In a competitive Buyer’s market like we’re in today, home staging is more important than ever. Successfully staging a home can make the difference between one that moves quickly for the right price, versus one that languishes on the market unsold.
Here are 4 common mistakes you should avoid.
1.) Misunderstanding what home staging can do. Home staging techniques should never be thought of as clever cover-ups for poor maintenance, structural problems or mechanical issues. Tackle any repairs and improvements before staging. All light bulbs working with high wattage bulbs, no holes in the walls, scuffed base boards painted. The house should be in excellent repair and condition before anyone comes into the home for staging.
2.) Getting too personal with staging. Don’t make the mistake thinking any home staging strategies will adhere to your own personal decorating style. The reason for staging in the first place is to create a neutral canvas on which a wide range of buyers can visualize themselves and their lives. Over dramatic faux finishes, wallpaper, unusual color schemes all have to go as do family photo collections and other personal mementos.
3.) Forgetting to stage storage. Potential buyers will open every cupboard and inspect each floorboard when they tour a property. Thoroughly clean and declutter every corner of your home. Including the garage and hall closet you’ve been ignoring. It’s all critical to the buyers impression; if it appears you’re bursting at the seams with stuff – the buyer will believe there’s not enough room for their stuff either.
4.) Being clear with buyers about what’s staging and what isn’t. Most home shoppers are savvy enough to know that staging is simply window dressing for their benefit. But there will always be those who fall in love with the furniture and expect it to be in place once they have the key in hand.
Tom Kraeutler is a home improvement expert for AOL Real Estate and host of The Money Pit, radio program. “To avoid headaches at closing, make sure you’re clear up front about what, if any, furnishings and accessories will be remaining in the house. Typically all permanently installed fixtures and features are part of the deal when a buyer purchases a property, but unless exceptions are spelled out in the purchase contract, all portable furnishings and accessories will be moving out with the seller.”