UGLY Home Staging that Does Not Work | 6 Mistakes to Avoid
First impressions are everything when selling a home, so it’s imperative your home is “show ready” when you list it for sale. Some home sellers will hire a professional stager or decorator to help them with staging while others will go at it alone. If you are a do-it-yourselfer and choose to go at it alone there are several do’s and don’ts when it comes to staging. Below are 6 ugly staging mistakes that seller often makes along with advice on how to avoid them.
6 Ugly Home Staging Mistakes
1. Unsightly Furniture
If you have outdated or beat-up furniture your best option is to replace it or remove it altogether. Occasionally a slipcover may look good over a couch, but oftentimes slipcovers, blankets, or an overabundance of pillows won’t help, they tend to make the outdated or beat-up furnishing a bigger eyesore than it already was.
Tip: If you can’t afford to replace unsightly furniture renting furniture may be a great option. Another option is to visit second-hand stores for gently used items, which can be much more affordable than brand new furniture.
2. Decorative Themes
Making your home look like the Vatican is not neutral and will not be appealing to a majority of home buyers. If you live in a beachy area or an equestrian community you may be able to get away with some subtle decorative themes, but don’t let seashells or horses take over the house. This is another big home staging mistake sellers make. There is a solid line between tasteful decor and cheesy decor that looks more like clutter and as a seller you need to know the difference.
Tip: Try to keep your home as neutral as possible when it comes to paint, furnishings, and decorations.
UGLY home staging never works and it's a mistake a lot of home sellers make. Sellers only get one first impression, so they need to make it count. #homestaging #homedecor
3. Pillows and Towels
No matter how many decorative towels you use in an outdated kitchen or bathroom you are not going to distract the buyer nor is it going to improve the appearance of the room.
Having a few towels is acceptable, putting towels everywhere is not. The same goes for decorative pillows. Pillows on the sofa, pillows on the floor, pillows on the bed, pillows on the kitchen chairs, pillows, pillows, pillows. Just like towels having a few pillows is acceptable, putting pillows everywhere is not. This is an ugly home staging mistake that many sellers make.
Tip: Streamline pillows and towels throughout the home. The fewer the better and make sure they match the rest of the decor.
4. Fake Plants
That fake ivy you have hanging in the bathroom is not appealing nor is the dusty fake plants sitting on top of your kitchen cabinets. Besides looking out of place it certainly isn’t going to help sell a home.
Tip: Add real flowers or plants tastefully throughout the home. Occasionally a really nice silk plant may be a nice addition and add appeal, but not always.
UGLY home staging never works and it's a mistake a lot of home sellers make. Sellers only get one first impression, so they need to make it count. #homestaging #homedecor5. Empty Boxes
Placing an empty brand name box in a vacant walk-in closet is out of place and borderline tacky. Why would someone leave a Gucci box in an empty closet? Is it to give the impression that the person who previously lived there could afford a Gucci purse or shoes? This is a “staging” tactic I’ve never understood.
Tip: Empty boxes should not be used as focal points for staging.
6. Area Rugs
Area rugs can ground a room and make it feel “finished” and warm, but they can also take over a home. Too many rugs is one of the biggest ugly home staging mistakes. There is no need to have area rugs in every single room, hallway, and doorway.
When a plethora of rugs are throughout the home it will sometimes make a buyer think the seller is trying to hide something. Are there damaged floors or foundation issues under all of those rugs?
Tip: Use neutral area rugs if they add appeal to a room and remove dirty, matted, or smelly area rugs.
Final Thoughts
Properly staging a home isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s best to bring in a professional stager to ensure your home looks its best. Yes, hiring a stager costs money. However, depending on your home and the real estate market conditions it could pay off.
If this article, UGLY Home Staging that Does Not Work | Mistakes to Avoid when Selling, was an interesting read please share it!
UGLY home staging never works and it's a mistake a lot of home sellers make. Sellers only get one first impression, so they need to make it count. #homestaging #homedecor
Additional Home Staging Advice from Top Professionals
- If you’re preparing your home for sale and want to make improvements make sure to make the right one. Bill Gassett shares improvements that will boost your home’s value, but there are ones that can decrease it too.
- Lynn Pineda put together a great checklist that sellers can follow to maximize the appeal of their home.
- Need staging ideas? Luke Skar provides more than 40 staging ideas that make an impact, but won’t break the bank.
About the Author
Top Wellington Realtor, Michelle Gibson, wrote: “UGLY Home Staging that Does Not Work | Mistakes to Avoid When Selling”
Michelle has been specializing in residential real estate since 2001 throughout Wellington Florida and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent she will guide you through the entire real estate transaction. If you’re ready to put Michelle’s knowledge and expertise to work for you call or e-mail her today.
Areas of service include Wellington, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Greenacres, and more.
UGLY Home Staging that Does Not Work | 6 Mistakes to Avoid
Michelle Gibson of the Hansen Real Estate Group Inc is a full-time REALTOR who has been specializing in Wellington Florida real estate since 2001. This veteran of the real estate industry has expertise in technology, marketing, and social media.
I agree with tip no. 2. You have to try keeping your house look neutral as possible especially the paint color since you are showing your house to potential buyers. Great blog by the way and thanks for sharing!
The worst tip we have ever been given (by realtors who should know better!) is to “make the room look bigger by moving all the furniture against the walls.” It looks ugly, unstyled and like you’ve been using the room for gymnastics!!!!
And, please, I’m begging you. Do NOT put a tray on the master bedroom bed with two wine glasses and a rose. I’ve seen these in multiple staged home photographs; it’s beyond hokey.
Too much of a good thing is still too much.