I’m a Real Estate Expert: 6 Home-Staging Mistakes I See Sellers Make
Selling your home is a complicated process — even if everything goes well. And it’s not just the exhaustive paperwork and financial details you have to deal with, it’s also the process of making your home look wonderful. And we’re not just talking about cleaning or applying a fresh coat of paint to walls; we’re talking about staging your home.
Find Out: Real Estate Agents Explain Why You Should Never Invest in These 7 Home Features
Explore More: real estate Agents: 4 Best US Mountain Towns To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years
Staging your home before you put it on the market can be a very profitable move. According to the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), staged homes sold for up to 20% more than similar homes that are nonstaged.
So, you should definitely stage your home if you’re selling it, but be careful. You can easily mess the whole thing up and actually lose money. Let’s look at six home-staging mistakes real estate experts see sellers make — mistakes that could cause you to get less money for your home.
Over-Personalizing the Space
This is your home and perhaps has been for many years. But, ideally, it won’t be your home for long. Once you go into the mode of selling your home, you need to shift into neutral. And that means depersonalizing your space. Not doing so is a big mistake.
“Sellers leave family photos, personal collections or bold unique décor on display,” said Robert Shepherd, CEO at Peak & Home Partners. “Buyers struggle to imagine the home as their own, which can reduce emotional connection and lower offers.”
When you over-personalize your home, you could see lower offers — by as much as 3%-5%, Shepherd said.
“Use neutral tones, remove personal items and create a blank canvas for potential buyers,” Shepherd added.
Check Out: Real Estate: 10 Housing Markets Buyers Are Flocking To as Rates Drop
Ignoring Curb Appeal
Sellers who focus only on staging the inside of the home and don’t think about the outside of the home — particularly what is visible from the curb — are asking for trouble.
“The exterior is the first impression, and an unkempt lawn or faded paint can deter buyers from even stepping inside,” Shepherd said. “Homes with poor curb appeal can take 7%-10% longer to sell or require price reductions.”
To steer clear of this mistake, Shepherd recommended investing in basic landscaping, repainting the front door, getting a clean doormat and adding inviting natural touches like potted plants.
Using Incorrectly Sized Furniture
Don’t run into a Goldilocks problem. Make sure you have furniture that is just right in size
“Oversized furniture makes rooms feel smaller, while undersized pieces make spaces feel awkward,” Shepherd said. “Buyers may question whether their own furniture will fit, which can lead to hesitation.This misstep can lead to prolonged market time and lower offers.”
To get ahead of this problem, opt for appropriately scaled furniture, which Shepherd said will enhance the flow and functionality of each room.
Neglecting Lighting
When people step into a home they’re thinking about buying, they want to see bright spaces. This means not only natural light, if available, but also light provided by lamps and other fixtures.
“Relying on dim lighting or mismatched bulbs throughout the home is a problem,” Shepherd said.
Poor lighting makes spaces feel smaller, older and less inviting. Buyers often offer 1%-3% less for homes that feel dark or unwelcoming. Use consistent, warm lighting with modern fixtures and open blinds to maximize natural light.”
Ignoring Odors
Here’s one home-staging mistake that may take you completely by surprise: unpleasant or weird odors, such as those that can arise from pets, cooking or unresolved mildew.
“Bad odors create a negative emotional reaction, often leading to buyers walking away entirely,” Shepherd said. “A stinky home can take longer to sell and may require a price drop of 5%-7%.”
When staging your home, be sure to deep-clean carpets and upholstery, scrub all sinks and tubs, use neutral air fresheners and make sure to clean up thoroughly after your pets.
Overdoing It
Once you get to staging your home, you may get ultra inspired to go the full nine yards. Definitely keep that momentum, but don’t over-stage your home. Going over the top with flashy decor, luxury place settings or gaudy floral arrangements is a mistake.
“Over-staging can distract buyers from the home’s actual features and make it feel less authentic,” Shepherd said. “Buyers may find the home’s presentation inauthentic, prolonging the sale process. Keep staging simple and functional, highlighting the home’s best features without overwhelming the space.”
More From GOBankingRates
Barbara Corcoran: If Mortgage Rates Hit This Number, the Market Will "Go Ballistic"
13 Cheap Cryptocurrencies With the Highest Potential Upside for You
I'm a Retirement Planner: 7 Ways I Am Guiding Clients Now That Trump Won
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Real Estate Expert: 6 Home-Staging Mistakes I See Sellers Make
