If your home is not getting showings or offers, it is rarely because of price alone. In most cases, buyers are hesitating because something in the presentation feels off.

According to Haven Home Staging, one of Chicago’s leading professional staging firms, there are a handful of extremely common mistakes that quietly kill buyer interest before an offer is ever written.

Let’s walk through what they are and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Leaving rooms vacant

Only about 10 percent of buyers can visualize a space when it is empty.
Vacant rooms feel smaller and leave buyers wondering:

• Where does the sofa go?

• Will my bed fit?

• How would I lay this out?

Staging answers those questions instantly. It shows scale, purpose, and flow.

Mistake #2: Trying to self-stage

Pinterest and TikTok make staging look easy, but every home is different. Sellers often misapply generic advice that does not suit their layout, light, or buyer pool.

Professional staging is not decoration. It is strategic merchandising for real estate.

Mistake #3: Bare walls

Homes with empty walls feel unfinished. Many homeowners avoid hanging art, but artwork pulls rooms together and creates emotional warmth.

Buyers buy how a space makes them feel, not how many holes are in the drywall.

Mistake #4: Staging after the home is already listed

The first two weeks on the market matter most. That is when the largest number of buyers see your home.

If the home is not staged before it hits the market, you miss your biggest opportunity to create urgency and competition.

Mistake #5: Too much furniture

More furniture does not make a room feel bigger. It makes it feel cramped.

Too many pieces interrupt the natural flow of a room and make spaces appear smaller.

Mistake #6: Odors

Pet smells, smoke, and moisture odors raise red flags for buyers. Homeowners often stop noticing them, but buyers do not.

Odors signal hidden problems, even when there are none.

Mistake #7: Poor listing photos

Most buyers shop online first. If your photos are dark, cluttered, or poorly staged, you lose buyers before they ever book a showing.

Professional staging plus professional photography is one of the highest return on investment decisions you can make when selling.

Mistake #8: Not being clean enough

A home should be white-glove clean by the very first showing. Dust, fingerprints, and grime make buyers subconsciously think the home has not been cared for.

How to prepare your home for every showing

Once your home is listed, it should show like a model home every day. A professional showing routine includes:

• Turning on all lights

• Opening curtains and blinds

• Putting away keys, coats, and remotes

• Clearing bathroom counters of daily items

• Making sure sinks and dishwashers are empty

• Hiding garbage and recycling

• Avoiding strong cooking or artificial scents

• Making all beds and putting clothing away

• Leaving shower curtains open and toilet seats down

• Removing pets and pet items

This is what keeps your home looking move-in ready for every buyer who walks through.

Why I recommend Haven Home Staging

At Camille Canales Group, we work with sellers across Chicago who want maximum results with minimal stress. That is why I partner with Haven Home Staging. Their system is designed to prevent costly mistakes, elevate your home’s presentation, and create emotional connections that lead to stronger offers.

Thinking about selling?

If you are preparing to sell your home and want to avoid the mistakes that cost sellers time and money, I would love to talk.

I can share real staging success stories, walk you through what works in your specific neighborhood, and help you choose the smartest strategy for your home.

Contact Camille Canales
📞 773.232.5282
✉️ [email protected]

Whether you are selling in Logan Square, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, or anywhere in Chicago, the right staging and presentation can completely change your outcome.