5 Things Sellers Often Get Wrong About Staging (and How to Do It Right)

Selling a home is exciting… and overwhelming. Between packing boxes, paperwork, and planning your next move, the idea of staging can feel like just another big chore on the list. Some sellers skip it. Some try to DIY. And a lot of people think it has to cost a fortune.

Here’s the truth: staging doesn’t have to be expensive, and it definitely doesn’t have to feel sterile or fake. It’s simply about showing your home in its best light so buyers can picture themselves living there. After staging many homes that sold quickly, I’ve noticed five common mistakes that pop up again and again. Let’s walk through them.

1. Stopping at “clean”

A clean house is a great start (and yes, buyers notice!). But staging goes a step further. It’s about arranging furniture so rooms feel open, adjusting lighting to brighten dark corners, and adding small details that make the space feel welcoming. Clean is essential — staging is what creates that warm, “I could live here” feeling.

2. Leaving too much “you” in the space

Your photos and personal touches make your house feel like home to you. But buyers need to be able to imagine their story unfolding there. That doesn’t mean stripping every bit of personality out — it just means keeping things more neutral so buyers can project their own lives into the rooms.

3. Getting carried away with DIY style

We all love a good Pinterest project, but too many bold DIY touches can sometimes overwhelm buyers. Instead of redoing whole rooms, think smaller: a fresh throw, a few updated pillows, a vase of greenery. Subtle changes go a long way toward giving your home a polished, welcoming look.

4. Forgetting the key spaces

Not every single room has to be staged. Focus on the areas that matter most: the living room, kitchen, and primary bedroom. Those three spaces make the biggest impact and are usually the ones buyers remember when they leave a showing.

5. Believing neutral = boring

This is one of the biggest myths about staging. Neutral doesn’t mean beige-on-beige with no personality. It’s about creating a backdrop that appeals broadly without feeling cold. A soft sofa with textured pillows, a neutral rug with a pop of greenery, or a light wall color with one piece of art can all add warmth and style without being too specific.

The Takeaway

Staging isn’t about perfection — it’s about possibility. It doesn’t have to be pricey, and it definitely doesn’t have to strip away all the character from your home. Done thoughtfully, staging helps buyers connect emotionally with your space, which almost always leads to quicker, stronger offers.

I’ve seen it again and again: homes that look cared for, open, and inviting move faster. And with the right guidance, you can absolutely achieve that balance between neutral and welcoming — whether you DIY it or let a pro step in.

If you’re feeling unsure where to start, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. That’s exactly why I do what I do.

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Amy Hunsaker-Williams