When it comes to selling your home, home staging can make all the difference. It’s a time-proven way to help potential buyers envision themselves in your home and can result in quicker and more profitable sales. As a real estate agent, home staging is a critical topic to discuss with your clients and can make or break a deal. However, not all home staging is created equal. There are a few common mistakes even seasoned agents can make when staging a home that can turn potential buyers away.

In this blog, we’ll discuss home staging mistakes to avoid.

Too Much Clutter

Preparation is key to a successful home staging process. Whatever you do, don’t forget the Marie Kondo rule: less is more. Get rid of anything unnecessary within your home that can inhibit potential buyers from properly viewing your space. Over-cluttered rooms or visibly packed storage areas will make it more difficult for buyers to visualize their own belongings in the home.

Be sure to remove family mementos or personal decor that may not be ideal for broader viewership. The goal is for all potential buyers to relate and see themselves within the home, not the current homeowners. Doing away with cluttered items is a simple means of avoiding home staging mistakes that could harm future tours and ultimately, your sale.

Bad Lighting

Often overlooked, lighting can change the entire look and feel of your home. Correct lighting brings out the nuance of space and the color of walls and furniture. Aim to achieve natural light as much as possible. Remove heavy curtains and ensure your windows aren’t blocked by furniture pieces or drapery. Use light bulbs that are bright and functional, yet not overwhelming. This simple trick can heighten your staging efforts and is one to look out for when doing walk-throughs of your home like a potential buyer would.

Neglecting Small Fixes

Little tweaks can make a big difference in garnering attention for your home. A drip in the faucet or peeling paint in a bathroom can discredit your home’s overall appeal. Some homeowners may not even notice these minor issues, as they’ve grown accustomed to them. Take a walk-through of your home with an inspector’s eye beforehand to see if there are maintenance issues to address during the staging process. Quick fixes can easily upgrade the value of your home without significant cost on your end.

Poor Furniture Arrangement

Think of home staging like rearranging a room. The arrangement of furniture should work to highlight your home’s best features, creating an inviting and functional style for prospective buyers. If your furniture is clumped at one end of the room, it can close-off the space and make it appear cramped. Furniture arrangement should encourage flow and give your buyers a sense of purpose for every space within the home. Accentuate the size of each room by entrusting a professional or viewing household resources to help with those pesky yet common home staging mistakes.

Too Much Personal Style

Remember: first impressions matter. Prospective homebuyers are more likely to form lifetime impressions based on first in-person views of the home. While personal style can be an expression of your home’s energy and charm, too much of it can distract from the necessary goal: selling your home! Even if you don’t plan to live at the property during the staging process, keep all design choices neutral and toned-down. This helps form a more permanent impression of your house and will allow your buyer to build confidence in imagining the space how they see fit.

The goal of home staging is to make your home more attractive, welcoming, and easier to sell. However, these mistaken approaches can easily pollute your home staging effort. Avoiding these common mistakes will distinguish your home showings in the eyes of potential buyers, making them eager to return for more. Prepare well, cater to all interests, and keep the design neutral. Put these tips into practice to make the most of showcasing your home and finding the perfect buyer.