5 Staging Mistakes Home Sellers Should Avoid

By Burt Tsuei

A Realtor with 20+ Years of proven track record of high quality service in the San Mateo County/Bay Area. A lifelong Bay Area resident, Burt works with buyers and sellers from Pacifica to South San Francisco to Redwood City and beyond. Burt is passionate about selling real estate in the mid-peninsula, and inspired by his clients’ goals and dreams. No matter what your unique needs are, whether you’re transitioning from city living or stepping up to a larger home, his mission comes straight from the heart: to protect your best interests and make your experience seamless.

If you’re staging your home to maximize its value, it’s not enough that you know what to do—you have to know what not to do. Home staging is an investment that helps attract more buyers and get top dollar for your home, but making a few staging mistakes can make all your efforts go to waste. That’s why I’m here today to help you make better decisions when staging your home. Here are the top five staging mistakes every home seller should avoid:

1. Clutter. Your things may feel familiar and comfortable to you, but for buyers, it shows a lack of storage and cramped space. Take the time to declutter by packing away personal items, donating what you no longer need, and minimizing knickknacks. When decluttering, you have to note that buyers want to envision their belongings in the home.

2. Lack of light. Sellers often overlook the power of light and what the right amount of lighting can do to the home. Dark and dingy spaces feel uninviting, so open the curtains, turn on all the lights, consider replacing heavy drapes with sheer ones, or remove window coverings entirely. If you have the budget, a fresh coat of neutral paint will work wonders to brighten the space.

3. Furniture faux pas. Getting the right furniture is one thing, but proper placing of furniture is another. Instead of pushing everything against the walls, arrange furniture to face each other. This creates conversation areas. You should also avoid overcrowding rooms to ensure there’s enough space for buyers to navigate comfortably. Remember, you’re highlighting both functionality and aesthetics.

4. Personality overload. While your home is unique, it’s best to remove overly personal touches during staging. Family photos, religious items, and personal collections can distract potential buyers. Instead, choose neutral artwork and decorative pieces that appeal to a wider market.

5. Forgetting the finishing touches. Small details make a big difference in home staging, so make sure your home is sparkling clean. Place fresh towels in the bathroom, make up the beds, and make sure your home smells good. Pleasant scents like freshly baked cookies or vanilla extract can create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Staging is an investment that will pay off when the sale is closed. By avoiding these common staging mistakes, you can increase your home’s appeal and value. If you’re selling your home and you want more personalized advice from a real estate professional like myself, please feel free to reach out to me by calling 650-274-3598 or visit my website at http://www.realestateburt.kw.com. I look forward to hearing from you!