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A little time, investment and know-how could boost your property’s chance of creating a buzz when it hits the market.
With over 90% of buyers searching for their next home online, it needs to get their hearts racing before they scroll to the next listing. Unless they’re looking for a project, most people are after much the same thing: somewhere light, bright and move-in-ready.
Tired décor, unfinished DIY and cluttered rooms ring alarm bells that a property hasn’t been cared for and lacks storage. Every red flag gives buyers a reason to reduce their offer and they might be put off viewing altogether.
Preparing rooms so they appeal to the target market, also known as home staging, is the answer. The aim is to make it simple for prospective buyers to imagine a property as their own: we all know an offer’s in the air on Location, Location, Location when couples start discussing where their furniture is going to go.
If you’re thinking all this sounds expensive, the investment is a drop in the ocean compared to reducing your asking price – the other option if you still want to sell and offers aren’t flowing in. Staging gives the best chance of selling faster at the best-possible price. The good news is if you’re already stuck on the market, it’s never too late.
Professional home stagers instinctively know how to use a client’s budget to maximise potential. Some specialise in transforming occupied homes, using mainly what is already inside; others work with empty or partially-furnished properties and bring in rented furniture.
If you’d like to have a go yourself, here are some simple tips on getting ready to sell; some don’t cost a single penny:
Fresh eyes: It can be tricky to look at your home objectively,especially if you’ve lived there for years. Ask a friend with an eye for style for their honest feedback or film a video walk-through and watch it back, imagining you’re seeing it for the first time. If you don’t have time to tackle every room, concentrate on the front garden, entrance, hallway, kitchen, living room and main bedroom.
Know your market: Check with your estate agent, but this is likely to be people at the same life stage as you when you moved in. A space to work from home is more desirable than ever these days, so professionals will want to see an office space, even if it’s a desk tucked into an alcove. If you want to attract families, make sure there’s a room with a single bed and some cute toys and pictures.
Kerb appeal: The first photo house-hunters see online is usually an exterior shot, so spruce up any outside space and keep the garden tidy. Hide the bins and freshen up paintwork if needed. Buyers make up their minds within a few seconds and might be kept waiting by your front door, so make sure their first impression is a good one.
Decluttering: Simple and cost-effective, this makes rooms seem bigger and more relaxing. Not convinced? Watch an episode of Love It Or List It, Sort Your Life Out, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo or Nick Knowles’ Big House Clearout and see the difference decluttering makes to the look and feel of a home. Most people can’t see past others’ stuff, and will assume there isn’t enough room for all their things either. If you’re short of time or motivation, professional home stagers, declutterers and organisers will get you from A to B better and faster. Less possessions also reduces packing time and removal costs.
Depersonalising: Items such as family photographs, trophies, collections– even toothbrushes – prevent buyers from emotionally connecting with a property. Hide away such distractions when the estate agent’s photos are being taken and also during viewings. Make it easy for people to imagine themselves moving in.
Deep clean: A squeaky-clean home reassures buyers that it has been well looked after. Most people wash and vacuum their car before trading it in, and it’s vital to give everywhere a blitz when selling your biggest asset. Reed diffusers are a good way to add a subtle scent.
Décor: While interior design reflects the homeowners’ taste, staging is all about dazzling buyers. A blank canvas is ideal, with colourful artwork and accessories that add the wow factor. Neutral walls and flooring give the new owners the option to go crazy if they want to – or not.
Final details: Plants and flowers bring rooms alive and look fantastic in marketing photographs. Selecting lifestyle touches that will appeal to your target market creates that all-important emotional connection. As an occupied home stager, I find clients like the idea of treating themselves to a few relatively inexpensive things that can move with them – upgrading small details like cushions,towels, throws and toiletries makes a big difference to the final look.
Read about the author here
Photo credit - Elissa Jane Diver
A little time, investment and know-how could boost your property’s chance of creating a buzz when it hits the market.
With over 90% of buyers searching for their next home online, it needs to get their hearts racing before they scroll to the next listing. Unless they’re looking for a project, most people are after much the same thing: somewhere light, bright and move-in-ready.
Tired décor, unfinished DIY and cluttered rooms ring alarm bells that a property hasn’t been cared for and lacks storage. Every red flag gives buyers a reason to reduce their offer and they might be put off viewing altogether.
Preparing rooms so they appeal to the target market, also known as home staging, is the answer. The aim is to make it simple for prospective buyers to imagine a property as their own: we all know an offer’s in the air on Location, Location, Location when couples start discussing where their furniture is going to go.
If you’re thinking all this sounds expensive, the investment is a drop in the ocean compared to reducing your asking price – the other option if you still want to sell and offers aren’t flowing in. Staging gives the best chance of selling faster at the best-possible price. The good news is if you’re already stuck on the market, it’s never too late.
Professional home stagers instinctively know how to use a client’s budget to maximise potential. Some specialise in transforming occupied homes, using mainly what is already inside; others work with empty or partially-furnished properties and bring in rented furniture.
If you’d like to have a go yourself, here are some simple tips on getting ready to sell; some don’t cost a single penny:
Fresh eyes: It can be tricky to look at your home objectively,especially if you’ve lived there for years. Ask a friend with an eye for style for their honest feedback or film a video walk-through and watch it back, imagining you’re seeing it for the first time. If you don’t have time to tackle every room, concentrate on the front garden, entrance, hallway, kitchen, living room and main bedroom.
Know your market: Check with your estate agent, but this is likely to be people at the same life stage as you when you moved in. A space to work from home is more desirable than ever these days, so professionals will want to see an office space, even if it’s a desk tucked into an alcove. If you want to attract families, make sure there’s a room with a single bed and some cute toys and pictures.
Kerb appeal: The first photo house-hunters see online is usually an exterior shot, so spruce up any outside space and keep the garden tidy. Hide the bins and freshen up paintwork if needed. Buyers make up their minds within a few seconds and might be kept waiting by your front door, so make sure their first impression is a good one.
Decluttering: Simple and cost-effective, this makes rooms seem bigger and more relaxing. Not convinced? Watch an episode of Love It Or List It, Sort Your Life Out, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo or Nick Knowles’ Big House Clearout and see the difference decluttering makes to the look and feel of a home. Most people can’t see past others’ stuff, and will assume there isn’t enough room for all their things either. If you’re short of time or motivation, professional home stagers, declutterers and organisers will get you from A to B better and faster. Less possessions also reduces packing time and removal costs.
Depersonalising: Items such as family photographs, trophies, collections– even toothbrushes – prevent buyers from emotionally connecting with a property. Hide away such distractions when the estate agent’s photos are being taken and also during viewings. Make it easy for people to imagine themselves moving in.
Deep clean: A squeaky-clean home reassures buyers that it has been well looked after. Most people wash and vacuum their car before trading it in, and it’s vital to give everywhere a blitz when selling your biggest asset. Reed diffusers are a good way to add a subtle scent.
Décor: While interior design reflects the homeowners’ taste, staging is all about dazzling buyers. A blank canvas is ideal, with colourful artwork and accessories that add the wow factor. Neutral walls and flooring give the new owners the option to go crazy if they want to – or not.
Final details: Plants and flowers bring rooms alive and look fantastic in marketing photographs. Selecting lifestyle touches that will appeal to your target market creates that all-important emotional connection. As an occupied home stager, I find clients like the idea of treating themselves to a few relatively inexpensive things that can move with them – upgrading small details like cushions,towels, throws and toiletries makes a big difference to the final look.
Read about the author here
Photo credit - Elissa Jane Diver
