You’ve decided to stage your home—smart move. Professional staging helps homes sell 73% faster and for higher prices. 

But here’s the thing: staging isn’t just about adding furniture and calling it a day. 

There are plenty of ways to get it wrong, and those mistakes can cost you time, money, and potential buyers. Instead of trying to figure it out on your own, here are some of the most common mistakes I see when a homeowner tries to DIY.

Here’s what not to do when staging your house for sale:

#1. Don’t Invest in a Staging Company ONLY Because They’re “More Affordable”

When choosing a home staging company, it’s important not to simply go with the cheapest quote. Many companies have not invested the time, resources, or millions of dollars required to build a high-quality, on-trend inventory. True staging is about more than just placing furniture in a space — it’s about creating a carefully curated, emotional connection that helps buyers envision a desirable lifestyle.

A low-cost provider often lacks the design expertise, inventory depth, and styling ability to deliver that impact. Always ask to see examples of homes currently staged to judge the quality for yourself – the difference is clear. And in the end, even if the price is lower, the result often doesn’t lead to a fast or competitive sale, which can ultimately cost more in time, price reductions, and carrying costs.

#2. Don’t Leave Personal Items Everywhere

Family photos, collections, niche hobbies, and personal memorabilia need to go. Buyers need to imagine themselves in your home, and that’s impossible when they’re looking at your life on display.

Pack away personal items, clear countertops, and create a minimalist feel. The goal is to show the home itself, not the stuff in it. People have a hard time seeing past what’s right in front of them—we have to show them the possibilities.

#3. Don’t Ignore Curb Appeal

First impressions happen before buyers even step inside. 

Overgrown landscaping, peeling paint, dirty windows, or a cluttered entrance can turn buyers away before they give your home a chance.

Invest in basic landscaping—whether you do it yourself or hire professionals. A fresh, inviting exterior sets the tone for everything inside.

#4. Don’t Skip Professional Photography

Please, please do not list your home with iPhone photos. Yes, smartphones have improved, but they’re not far enough along to compete with professional real estate photography.

Bad MLS photos can doom even the most beautifully staged home. Buyers scroll past listings with poor images, no matter how great the property actually is. Professional HDR photography showcases your home’s full potential and makes it stand out online, where most buyers begin their search.

#5. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Staging takes time. From scheduling consultations to selecting furniture to installation day, you need to plan ahead—especially during peak selling seasons.

Once we receive your deposit and approve the proposal, we can typically book within a week, though it may take longer during busy periods. 

For vacant homes, our team spends two full days selecting and packing furniture tailored specifically to your property. Don’t wait until your listing goes live to think about staging.

Ready to Stage the Right Way?

Avoiding these common mistakes will set you up for a faster sale and higher offers. Professional staging isn’t just about filling empty rooms—it’s about creating an experience that makes buyers fall in love with your home.

At Novari Collective, we know what works. Our award-winning team brings expertise, quality inventory, and a proven track record to every project. Whether your home is vacant or occupied, we’ll help you showcase it at its absolute best.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get your home sold.