HOME STAGING
The way you live in your house is very different to the way it should look when you are trying to sell it.
Home staging is often referred to as ‘setting the stage’ and it is an essential consideration when selling a property because you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
While staging is super popular in the southern hemisphere, it hasn’t really taken off quite as much over here in the UK. In Australia home owners actually move out so that the stagers can come in and style and prep their house for the open market.
While this may not be possible here far a little investment you can really maximise your return.when it comes to home staging so its worth thinking about how to get your property market ready..
TARGET AUDIENCE?
One of the first questions to ask is who am I trying to attract?
Asking questions like .. what price bracket your house is in, is your property close to good schools, and how close is it to shops and local amenities will all affect your target market.
If your property is up three flights of stairs with no lift it’s unlikely a retired couple or young family will be wanting to buy. So how do you attract a young professional, or a couple who have older children.
Once you know who your target market is you can then look at how to get these guys in the door
“A stage house sells for c. 6% more than a non staged house and twice as fast (Coldwell Banker US study).
Once you know your target audience you can prepare for them Fioe example if its a young professional couple an office space would be a great selling point. This doesn’t have to be an all singing and dancing office it could be a pull down cabinet, a space on the landing or in a cupboard or under the stairs..
Play with the character of the property and the strengths that it offers. If it has decorative features really make these a focal point, they will add warmth and character.
CURB APPEAL
The first thing to make sure your property has is curb appeal. First impressions set the tone for viewers and you want to welcome in potential buyers from the onset.
Tidy paths, gardens and freshen up the front, cleaning and giving it a new lick of paint.
Add window boxes and flower pots. A house that looks and feels loved will be far more appealing than a house that looks uncared for. Add a new door matt and make sure everything works properly from the front gate to the doorbell.
ENTRANCE
Making an entrance counts and your entrance should be clutter free and inviting.
Coats and shoes should be tidied away. A large mirror is great to make the space feel wider and bounce light around thus making it feel bigger and brighter. If there is no room for a console or dresser then a radiator cover could also be used to create a vignette and make a welcome entrance space. Pendant lighting id also a good way to bring focus and depth to the hallway.
STORAGE & CUPBOARDS
Storage solutions and tidy cupboards are essential. Potential buyers want to see tidy spaces and organised cupboards they want to see that everything has a home and they can live clutter free.
DE CLUTTER
This one is probably the most important. De cluttering includes tidying up your wardrobes and and cupboards too Remove wedding photos and personal objects. Potential buyers want to see themselves in the space sp depersonalising is key.
CLEAN
Your house is now a show house and should be spotless for viewings. Make sure to clean windows, doors and skirting boards. Potential buyers should be able to
WINDOWS
Natural light is always a good selling point so make sure the windows let in lots of light. if the view isn’t great try adding cafe nets on a brass pole for a pretty vibe. if you want something more contemporary then there are bottom up roller blinds or window film.
CONSIDER TEMPORARY STORAGE
It might be worth renting a storage unit to declutter your home. Extra furniture, bikes trampolines, etc are all things that can decrease the value of your home and even put potential buyers off making an offer.
THE SENSES
Many recommend popping on a pot of coffee or baking fresh bread when viewings are taking place. A room fragrance such as Candles, diffusers and incense are always inviting and enticing and will help comfort and relax the buyer. Playing soft music to create a peaceful ambience also plays on their senses and helps provide a peaceful space. Temperature is another factor, ensuring the thermostat is on in the inter months and there’s a light breeze with open windows in the warmer moths.
LIGHTING
Light up dark corners and use accent lighting to soften spaces making them more welcoming and inviting. light bulbs can be rechargeable now so you can easily add wall lights or a lamp behind a sofa.
Define spaces & add focal points
Avoid oversized furniture and spaces without direction. Give purpose and definition to each area and create focal points and vignettes to bring character and interest.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Adding flowers and plants breath life into a space and can bring a space together with table arrangements and mantlepiece decorations. Cushions, rugs and throws can bring harmony and balance to a space with an uplifting colour palette and pattern.
Home staging essentially means elevating, decluttering and depersonalising a property so that it attracts a potential buyer more easily. Buyers want be wowed when they walk into a property, whatever their budget they want to be able to imagine themselves living in that space.
Staged properties feel soothing and inviting. they reflect the language of the house and play to its strengths; highlighting key features. First impressions are lasting impressions and you want to hook that buyer straight away..
Home staging ensures you get the quickest sale and at the highest price for your property,
