Home staging is a critical part of the home selling process. It can be the difference between making a sale and having your home sit on the market for months. Unfortunately, many people make some common mistakes that cost them time and money. Allow us to help you avoid these pitfalls by shedding some light on the most common home staging mistakes people make.
What Is Home Staging?
Before we can discuss home staging snafus, it’s crucial that you understand what exactly home staging is. The goal of staging is to make a home appealing to as many buyers as possible, thereby selling it more quickly and for more money. Home stagers use different techniques to achieve this goal, but the most common approach is to declutter and clean the home and then add furniture and accessories to make it look more inviting.
Despite the apparent benefits of home staging, however, many people still make some common mistakes that hurt their chances of selling quickly and for a good price.
Mistake #1: Not Cleaning
People’s most significant mistake when staging their homes is not cleaning. This can be a huge turnoff for buyers, costing the seller you time and money. Remember, buyers want to see a clean, clutter-free home, so make sure you clean every room from top to bottom.
Mistake #2: Not De-Cluttering
Another one of the most common home staging mistakes people make is not decluttering. This means they may leave too many items lying around, making the space look cluttered and smaller than it is. To avoid this mistake, be sure to remove all unnecessary items from your home before staging it. These items include everything from excess furniture to knickknacks and decorations.
Mistake #3: Not Depersonalizing
When you’re staging your home, removing any personal belongings from sight is essential. These include family photos, memorabilia, and other items that could make the house feel too personal. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the home, and they can’t do that if it’s cluttered with the seller’s personal belongings.
Mistake #4: Not Replacing the Furniture
Not replacing the furniture is another common staging mistake people make. This can be a big turnoff for buyers, particularly if your furniture is outdated or in bad condition. To avoid this mistake, be sure to stage your home with new pieces that are in line with current trends.
Tips on How To Properly Stage Your Home
Now that you know about some of the most common pitfalls of home staging, here are some tips on how to properly stage your home:
- Start by decluttering and deep-cleaning your home from top to bottom. This will make it look more inviting and spacious.
- Create a focal point in each room. This could be a fireplace, a piece of artwork, or a beautiful view.
- Arrange your furniture in a way that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Don’t forget to add accessories! Pillows, throws, and flowers can make a space feel more inviting.
- Make sure your home is well-lit. This will create a positive impression and make your home look bright and spacious.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your home looks its best when you put it on the market. Remember, first impressions are important! Potential buyers will make up their minds about your home within the first few minutes of seeing it. So take the time to stage it properly, and you could see a significant return on your investment.