There are plenty of good reasons to stage your own house instead of hiring a professional homestaging company. I've written about the advantages of DIY staging over professional staging.
But some people struggle with staging their own home. If that sounds like you, let's review seven problems common to people who don't stage homes on a daily basis and see what solutions are available.
1. Emotional attachment
If you are struggling with guessing what buyers prefer to see as decor instead of what you like, you're not alone. While there's no accounting for taste, some guidelines do exist.
For example, professional stagers and real estate agents strongly suggest removing things like family photos, certificates and awards, political and religious items, things like a collection of memorabilia, wall posters of sports teams or celebrities, abundant refrigerator magnets, or anything else too personal or distracting.
It's not goodbye to some of your favorite possessions. They're just taking a vacation from being on display. Find places to store these things, like pretty boxes on high closet shelves, or in plastic bins under a bed.
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| Stage so people are envious of your lifestyle. Photo: James Nathan Schroder |
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| Choose colors and accessories that anyone could like. Photo: Lauren Leonard |
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| Simple decor is non-distracting. Don't shun neutral colors and simple accessories. |
2. Limited budget
No one wants to waste money. But since staging a home can increase its sale value by as much as 30%, purchasing some services or items can pay for themselves.
Here are three ways to help handle the expense of staging.
If you are replacing things like older towels, throw pillows, blankets, or curtains, buy from big-box and discount stores. Discount stores and thrift stores can also be places to source wall art, mirrors, and lamps that your home is calling out for.
Use what you have. Look around your home for furnishings that are not being used at all or not being used creatively. Are there quilts forgotten in a chest? A mirror in the attic? Vintage baskets in the garden shed or garage?
Borrow from family or friends. If there is a coffee table or side chair you know would look stunning in your home, ask to borrow it. Does a friend have a large fake plant she'll loan to you?
It's time to get imaginative with sources, and don't be afraid to give yourself a realistic budget. Remember that you are saving the money you would pay for a professional staging service.
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| Thrift stores are treasure houses of inexpensive furniture perfect for staging a home on the market. Just be choosy. |
3. Not being objective
"I don't know where to start," is a common expression when people decide it's time to move. I always advise a seller to consult with a Realtor before making any changes.
An experienced, local real estate agent will help you understand the current market so you don't overdo your staging or skimp on staging. She'll also know how to market your home, letting buyers know that home improvements were done by professional builders instead of "homeowner projects" that might not pass code. And she'll know to advertise your major improvements like soundproof windows as "upgrades," not just "repairs."
Don't be offended if your listing agent or a good friend points out flaws or clutter you may not notice because you're used to seeing them. This is not a time to be sentimental or casual about how your home looks to other people.
4. Limited time
Prepping a home for sale takes time. You'll need to manage it so that everything gets done but you don't sacrifice your sanity. Start with a master plan -- a list of what decluttering, cleaning, and repairs need to be done. Group similar tasks. It helps to set deadlines and block out short periods of time. "Today I will spend one hour organizing the laundry room."
If what needs to be done seems daunting, boost your confidence by recalling all the skills that you have learned during your lifetime that will help you stage your home. Get help when you need it, such as hiring a carpet cleaning service or someone to pressure wash the driveway.
5. No "decor sense"
Don't sell yourself short. You've lived in your home and you know what makes you happy about it. Focus on what you like to look at and what others have admired. Then, simplify it and keep it clean.
I've written about the ways that you can train your eye to distinguish good decor from what looks cheap or distracting. By doing so, you can predict how people touring your home will judge your rooms.
If you need tips about arranging furniture, I've written an eBook on that.
I've also written about how you can choose color palettes that flatter and coordinate with your existing features like those handsome bathroom vanities or those beautiful granite countertops you love!
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| Simple furnishings are best. Oversized vases and artwork are your friends. Photo: Banner Day |
6. No storage space
Decluttering often means removing things like excess furniture, sporting equipment, or off-season clothing. Where do you put the things that good staging says should not be taking up space or are distracting? The answer can be off-site storage.
You're probably familiar with the adage, "It takes money to make money." If you are tightening the purse strings, now's the time to remind yourself that staged homes sell for more money than unstaged homes. They also sell 73% faster, and every day your home remains unsold costs you money in insurance, taxes, utilities, upkeep, and perhaps mortgage payments.
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| There are advantages and disadvantages to using a storage and moving system like PODS. |
So, don't look at storage fees as wasted money. It's a bettrer system than storing boxes full of stuff in a corner of an unused bedroom or the garage, which gives the message that you are anxious to move and that you might accept a lower offer. If you have necessary belongings that are visible but don't add perceived value to your property, it will pay you to put them in temporary storage.
7. Not a photographer
Today's home buyers begin their search online, so photos are what makes them decide which way to swipe. Most homeowners and real estate agents do not have the training, experience, and photography equipment to deliver a professional portfolio of photos for your listing.
If you have ever been present to watch a real estate photographer shoot a home for a listing, you know that there is no comparison between what he does and what even someone who takes good pictures with her cell phone can do. The pro will have the experience and equipment to make sure the lighting is evenly distributed, that the angles are accurate and not distorted, that the colors are true and flattering.
The pro might offer you other services to help sell your property, like drone shots and virtual tours. Your Realtor will know what your competition is doing in the way of photos, but you can educate yourself by searching online for homes in your market.
Get the look, get the book
Be sure to check my other posts about solving the problems common to DIY homestagers, like this roundup of the pros and cons of staging your own home versus hiring a professional.
And don't leave without downloading my 155-page eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar. It's guaranteed to be your bible for improving the value of your home on the market.