With such a competitive housing market, staging is a critical step in the home selling process. Not only does it make your home stand out in listing photos, but it also helps it appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. A well-staged home will mask years of wear and tear, and can help it sell faster and for more money.

However, the simplest mistakes can be deal-breaking. Which is why we asked home staging and design experts to share some of the biggest staging mistakes they’ve encountered that can turn potential buyers off.

1. Starting without a plan

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make is not working with a professional stager to create a plan for success when preparing their homes for sale. Stagers look at the home in a holistic way and address potential items that would deter a buyer from moving forward.

– Amy Parker, Parker House Designs

2. Listing a home before it’s ready

Today’s buyers are looking for homes that have been well cared for and are move-in ready.  Listing a home before it is ready is a mistake that will result in low buyer traffic and lower-than-list-price offers.

– Kimberly Bowlin, Southern Allure Staging & Design

Three things sell a home: location, price, and condition. You, as the seller, are in total control of the condition. Therefore, taking the time to do the tasks advised by your real estate agent or home stager will pay off in the end.

– Mikaela Rios, Imagine Gurus

3. Not taking professional photos

As important as it is to show your staged home to visiting prospective buyers, it is equally important that the pictures of your staged home are professionally shot and displayed on listing websites.

– Nidhika Singh, Impressive Staging