Staging is an important step in the home selling process, as it helps it stand out in listing photos and appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. However, the simplest mistakes can be deal-breaking, so we asked home staging and design experts to share some of the biggest mistakes they’ve encountered that can turn potential buyers off.

1. Starting without a plan. Homeowners should work with a professional stager to create a plan for success when preparing their homes for sale. Stagers look at the home in a holistic way and address potential items that would deter a buyer from moving forward.

2. Listing a home before it’s ready. Listing a home before it is ready can lead to low buyer traffic and lower-than-list-price offers.

3. Not taking professional photos. Staged homes should be professionally shot and displayed on listing websites to show to prospective buyers.

4. Neglecting simple home improvements. Take care of areas that require attention and are inexpensive to fix to create a professional image and show potential buyers that care was given to the home.