Don’t Make These Mistakes When Staging A Home
Home staging is a concept that was developed in the 1970s to improve the appearance of a listed home with trendy furniture items, which would in turn boost its possibility of selling on the market. This concept has long since evolved to include many more steps and redecorating activities, but it’s still a tried and true method of catering your property to potential buyers.
That being said, it isn’t as simple as choosing new props and placing them around a room. Many sellers and real estate agents make mistakes or don’t consider important factors when staging a home, which will inevitably cost you more than you’d like. In this article, we’re going to discuss some of the most common home staging mistakes and how you can avoid them.
Most Common Home Staging Mistakes
Ignoring the Demographic & Location
Who are you primarily selling your home to? Single individuals? Families? First-time buyers? This is important to consider when you’re staging a home, as you’ll want to set up rooms and spaces in a way that appeals to their lifestyle.
A single buyer might like seeing some kind of recreational or office space, while families might be looking for safe spaces where their children can play. On the other hand, taking a luxurious or high-end route with decorations may appeal to the buyer’s fantasies and favor their aspirations.
Staging styles also vary by region. Buyers near the ocean are drawn to a coastal vibe, often featuring marine or nautical themes, rather than a log cabin aesthetic. Staging in coastal areas will differ from staging in mountain regions. For inspiration, try browsing Instagram and Pinterest to explore the latest trends.
Don’t Procrastinate, Tackle the Bigger Projects First
If possible, take a few months to complete that long-overdue renovation project or tackle a larger makeover that could significantly impact the sales price. The last thing you want to be worrying about is an unfinished product right before listing a home on the market. Get any bigger upgrades done first; finish renovating the basement, or upgrade one of the house’s bathroom appliances, and then move onto smaller projects.
Avoiding the Bathrooms
In bathrooms, simplicity and cleanliness is key. Experts recommend giving the space a thorough cleaning, replacing a dark shower curtain with a lighter one, updating outdated light fixtures, adding fresh linens, and removing rugs. If there is any grime on the shower walls or perhaps residue in the sink, scrub it out as best as possible to present a more pristine look. Keep in mind that homebuyers will likely inspect your cabinets, so be sure to remove or securely lock away any medications.
Staging Isn’t Only About Look, It’s About Smell
Smell is often a buyer’s first impression. Within the first 30 seconds of entering, they’ll decide whether the home feels right for them. A strong odor can be a deal-breaker for many. Ask a friend for an honest opinion about how your home smells, but avoid overdoing it with air fresheners.
Don’t Mislead Your Buyers Online
One popular trend in recent years, especially for vacant homes, is virtual staging, where digital furniture and accessories are added to photos of empty rooms. If you’re experimenting with virtual staging, ensure that your real estate agent clearly discloses in the online listing that the images are digitally created. Otherwise, potential buyers may be disappointed when they visit the home and find it without furniture. If you choose virtual staging, consider displaying those digital images prominently in the home for reference during showings.
Conclusion: Do Research, Stage Appropriately
Preparing your home for sale involves thoughtful planning and attention to detail. Focus on completing larger renovations first, keeping bathrooms clean and simple, and being mindful of the first impression your home makes— both visually and through scent. If you choose to use virtual staging, transparency is key to avoid misleading and scorning potential buyers. By taking these steps, you can present your home in the best light and increase your chances of a successful sale.
Interested in listing your property in the Houston, Texas area? Oscar Combs Realtor is a professional real estate agent ready to help you fulfill your selling goals. Contact us today to find out more about the real estate services we offer for anyone listing a residential or commercial property.
