Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid

Home staging is becoming a necessary part of home selling. While there are some simple and proven techniques to staging, such as cleaning, depersonalizing, etc., there are still quite a few common mistakes that could hinder or even prevent a successful sale of your home, and leave you receiving less value for your home than it’s true potential. Here are some of the most common mistakes that you should avoid when selling your home:

• Don’t ignore clutter. While that stack of books or magazines on your coffee or end table may seem clean and organized to you, others may not see it the same way. Enlisting the help of a friend, family member, or even staging professional to go on a mock-tour of your home, and invite them to point out any problem areas you may have missed.

• Don’t perform any major renovations. Unless a portion of your home is literally falling apart, this is not the time to spend a ton of money on new cabinets or replacing all the appliances. Some smarter investments? Simple upgrades like fresh paint on cabinets and walls and new fixtures or hardware will go a long way.
• Speaking of paint, don’t paint with dark or overly bold colors. Stick with neutral hues to avoid turning off any potential buyers.
• Don’t cover up the windows. Let in the light and show off the views from your home by avoiding the use of heavy, dark curtains. Keep the curtains a lighter color, and pull them open during showings.
• Don’t stick around during a showing. A potential buyer will likely feel uncomfortable discussing their opinions or concerns about a home with the owner present. You will need to trust that your real estate agent will show your home in the best light possible- after all, it’s their job.
• Additionally, if you have pets, do not leave them at home during a showing either. It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone enjoys pets, and some may be allergic or even afraid of them. Bring them with you during a showing- for dogs, this would be a great time to go to the park for some fun and exercise.
• Don’t over-stage or over-decorate. Simplicity is key. It can be easy to go overboard with decorations, but do your best to scale things back so that a room doesn’t feel cluttered or overpowered with decor or furniture.
• Don’t neglect outside spaces. Curb appeal is essential for a great first impression. Make sure gardens and planters are clear of weeds, dead growth, or other debris, keep the lawn mowed, and ensure that leaves are raked up during autumn. Add some outdoor furniture to the porch or backyard, and make sure that tools, children’s toys, or other items are put away.
• Don’t let the fridge and pantry get out of hand- just like your cabinets, potential buyers will likely open them up and take a peek during a showing. Clean them out and toss any old or expired items, and make sure that the refrigerator is free of any odors.
• Don’t list your home if it isn’t ready. Complete all necessary touch-ups or repairs, and only list it once you believe your home would be ready to wow buyers on a showing that very same day.
• And lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Preparing your home for sale can be a long, stressful task, and at certain points you may not know where or how to proceed. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from friends, family, or from real estate or staging professionals.