Buyer’s Remorse: Don’t Be Distracted By Great Home Staging!

Last Updated on February 16, 2025 by Vannessa Rhoades, Three Bears Home Staging

“Do the research. Ask questions.”

— Katherine Johnson, mathematician and NASA researcher

Buyer beware! As a home stager, it may seem counterintuitive for me to offer this advice, but if you’re currently a home seller, logic dictates that at some point you may be on the other side of the transaction as a buyer yourself. And you need to be cautious of potential home buyer distractions when you finally find a space you love.

The Psychology of Home Staging

Great home staging should enhance all the positive attributes of a home and should never, ever be intentionally deceptive or hide serious problems. But sometimes the presentation is just so darn good that you lose yourself a little and forget to critically examine aspects of the house that may be important to you as a buyer.

So how do you do your “due diligence” when you finally find a house you love?

How to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse and Home Buyer Distractions (What to Look for When Buying a House)

1. Distinguish between issues you can and cannot control.

Does the home fit your needs? For example, does it have plenty of bedrooms? Is it in the right school district? Do you need a big backyard? Don’t focus too much on furniture, paint, and other buyer distractions that can be changed or removed easily once you move in.

2. Do your neighborhood research; don’t let good curb appeal be a buyer distraction.

I don’t care how friendly the neighbors are or how well-maintained the surrounding lawns appear to be, check with local and state authorities to find out what type of crimes and activities occur in the neighborhood. Please don’t wait until moving day to discover that a convicted sex offender lives next door.

3. Bring a tape measure.

And while you’re at it, keep a list handy of your major furniture pieces (or the ones trickiest to place) along with their corresponding dimensions. Even beautifully arranged rooms can be buyer distractions if their size isn’t thoroughly evaluated. Not sure if your piano will fit in that space? Is Suzie’s bed too big for that bedroom? Don’t try to eyeball it — use your tape measure to be sure of it.

4. Order your own inspection report.

Most buyers’ agents will recommend this anyway. You need to learn from a more objective, qualified source than the home seller what issues may be going on with the house you have fallen in love with. There will likely be many items on the report of little consequence — building codes change often and many issues are simple, DIY repair jobs — but larger structural and mechanical problems need to be identified and possibly negotiated so that you can make a fully informed decision about what you’re jumping into.

Staging appeals to buyers’ emotions, not their logic. And as in any case where emotion overrides logic, it might cause you to miss a few things. Don’t allow yourself to be seduced by a pretty house — (well, ok, you can be seduced by one…but do your homework, too).

Stage Your Success: Transform Your Home with Confidence

Do you need to sell a home before you can buy? Three Bears can help! Home staging is more than just a tool for sellers—it’s a way to see your space through fresh eyes and make it shine. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to fall in love with your home all over again, mastering the art of staging can make all the difference. But why stop at just reading about it? Take action today!

Explore our DIY online home staging course to learn professional tips and tricks at your own pace, or grab a copy of our book to unlock the secrets of creating a space that wows. Don’t just dream about a home that feels inviting and stylish—make it happen!

Ready to get started? Click below to check out our course or order your book today. Your dream home is just a few steps away!

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