet, buyers will peek!
• Forgetting the deep clean: A sparkling clean home creates a positive first impression. Don’t forget windows, baseboards, and hidden nooks.

Furniture & Layout:

• Too much furniture: Cramming rooms with furniture makes them feel small and unusable. Arrange furniture for conversation and functionality, leaving ample space to move around.
• Awkward furniture placement: Avoid pushing everything against walls or using odd angles. Create conversation areas and define spaces within the room.
• Ignoring storage: Stage storage areas like closets and pantries to show organization and functionality.

Style & Ambiance:

• Neglecting a cohesive theme: Maintain a neutral and appealing color palette and style throughout the house. Avoid bold colors, busy patterns, and drastic style changes between rooms.
• Over-personalizing: Remove family photos, religious items, and anything too specific to your taste. Aim for a broad appeal that allows buyers to envision their own belongings.
• Forgetting the power of light: Let in natural light whenever possible. Open curtains, clean windows, and consider adding lamps for warm and inviting ambiance.
• Ignoring curb appeal: Don’t neglect the exterior! Stage your porch, yard, and entryway to create a welcoming first impression.

Additional Tips:

• Mind the smells: Eliminate unpleasant odors with baking soda, air fresheners, or open windows.
• Address minor repairs: Fix leaky faucets, dripping taps, and squeaky doors.
• Stage vacant rooms: Empty rooms feel cold and uninviting. Consider renting furniture or strategically placing existing pieces to showcase potential uses.
• Consider professional help: If DIY feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional stager for expert advice and execution.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can stage your home to attract more buyers and potentially sell it faster and for a better price.