Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale by making it more visually appealing to potential buyers, and it must be done well if you want to sell your home fast. There are many mistakes first-time home sellers make when they are staging. So, what should you not do when staging a house? In this article, we’ll discuss five of the biggest home staging mistakes.
You don’t want to end up turning off potential buyers and lose the chance to sell your home at the price you want. And we’re here to help you.
1. Not Hiring Professionals
Professional home stagers have the expertise and experience to make your home look its best. They know how to highlight the best features of your home and create a welcoming and attractive environment that will appeal to potential buyers.
They know how to stage a home to sell to many potential buyers. And there are a few reasons why this is. First, they can objectively approach the strong points and flaws of the house and thus act accordingly.
Another reason is that professional home stagers have the skills and resources to efficiently stage your home promptly, saving you time and stress. Also, a professionally staged home is more likely to attract potential buyers and sell for a higher price.
A professional photographer is something that you should consider too. When you list your house on listing websites, good photos can go a long way. Lastly, real estate agent advice is gold. Hear what they have to say before making major decisions.
2. Ignoring Repairs and Maintenance
Homeowners should not overlook repairs and maintenance issues, such as leaky faucets, chipped paint, or squeaky doors. These small issues can signal to buyers that the home may not be well-maintained overall or lead them to question what other hidden issues might exist. It’s important to address these issues before staging the home. Keeping everything in tip-top shape inside the house is necessary but don’t forget that the exterior makes the first impression. Neglecting the exterior can turn buyers away before they even step inside. Simple fixes like landscaping, pressure washing, and painting the front door can go a long way in improving curb appeal.
3. Poor Lighting
Lighting can greatly impact the look and feel of a space. A poorly lit room can feel dreary and uninviting, while a well-lit room can feel spacious and welcoming. Make sure that each room has adequate lighting, including natural light and artificial light sources such as lamps and overhead fixtures. Additionally, make sure that all light fixtures are in working order and have fresh bulbs.
4. Neglecting to Clean and Declutter
You should clean and declutter first before home staging. When there is too much clutter and furniture in a room, it can make the space look cramped and small. This can be a turn-off to potential buyers who want to see a spacious and open environment.
Not tidying up your house distracts buyers from the home’s best features. Cluttered and unclean spaces can distract buyers from the home’s architectural details, natural light, or beautiful views. Buyers may focus on the mess and overlook the home’s positive attributes.
A dirty or cluttered home can signal to buyers that the home is not well-maintained overall, which can raise concerns about potential hidden issues. Not only that, but a cluttered or unclean home can decrease the perceived value of the home in the eyes of potential buyers.
5. Not Being Competitive
Ignoring the competition when home staging can be a big mistake for several reasons.
● You may not be pricing your home competitively: If you’re not aware of the competition in your area, you may not be pricing your home competitively.
● You may be missing out on key features or trends: By ignoring the competition, you may be missing out on key home staging features or trends that are popular with buyers in your area. For example, if your competition is offering modern, updated kitchens, and your kitchen is outdated, you may want to consider updating your kitchen to remain competitive.
● You may not be highlighting your home’s unique features: By studying the competition, you can identify your home’s unique features and find ways to highlight them in your home staging. This can help differentiate your home from the competition and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
● You may be overlooking potential weaknesses in your home: By studying the competition, you may identify potential weaknesses in your home that need to be addressed before staging.
● You may not be targeting the right buyers: Knowing your competition allows you to identify the buyers interested in similar homes in your area. This can help you tailor your home staging to appeal to those buyers and increase the likelihood of a successful sale. This might seem overwhelming but with a real estate agent’s tips and advice, it can get a whole lot easier. They’ll fill you in on what you need.
Conclusion
Home staging is a crucial part of the home selling process. Allowing a professional to oversee the staging process is a smart idea if you want to sell your home quickly and for the best price. At Team Garner, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you’re thinking about selling your home, give us a call at 781-829-4301 and let us help you.