Top 3 Staging Mistakes That Kill Home Sales, Revealed by Expert

Amy Spelker, a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Realty in Madison, NJ, with a decade of interior design experience, reveals the top three staging mistakes that can derail a home sale. The first mistake is cluttered horizontal surfaces, which signal small kitchens or lack of storage to buyers. The fix involves removing everything and only placing items that earn their space, and replacing mismatched light bulbs with warm-toned ones for better photos. The second mistake is overdoing scents and seasonal décor, which can polarize buyers or date a listing. Spelker advises avoiding candles and heavy fragrances, and instead using neutral seasonal touches like apples or orchids that work year-round. The third mistake is neglecting the exterior, as buyers form impressions before entering. Simple fixes like power washing, painting the front door, and adding live seasonal plantings can make a big difference. Spelker emphasizes that sellers often stop seeing their homes objectively and need an outside perspective. For more insights, visit the Spelker Team’s current listings.

The Spelker Team, Scott and Amy Spelker, are top-producing agents at Coldwell Banker Realty. Amy's background in interior design gives her a unique ability to see homes through a buyer's eyes. She notes that the mistakes sellers make are usually simple, inexpensive details that have become invisible over time. By addressing these issues, sellers can improve first impressions and sell faster. The core message is that presentation is key, and even small changes can yield significant returns.

This article is based on information from the expert source cited above and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Readers should consult qualified professionals before making real estate decisions. Individuals or companies mentioned may have a commercial relationship with KeyCrew.