Selling a house is a big step. It can be an emotional and challenging process. One of the key factors that can make a difference in how quickly a house sells is how it’s presented to potential buyers. This is why it’s so important to stage the house correctly.
House staging is all about setting up your home in a way that highlights its strengths and minimizes its flaws, making it irresistible to buyers. A buyer should walk into the house, see the luxury dining room sets and imagine themselves sitting there eating dinner themself. Unfortunately, many sellers get this crucial step wrong. In this article, we will go over several common house staging mistakes to avoid.
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1 – Over personalizing the space
When staging a home, you have to remember that not every personal touch you think is charming will resonate with potential buyers. The goal is to create a neutral canvas where buyers can envision their own life and memories.
For example, while you might think that the family photographs that line your walls add to the hominess of the space, these can distract buyers from seeing the home as their own. The same thing goes for religious artifacts or niche collections. As meaningful as they are to you, they might not appeal to everyone and can even be off-putting for some.
The key is to depersonalize without making the space feel cold or uninviting. Think of it as setting up a model home. It should have character and charm but remain general enough that anyone walking in can imagine themselves living there. Remember, you want them to focus on the structure and potential of the house, not be sidetracked by your personal stories and tastes.
2 – Not using the right lighting
Lighting can make or break the mood of a room. Well-lit rooms feel welcoming, spacious, and cheerful, while poorly lit spaces can come across as cramped, dull, and uninviting.
Unfortunately, many homeowners overlook this element when staging their home. For instance, relying on a single overhead light can cast unappealing shadows, making a room seem smaller than it is. On the other hand, neglecting to utilize natural light can rob a space of its potential warmth and vibrancy.
It’s also essential to avoid using lights that are too harsh or too dim. Instead, choose lighting that provides a balance. Lamps can add character and softness to corners, while sheer curtains can allow sunlight to filter through gracefully, enhancing the room’s overall feel.
3 – Not updating decor
Homes with decor stuck in a bygone era often have a harder time attracting buyers, no matter how well-maintained they might be. That’s because buyers these days know exactly what’s in style and what is past its expiration date.
Dated curtains can make a room feel stuffy or old-fashioned. Fixtures that haven’t been updated in decades can detract from the beauty of a bathroom or kitchen. And while retro can be a style choice, wallpapers or designs that look straight out of the ’90s might not resonate with today’s buyers.
To effectively stage a home, it’s essential to modernize where necessary. This doesn’t mean a complete overhaul, but a few thoughtful changes can go a long way. Replacing outdated elements with more neutral or contemporary options can breathe new life into a space.
4 – Over-staging the house
There’s a fine line between creating an inviting space and overdoing it. While it’s essential to add elements that make a home feel lived-in and cozy, adding too many items can make it feel cluttered and overwhelming.
For example, while a few strategically placed accessories can enhance a room’s appeal, an excessive number can make it look like a showroom rather than a home. Instead of appreciating the spaciousness of a living room or the beautiful fireplace, they might get lost with too many decorative items cluttering the space.
Overly thematic rooms, too, can be off-putting. If every room has a strong theme or color scheme, it might be hard for potential buyers to see past the decor and envision their own style in the space. The key is moderation. Spaces should be decorated in a way that accentuates their features, not overshadows them.
Conclusion
When done right, staging can transform any space into an inviting home. This helps in increasing its market value and reducing its time on the market. Avoid the mistakes outlined in this article, and you’re sure to see the results.
