Hey there! If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’ve probably heard the phrase “home staging” tossed around a few times. It’s one of those things that sounds straightforward: declutter, tidy up, and make your home look like it belongs on HGTV. Easy, right?
Well, not always. While home staging can absolutely help your home sell faster and for more money, there are some common mistakes that can actually have the opposite effect. I’ve seen it all—from overly personal touches to furniture that swallows up entire rooms. But don’t worry! We’re about to dive into the top 7 home staging mistakes so you can avoid them and make your home shine. Let’s get into it!
1. Keeping It Too Personal
Here’s the thing: Buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home. That’s hard to do when every wall is filled with family photos, sports memorabilia, or your kids’ artwork (as adorable as it might be).
Instead, aim to depersonalize. Replace personal photos with neutral art or mirrors. Pack away trophies, fridge magnets, and anything that feels overly specific to your family. You want your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible, and that means creating a blank canvas where they can picture their own lives.
2. Ignoring Clutter (or Trying to Hide It!)
We’ve all done it—stuffing random items into a closet or shoving things under the bed right before company comes over. But when you’re staging your home, there’s no such thing as “out of sight, out of mind.” Buyers will open closets, cabinets, and drawers, and if they find a chaotic mess, it sends a message that your home lacks storage space.
Take the time to truly declutter. Donate or store items you don’t need and organize what’s left. A tidy, spacious home will make buyers feel like they’re stepping into their dream space—not your overflowing storage warzone.
3. Overdoing the Décor
This one’s tricky because you want your home to look stylish and welcoming, but it’s easy to go overboard. I’ve walked into homes where every surface is covered in candles, throw pillows, or trendy knick-knacks. The result? The space feels cluttered and overwhelming.
Instead, keep it simple. Think minimal and intentional. A few well-placed items—like a cozy throw blanket, a vase of fresh flowers, or a tasteful piece of art—can go a long way without stealing the show.
4. Using Furniture That’s Too Big (or Too Small)
Furniture placement can make or break how your home feels to a buyer. Oversized furniture can make even the largest living room feel cramped, while tiny furniture can make a space feel awkward and unbalanced.
Take a step back and assess each room. If your furniture feels too big, consider putting some pieces in storage to open up the space. And if your furniture feels mismatched or dated, it might be worth renting a few staging pieces to elevate the look of your home.
5. Forgetting About Lighting
Good lighting is like a magic trick—it can make any space feel larger, warmer, and more inviting. Yet, so many sellers overlook this step. Dark, poorly lit rooms can feel uninviting, no matter how beautiful the rest of the space is.
To brighten things up, let in as much natural light as possible by opening blinds or curtains. Add table lamps or floor lamps where needed, and use daylight bulbs to create a clean, modern glow. A bright, well-lit space will feel like a breath of fresh air to buyers.
6. Ignoring Strange Smells
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room (or maybe the litter box in the laundry room). Smell is a HUGE factor for buyers, and it’s one of those things you might not even notice if you’re used to it. Whether it’s pet odors, cooking smells, or mustiness, funky scents can turn buyers off before they even finish the tour.
Deep clean carpets, upholstery, and any areas prone to odors. Consider diffusing a light, fresh scent like citrus or lavender, but don’t go overboard with air fresheners. A clean home should smell neutral, not like it’s trying to cover something up.
7. Leaving Repairs or Maintenance Unfinished
Even small issues—like a dripping faucet, scuffed walls, or a squeaky door—can make buyers wonder if there are bigger problems hiding beneath the surface. These little red flags can add up quickly in a buyer’s mind, making them hesitant to move forward.
Take care of those minor repairs before you list your home. A fresh coat of paint, tightened doorknobs, and a bit of elbow grease can go a long way in making your home feel well-maintained and move-in ready.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Go It Alone!
Staging can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re doing it all on your own. That’s why it’s a great idea to bring in a professional (or at least get advice from your real estate agent). They’ll have an eye for what works—and what doesn’t—and can help you create a space that appeals to buyers while staying within your budget.
Wrapping It All Up
Home staging is one of the most important steps you can take to get your home ready to sell. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be setting yourself up for success and ensuring your home makes a great first impression.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this process alone. If you’re feeling stuck or need expert advice, I’d love to help! Whether it’s staging tips, pricing guidance, or a full home-selling strategy, I’m here to make your real estate journey as smooth as possible.
Ready to chat about your home? Reach out anytime—I’m just a phone call away. Let’s make your home-selling dreams a reality!
About Mari Van Meter
Mari Van Meter is an award-winning Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices American Heritage, leading the Fly Home Dragonfly team. Specializing in digital and traditional marketing, Mari focuses on NW Suburban Chicago, especially Arlington Heights. She offers exclusive off-market properties and guarantees satisfaction for buyers and sellers.
Active in her community and at Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist in Palatine, Mari supports local businesses and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For expert real estate guidance, contact Mari at 630-267-1808 or schedule a discovery call at calendly.com/marivanmeter/discovery-call.
