If you were buying a home, what would you like to see in it?
If you’re selling your home, chances are you’ve heard that home staging is important. And it is! A well-staged home will help your home sell faster and for more money. But there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about it. Here are five common home staging mistakes people make—and how to fix them.
- Not depersonalizing your space.
When buyers come to tour your home, you want them to be able to envision themselves living there—not looking at pictures of your family everywhere they turn. So take down the family photos and anything else that’s too personal. You don’t need to get rid of everything—just put it in storage until after your house is sold.
- Don’t forget about technology.
In today’s world, technology is everything, so don’t forget about it when staging your home. Potential buyers will want to see that your home is wired for their needs, so make sure all outlets are working and that there’s adequate WiFi coverage throughout the house.
- Not neutralizing your space enough.
Your taste in decor might be impeccable, but that doesn’t mean everyone shares it. When staging your home, it’s important to neutralize the space as much as possible so that buyers can see its potential—not yours. That means painting over any bold walls, removing any out-there window treatments, and getting rid of any furniture that’s too personal or specific to your taste. Remember, you want buyers to be able to imagine themselves living in the space—not you!
- Not paying attention to the details.
The little things matter when it comes to home staging! Make sure to dust all surfaces (including ceiling fans), wipe down appliances, scrub the bathrooms until they sparkle, and polish all the door hardware until it shines. These may seem like small things, but they’ll make a big difference in how clean and well-maintained your home looks—and feels!
- Not making necessary repairs or updates.
If there are any areas of your home that need repair or updating (cracked tiles, outdated light fixtures, peeling paint, etc.), now is the time to take care of them! Buyers will be looking for any excuse not to buy your home—so don’t give them one! By making all the necessary repairs and updates now, you’ll increase your chances of selling quickly and for top dollar.
- Don’t forget about storage.
Most people have more stuff than they know what to do with, so storage is always a selling point. Make sure closets are clean and organized and consider investing in some additional storage solutions like shelving or bins.
- Don’t neglect the outside of your home.
Just because potential buyers won’t be stepping foot inside your home doesn’t mean you can neglect the outside. In fact, first impressions are everything, so you want to make sure your home looks good from the street. This means power washing the siding, trimming the hedges, and touching up any chipped paint.
Conclusion:
Home staging is an important part of selling your home—but only if you do it right! Avoid these seven common mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to a quick and successful sale! Remember, if you were buying a home, what would you like to see in it?
