10 Embarrassing Home Staging Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Home’s Value

1. Too Much Furniture

Pay careful attention to the amount of furniture in each room of your home. Filling a house with excess furniture is a very common staging mistake — if the furniture barely fits, buyers will have a hard time imagining how they’ll make their everyday lives, and their own furniture, fit into the same space.

2. Furniture that Doesn’t Fit the Room

Many sellers fill their rooms with furniture that is simply too large for the intended space. Your family might love that gigantic sectional couch in the living room, but does it fit the space well? Consider the size of your house and which furniture you should keep on display.

3. Keeping Knick Knacks on Display

Some buyers think that personalizing their home is a good thing because it shows that the space is livable. However, it’s important for buyers to focus on your home’s best features and how they can work for them, not on your family photos. Pack up excess knick knacks before opening your house to buyers.

4. Neglecting Exterior Areas

First impressions are important, so don’t skimp on staging your home’s exterior. Simple tasks like trimming the bushes and planting flowers can have a huge impact.

5. Drastically Different Paint Colors Throughout the Home

While you’re painting, be sure to keep the color scheme consistent. Painting each room a new, vibrant color takes away from the overall flow of your home.

6. Leaving Rooms Vacant

Some sellers leave rooms completely vacant but this is a massive staging mistake. You don’t need to fill the room with expensive furniture, but you can use a few pieces to show buyers the room’s potential. Furniture and decor also have the added bonus of hiding imperfections.

7. Not Cleaning Thoroughly

Many of us think that our houses are cleaner than they actually are and buyers will pick up on dirt and grime. Do a deep clean, focusing on every small nook and cranny. If you don’t have the time or desire to complete a deep clean by yourself, consider hiring a professional cleaner.

8. A Lack of Light

Dimly lit rooms are uninviting and dreary, so make lighting a priority. Natural light is the best option, but lamps are also a good choice.

9. Household Smells

We often become immune to all of the smells in our homes, from pets to lingering kitchen odors. However, newcomers will notice unpleasant or unusual smells instantly. Banish any unpleasant scents before your home goes on the market.

10. Multiple Focal Points in a Room

Most rooms should have a focal point. In the living room this point is often the fireplace, television or a window. Pick one central point and decorate around it.