The Art of Home Staging – Tips for styling your home for sale

When it comes to selling your home, the location, and the price are not always enough to tempt buyers. Presentation is a must. Home staging, the art of styling your interiors so they appeal to potential buyers, can help them envision living in your property. When this is done right, it can result in faster sales and potentially higher offers. Let’s take a look at what you should be doing. 

First impressions count

From the minute a buyer pulls up outside your property, they are judging so make sure you have that all-important kerb appeal. Mow the lawn, tidy up any flower beds, jet wash your driveway and (if you can) place your bins somewhere they are not visible. Make sure your windows, and sills, and your front door and step are all clean. If your door is looking a little shabby you may want to consider repainting it. These are all easy and inexpensive steps you can take to make your home look inviting and cared for. 

Declutter, depersonalise, deep clean

Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves in your home, walking round thinking about where they might place their own belongings. This is difficult to do when your property is cluttered. Take this as the opportunity to declutter. After all you don’t want to take lots of things you no longer want to a new property. Remove personal things like photographs, excess furniture that makes rooms appear smaller and clear countertops. Then, deep clean every room so that they are fresh and inviting. 

Define every space 

Make sure each room has a clear purpose. If you are using a spare room as a gym or home office then give it an identity and remove those items that blur the lines on what it is used for. Even open plan spaces can benefit from having defined areas and this can be achieved through the use of lighting, rugs, and furniture placement. 

Neutral is powerful

Whilst you may love bold colours and eclectic decoration, buyers may not be so keen. Some colours can also make your rooms look smaller as well. Consider changing your décor to more neutral tones to create a blank canvas that will help to spark buyers’ imaginations. 

Light it up

Natural light is a powerful selling tool, so clean your windows, make sure curtains are open and add some mirrors. In dark corners add lighter bulbs to help illuminate. 

Appeal to all senses

Staging isn’t all about the visual. Adding subtle scents may be an old selling trick but it works. Don’t go overboard, otherwise the smell in your property may be cloying and off putting. Soft background music may also help. 

Know your buyer

Consider the target demographic for your property. If it’s a family home then think about a reading nook or play area. If its city centre and more suited to young executives than keep sleeking modern finishes. This will help you get the right type of buyers visiting. 

Home staging is not deception. It’s about creating the right visual to assist potential buyers. Whilst some may be able to see past your décor or clutter, the majority will not. By taking a little time and effort to rethink your interiors, you will appeal to more buyers and achieve a faster sale.