Don’t Make These Common Home Staging Mistakes in Manhattan

You have high hopes for the type of offers that you might receive when you put your Midtown Manhattan real estate on the market. You know that demand is high right now, and you’re hopeful that you’ll receive multiple offers above asking price. The best way to position yourself for success when you have a property to sell is to take the process of home staging seriously. Many sellers will choose to stage their own home without hiring a professional to help. This can be an effective strategy as long as you avoid the following mistakes.

This can be a great strategy as long as it’s not overdone. Many people have sensitivities to strong smells and can quickly become turned off if you have multiple air fresheners going at the same time. Smart buyers may wonder if you’re using the air fresheners to cover up something like mold or pet dander. A better option is to bake a batch of fresh cookies before an open house or an in-person showing. Other home stagers will recommend bringing in fresh herbs such as basil or thyme. You can also diffuse essential oils during the showing as long as you do so safely.

If you’ve ever shown up for an open house or an in-person tour and noticed that the buyer still has family pictures or kids’ sports trophies on display in the home, you know how awkward this can be. All of a sudden, you feel as if you’re intruding on someone else’s space. These mental images can be hard to shake even after you purchase the home and it becomes yours. Everyone who buys a home that isn’t a brand new build understands that the home had a previous owner, but they would rather not think about it.

It’s crucial that you depersonalize your home early on in the staging process. Take down all family pictures in addition to other personal items such as diplomas. Potential buyers have the freedom to imagine what the home would look and feel like if it were theirs. You’ll also decrease the risk that a buyer becomes distracted if they notice that you look like someone they know.

Many people falsely believe that rooms appear larger when the furniture is pushed all the way up against the wall. This can actually make rooms appear smaller and more cluttered. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least four feet between the wall and each piece of furniture. You should also place individual furniture pieces at least eighteen inches away from each other. If you feel like your rooms will appear too small, consider bringing in a few mirrors that can brighten and deepen the space. This is especially helpful in rooms that have some natural light.

When placed correctly, artwork makes a strong statement. It can appeal to prospective buyers’ emotions, and provide an opportunity for them to develop a connection with your home. The problem is that many people hang art too high on the wall. These pieces are harder for buyers to see, and can make the room appear awkward or out of order. If you choose to hang artwork in your home, make sure it’s at eye level. If there’s a piece of furniture such as a sofa underneath, the bottom of the painting or picture should be at least four inches above the top of the sofa.

Don’t assume that you can simply shove everything in a spare closet when you’re preparing to stage your home. Buyers will often want to see inside closets and cabinets in order to get a better idea of how much storage space the home can offer. It’s important to take time to organize each closet and cabinet so that buyers can better appreciate their size and functionality. Proper organization will help these spaces feel larger.

The throw pillows on your sofa and the small items on your coffee table may not be helping as much as you think. Most designers feel like you’re better off emphasizing a few large pieces rather than relying on several small items to produce the desired effect. Try staging a coffee table with a large vase or two and a potted plant. This will produce a better visual effect than if you had used several small items.

It’s important for your home to have plenty of lighting. Natural light typically has the best effect, but this isn’t possible in every room. It’s also harder if you’re scheduling showings during the evening. Don’t rely on just one light in each room to produce the desired effect. Most experts advise that you put at least three sources of light in each room. Consider using floor and table lamps to increase the lighting in each space. Your rooms will appear much better when you have lighting coming in from multiple sources.

An experienced realtor knows how to effectively stage a home to show off its best qualities. Rebecca Blacker and Arlene Reed would love to partner with you when you decide you’re ready to put your Midtown Manhattan real estate on the market. They have developed a strong reputation among clients who they have served in the past. They have learned how to think like designers during their time in the industry and they are excited to share with you everything they have learned about how to properly stage a home. Contact their team if you’re looking for someone who can help you make more money when selling East Village real estate.