7 Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid

Everyone is aware of the basics when it comes to preparing for potential buyers: clean, declutter, and depersonalize. However, in order to truly “wow” your buyers and make your home stand out against the competition, consider home staging! If you’re not planning on selling your home any time soon, you can still benefit from home staging which will help you enjoy your space.

While you may have learned tons of home staging tips from HGTV shows and social media, there are home staging tips to keep in mind that may deter potential buyers. 

Mistake #1: Skipping Area Rugs

It’s no secret that open floor plans have increased in popularity. While open floor plans can be beneficial in making your home feel larger and providing you with more open space, staging and decorating can be more difficult. The staging goal of adding area rugs is to define the different rooms in an open floor concept.

If your home is for sale or not, adding area rugs – or swapping out used, worn rugs – can greatly improve the layout of a space and make your home more appealing and warm. Area rugs are also a great way to update a space on a budget!

Mistake #2: Too Much Small Stuff

Whether homeowners are decorating for themselves or staging their home for sale, it’s common to see the use of many small items. Typical  culprits include large couches with small pillows, shelving with lots of frames and tchotchkes, or large coffee tables with small items in the center.

Smaller items often make the place look and feel cluttered. When it comes to home staging, consider using a fewer amount of big items to create a more sophisticated and cleaner look.

Mistake #3: Not Enough Lighting

Bright and airy is key for buyers and homeowners! For homes with minimal windows and natural light, consider incorporating floor and table lamps into your staging to create additional lighting.

When it comes to window treatments, it’s important to maximize the amount of natural light that is let into a space. A tip to boost a room’s brightness is to change where you hang curtains over windows. Instead of hanging curtains just above the window, try bringing them up two inches from the ceiling. Not only does this maximize lighting, but it will make the window seem bigger and the room feel taller!

Mistake #4: Too Neutral

When staging your home, it is common to try and make it appealing to a wide variety of potential buyers. While a neutral space will allow buyers to better picture themselves living there, it’s important not to end up with a boring space.

The goal of home staging is to create a neutral design with the big pieces – like wall color and couches – but also bring in some personality through art or textured throw pillows and blankets.

Home Staging Tip: Invest in throw pillow inserts so you can switch the covers seasonally for a space that feels upgraded at a low cost.

Mistake #5: Unattractive Pictures

The first place potential buyers see your home is online. It’s important that your home staging photographs well to help grab the attention and interest of potential buyers.

Before staging your home, consider the focal points. Typically, windows and fireplaces are large focal points, so be sure to stage the room's furniture around such. Also keep in mind to not block focal points and remove any unnecessary furniture. You’ll want the photo to be focused on your living space and not any personalized items.

Mistake #6: Neglecting Outdoor Spaces

As sellers are hyper focused on the interior of their home, the outdoor living space is often  neglected. Although it may not be a season for outdoor furniture and fresh landscaping depending on your location, it doesn’t mean you should forget about your outdoor space altogether. 

Staging the exterior of your home includes the front and backyard. Consider the front porch, patio, or deck space as an extended living space and add furniture that best fits without making the space feel small or cluttered. Staging your outdoor living space not only adds functionality to your home, but also can create a greater curb appeal.

Mistake #7: Old Paint

One of the most cost effective ways to improve your living space and stage your home is a fresh coat of paint. New paint can create a look and smell of a new home that will make potential buyers feel like the space is fresh and newly updated.

If your walls are newly painted, consider freshening up the ceiling with an updated white coat. Paint goes a long way and is always recommended when preparing your home to sell.

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While home staging is extremely important when it comes to grabbing the attention of potential buyers, it is only one factor that sellers need to consider when it comes time to list your home. Working with an experienced realtor can assure you are set up for success in pricing your home, marketing it, and navigating the real estate market. I can ensure you are getting the best value for your home and facilitate a smooth and stress-free process. Contact me today to learn more!