We were thrilled to purchase our first home together in 2019 when my husband and me bought it. We saw beyond the buckling hardwood floors and the outdated kitchen. There was even a piece of paper taped to one wall that contained a missing section of crown molding. We found a home that we loved.

We were anxious to move in, and I was pregnant. However, we didn't see the need to ignore things that we shouldn't. We were first-time buyers. There were many red flags we overlooked. Many of these should have been brought up with the sellers or realtors.

It's an exciting and overwhelming time to buy a home. It can be overwhelming to find the right home for your family. Most clever sellers are aware of this and make use of it to their advantage. It might seem like innocuous things at times, but sometimes these staging tricks could be masking something more serious.

Staging a house is not manipulative in itself. Staging a home helps buyers see its potential and makes them feel more connected to it than if they were buying a vacant property. You can save yourself from potential headaches by being more aware of the common staging techniques.

1. Curtains

Curtains can make a space feel cozy and welcoming. Curtains can be used to create privacy, insulate, or tie the space together. They are great at hiding problems. To ensure that your windows are in good condition, make sure you check them all. Older windows can cause problems in regulating the temperature of the rooms which could lead to higher energy bills.

Curtains can also be used to hide damaged or broken windows and walls. Blinds can be used to disguise small windows and make them seem larger. To make your rooms appear taller and more airy, homeowners will hang curtains closer to the ceiling. This is a common practice, but make sure you look at your home from the outside.

2. Fresh Paint

A fresh coat of paint can be a good sign that the seller wants to make the house more modern for the new owner. Paint can mask a lot of problems, such as mildew and water spots. Ask questions about mildew issues in the past if it seems like the paint job has been done quickly.

Related: 5 Ways to Increase Your Home's Worth, and 3 Things You Should Avoid

3. Do not use strong air fresheners

The seller might have added strong scents to the house before the show. This could be an attempt to hide something. A strong scent might temporarily mask odors from cigarette smoke, pet odors, and sewage smells.

Although sellers still use some scents when selling a house, they are switching to more subtle and natural essential oils or DIY room sprays in recent years.

4. Background Music

The seller might also try to manipulate your hearing, as with the previous example. The seller may be trying to mask road noises, nearby tracks or foot traffic by playing background music during the showing. To get an idea of the sounds and noises that you will be hearing every day, it is best to ask them to turn the music off.

5. All the lights are on

Sellers want their home to be as bright and light as possible. They may even have all the lights on in an attempt to make it look a little more realistic. Many older homes don't have enough natural light, so it is very desirable. To find out how natural light would look, turn off the lights.

Related: This Beautiful New England Church was Transformed into a Family Home--See Inside

6. Rugs

A good rug is a must-have. Rugs can help make a room appear more organized, brighten up dark rooms, or bring out the beauty and charm of hardwood floors. Rugs can hide imperfections, however.

A pretty rug can cover stained, scuffed and/or damaged floors. Check to make sure rugs are not placed on top of carpeted floors. Before buying a house, be aware of potential foundation problems and water damage.

7. Mirrors, art work, and decor

Mirrors can create a larger space and make it appear brighter. To ensure that your furniture fits in the space, measure it. Mirrors, art, and decor strategically placed can hide cracks, blemishes and water stains.

8. Furniture Placement

You can also make a smaller room appear larger by placing small or compact furniture there. Is the dining room equipped with a four-top table or a 10-seater table? Is the master bedroom larger than your home's king-size? Be mindful of your existing furniture and how it might look in the space.

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By: Dana Hopkins
Title: Don’t Fall Victim To These Common Home Staging Tricks—They May Be Hiding Serious Issues
Sourced From: www.suggest.com/common-home-staging-tricks-may-be-hiding-issues/2674761/
Published Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2022 12:45:00 +0000

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