When you’re selling your home, you want it to look its absolute best for potential buyers.
You’ve seen gorgeous images of impeccably decorated homes in magazines, on TV and on social media. They inspire envy, or maybe just inspire — and they are all staged. Home staging brings out your home’s most impressive assets so that the maximum number of potential buyers can imagine themselves living in it. Home staging is a marketing strategy (with a dash of psychology). It’s adding and rearranging furniture and decor. It’s upgrading curb appeal. It’s doing whatever is necessary to dress up a house so it sells quickly and for the highest possible profit.
By minimizing the house’s flaws and highlighting its best features you are “packaging” your house in the most appealing way that would lead to more interest, higher offers and quicker sales. Home staging, if done right, creates a relaxing and inviting atmosphere, where potential buyers would want to linger. A well-staged home will draw the buyers to online listings and showings, and, hopefully, will end in generous offers. However, there are some common home staging mistakes that can actually hurt your home’s value and turn off potential buyers. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at six embarrassing home staging mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.
Leaving Personal Items Out
One of the most common home staging mistakes is leaving personal items out. Buyers want to be able to envision themselves living in your home, and that can be difficult to do if your personal items are everywhere. Take down family photos, trophies, and other personal items, and instead focus on neutral decor that will appeal to a wider audience.
Ignoring Smells
Smells can be a major turn-off for potential buyers, and they can also give the impression that your home isn’t clean. Make sure to address any odors in your home, such as from pets or cooking, by deep cleaning and using air fresheners or candles. Just be sure to avoid overpowering scents that can be just as off-putting.
Overloading Decor
While some decor is important for staging your home, it’s important not to go overboard. Too much decor can make your home feel cluttered and small, and it can also distract buyers from the features of your home that really matter. Stick to a few key decor pieces, and keep it simple and elegant.
Neglecting Curb Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Neglecting curb appeal can turn off potential buyers before they even step inside your home. Make sure to keep your lawn and landscaping well-manicured, clean the exterior of your home, and add a few tasteful decor touches, such as a welcome mat or potted plants.
Forgetting to Declutter
Clutter is a major turn-off for buyers, as it can make your home feel small and unorganized. Take the time to de-clutter your home before putting it on the market, and get rid of any items that you don’t need or that are taking up unnecessary space.
Ignoring Lighting
Lighting can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels. Make sure to maximize natural light by opening blinds and curtains, and use artificial lighting strategically to highlight key features of your home. A well-lit home will feel more welcoming and spacious to potential buyers.