Much like dating, when selling a home, first impressions count. Sellers are well aware of this and will go to great lengths to make their properties shine during showings and open houses. Whether it’s the wafting scent of freshly baked cookies in the air or furniture arranged to give rooms an illusion of grandeur, every detail is designed to have potential buyers fall head over heels. However, there’s often something less pleasant lurking behind this pretty facade, something that emerges only after the honeymoon phase — or in this case, after the papers are signed.
It’s not that all sellers are out to trick you, but staging a home is akin to a performance. It’s about crafting the narrative, “This house is perfect for you!” As a buyer, it’s important to be a detective. Sellers have their bag of tricks, and knowing them can help you avoid being swayed by a pretty picture that masks underlying issues. Let’s explore some common ways sellers make their homes appear better than they actually are.
Fresh Paint to Mask Problems
Sellers know a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Repainting can make an old house look new, modern, and well-maintained. But it’s not always just about aesthetics. Water stains, cracks, and mold can be painted over by a seller trying to hide issues that could cost you later. While admiring that trendy shade of gray, be sure to check ceilings, corners, and basements for signs of covered damage.
Strategic Furniture Placement
Have you ever walked into a staged living room and thought, “This feels spacious”? Sellers often use smaller furniture, mirrors, and clever arrangements to create the illusion of space. However, once you try fitting your full-sized sectional into that seemingly airy room, it can feel cramped.
Mood Lighting
Your perception can easily be influenced by lighting. Light from natural sources through open curtains or warm ambient lighting can make a home feel cozy and inviting. Beware, though: sellers might use strategic lighting or avoid showing the house at certain times of the day to conceal poor lighting or awkward shadows. Always ask to see the home at different times to understand how light truly interacts with the space.
The Power of Scent
Have you ever walked into an open house and smelled vanilla or freshly brewed coffee? That’s no accident. Scent can inspire positive feelings. Sellers know this and use it to distract from issues like musty basements or pet odors. If the scent seems overly strong, be cautious and sniff out potential hidden problems.
Kitchens and Bathrooms Pristine
Sellers go all out to make kitchens and bathrooms sparkle, knowing these spaces can sway buyers. However, the shine could distract from bigger issues. Mold, leaky pipes, or outdated systems might be hidden under new caulking or gleaming appliances.
Landscaping Illusions
A well-manicured lawn and blooming flowers can create a suburban dream, but don’t be fooled. Poor soil conditions or drainage issues might be hidden by temporary sod, rented plants, or freshly laid mulch.
Decluttering to the Extreme
Minimalism is trendy, so sellers strip homes of personal items and clutter to make them appear bigger and cleaner. Extreme decluttering might also be a way to hide flaws, like scuffed walls or damaged floors, behind strategically placed decor.
Repurposed Spaces
Sellers often turn a dingy basement into a “cozy family room” or a tiny nook into a “home office.” While it’s nice to see the potential of a space, ensure it’s realistic for your needs. For example, a “guest bedroom” might not meet code requirements for a legal bedroom.
New Fixtures and Hardware
Replacing outdated hardware with shiny new knobs and faucets can make an older home feel modern. While this touch is appealing, it might mask bigger issues like old wiring, ancient plumbing, or poorly maintained systems.
Staging Over Substance
Professional stagers are experts at making homes look aspirational with trendy furniture, rugs, and art. But remember, the house doesn’t come with the furniture or decor. Focus on the bones of the property rather than the fantasy created by staging.
Selective Photography
Listing photos often use wide-angle lenses and flattering camera angles to make spaces appear larger and more appealing. Sellers might also omit photos of less desirable features. If something looks too good to be true, question why.
Temporary Repairs
Sellers often make quick fixes to pass inspection or impress buyers without addressing underlying problems. For example, patching a driveway crack without addressing soil issues might leave you with costly repairs down the road.
Open House Ambiance
The open house experience is designed to make you feel at home, with freshly baked cookies and soft background music. While this ambiance is enticing, don’t let it cloud your judgment. According to the National Association of REALTORS 2021 Profile of Home Staging, 82% of buyers’ agents said staging helps clients visualize the property as their home — but it’s essential to keep a critical eye on the details.
