Staging a home, how difficult can it be? This misconception is what will lead you into making one (or more) of these 10 common staging faux pas that even Realtors are prone to making! That’s right – pick carefully when choosing your realtor, as first impressions really DO count.
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Using Oversized Furniture
While a large U shaped sectional fits just perfectly and seats all your friends and family on game days – for staging it is simply too big. Replace large sectionals with smaller, neutral 2 or 3 seater couches and armchairs strategically placed to create a living room setting.
2. Not Using a Professional!
The biggest mistake of all would be to not accept the advice of a professional – whether this is a stager or your preferred and experienced Realtor to guide you through this process. It can be harder to stage your own home than you ever thought possible, as all the items accumulated fit in with the look you were going for. However, a stager is looking at the house from a buyer’s perspective and thus is easier to see ways to improve the space making it the most appealing for showings. No offense meant!
Check these out for a giggle! → https://www.point2homes.com/agent-websites/blog/2014/11/28/5-funny-home-staging-fails/
3. Empty Bed Frames or Cheap Linens
Don’t cram an oversized king bed frame into a smaller bedroom. If you have a twin or queen frame, use an air mattress (which will not go to waste when you move!) to stop it from being bare!
Also, linens – don’t cheap out! Invest in some quality linens, comforter and pillows as buyers want to imagine guests spending the night and that’s easier to do so in a luxury feeling room.
4. Not Staging Outside Living Areas
The majority of buyers want usable outdoor space – whether they’re hunting for an apartment with a balcony in downtown Atlanta or a sprawling house with a pool here in Fayette County. Don’t leave it all to their imagination, a simple patio table and chairs, some potted plants and a few loungers will go a long way.
5. Outdated Window Treatments
Aside from paint and light fixtures, nothing will kill a vibe faster than ugly, outdated window treatments. They’re typically extremely busy, and heavy – trapping all the natural light and leaving the room feeling old and dingy.
Skip the likes of West Elms and Pottery Barn by picking up neutral (pattern free!) drapes or window panels that look just the same at a fraction of the cost on Amazon.
6. Pushing ALL the furniture up against the walls
As much as this will make the room look larger with all the floor space, it’ll create the worst of both worlds – a small room with look cramped and a large room look empty.
If you’re staging a smaller room, and the only option seems to be to line the walls with furniture then you have too much or it’s too big. Start by removing pieces and if that still doesn’t work then you need to start over with smaller pieces.
7. Not staging with floor and table lamps
Two main reasons for using table and floor lamps: 1. The light tends to be warmer and more inviting than ceiling lights, and 2. In the evening it adds another dimension to the room altogether!
A decent floor lamp and matching table lamps will make all the difference – just remember that the shades are key. If you want to make a cheap lamp work, swap out the shade with something nicer.
8. Using Fake Plants
It’s not the end of the world if you have some great fake plants dotted around, however realistic looking ones tend to be pretty expensive. And you may actually save some money by buying real plants. Or better yet growing your own!
9. Not having a theme for each room
While flexi space and bonus rooms are fantastic options for offices, playrooms, workout rooms and just about anything else – you don’t want to play on all of those aspects. Pick one theme, and roll with it. Too many options in one space will just give the appearance that it’s not as functional as we all know it can be.
One option here would be to virtually stage a space like this, that way than can see the space as an office, gym or bedroom without changing the furniture around. There are multiple virtual staging sites, here’s one we found: Spotless Agency.
10. Gendered Playroom or Bedroom
If you have a child’s bedroom or playroom you’re looking to stage – stay away from gender specific colors such as pink and red. It might be a little difficult for a Mother of 3 boys to imagine them playing in a pink and fluffy unicorn filled playroom.
Instead, create inclusive spaces that go along with the style of the rest of the house. If you’re creating a minimalist modern look, then a rocking horse, some stuffed animals and bunk beds would do the trick!
And there you go, 10 commonly made mistakes that YOU won’t be making!