Staging Mistakes to Avoid

Just because we’re in a seller’s market doesn’t mean it’s not important to stage your home for sale. Staging will make your home stand out among the competition and could lead to more and better offers. And while you probably know you should declutter, clean, and neutralize your space, there are some pitfalls you should avoid. If you’re getting ready to sell your home, then don’t fall prey to these common mistakes.

Not thinking about proportions

Many homebuyers in today’s market are looking for more space. So when you stage your home for sale, you want it to look as spacious as possible. That means using furniture and art that are in proportion to the size of the room. While you may love that huge sectional sofa that lets your whole family lounge in front of the TV, it might not be a good fit when you’re staging. Avoid using large furniture pieces in smaller rooms. On the flip side, don’t skimp on size, either. If you have a large wall, for example, then avoid using a small piece of framed art. It will look out of place and actually make the wall look smaller.

Not understanding your buyer

When you’re staging, you need to think about who your potential buyers will be. Is your home a good fit for young families? Or perhaps your neighborhood caters to empty nesters or young professionals? Know who your buyer will likely be so you can stage your home to their needs. Young professionals may want a home office, so stage that second bedroom with a desk. Empty nesters, on the other hand, may be eager to have adult children visit, so stage that second bedroom for guests. Or if a young family may be your potential buyer, that extra bedroom could be staged as a nursery. Think about who is likely to buy your home so you can make smart staging decisions.

Being too neutral

You’ve no doubt been told that one of the secrets to successfully staging a home is to neutralize your decor. But there is such a thing as being too neutral. You want potential buyers to be able to imagine themselves in the home — you don’t want to put them to sleep as soon as they enter. You can choose neutral shades for walls and furniture, but don’t be afraid to add some personality in other ways. You can do this with colorful throw pillows, pretty bed linens, interesting art, or even one or two beautiful flower arrangements in the space. Adding a touch of seasonal decor can also do the trick, such as an autumnal wreath on the front door or a swag of evergreen garland on the staircase in winter.

Forgetting the outside areas

Finally, outdoor living spaces are just as important when selling as your interior rooms. So don’t leave them out of the equation when you’re staging to sell. Turn that small patio into a breakfast nook with a cafe table, two chairs, and retractable awnings. Or show how the backyard can be used as an entertainment space with outdoor furniture and/or a dining table with the help of a deck builder. You want to demonstrate to buyers how the whole property can be used, not just the inside.