Home staging is just one of the many tasks to complete when preparing a property for sale, and one we encourage you to consider. Whether it is undertaken by the property owner or a professional home stager, a well-presented property will be more appealing and is likely to sell quickly.
This a strong cliché, but first impressions matter, and a well-staged property is a great investment and can provide benefits that include:
- Attracting new buyers to open homes
- Potentially increasing the number of offers to buy the property
- Raising the value buyers perceive of the property, and their offer amount
Getting Ready to Sell Your Property
Before putting your home on the market, you are likely to want to declutter your belongings, clean the property inside and out and depersonalise it. Real estate agents are certain to agree with these tasks, as they want to market a home that looks and smells great. But there’s one thing they are likely to consider you doing, and that’s home staging.
Home staging refers to preparing a property for buyers that looks great and is appealing to the target buyers. It can consist of several factors, including redecorating, removing and adding furniture, artwork, window dressings, light fixtures and other home décor items.
Generally, the staging will usually consist of the thoughtful positioning of hired furniture, artwork, and other home décor accessories.
Your Options for Home Staging
If staging your property is something you have decided to do, you’ve generally got two options:
- DIY staging
- Professional home staging
If you have a flair for design and an eye for attention to detail, then staging your property is something you should consider doing yourself. Working room by room, check that the furniture doesn’t look too big or small, that the positive features are highlighted (such as curtains pulled back from the amazing window view), personal photos and belongings are removed, and there is a neutral colour palette throughout the home. This may involve you needing to paint over feature walls, swap bedding and pillows for more sedate versions and pack away the dog’s bed!
A professional home stager is most likely wanting to start with a blank canvas. This will require you to pack up and store your belongings elsewhere. After visiting your property, they will develop a plan to furnish each room. Their aim will be to bring in hire furniture, which is often by a well-known designer, and stage each room. By showcasing the best features of your property, they will draw the buyer’s attention to the positive areas, with less emphasis on the less positive aspects.
Some home staging teams will work with furniture that is present in the home, incorporating it into their design. You may find that they recommend you do not live at the property while it is staged. This is to ensure the home continues to look its best and to avoid soiling or damaging any décor and furniture they have brought onsite.
In conclusion, when preparing your property for sale, you would be well advised to seriously consider using the services of a home stager or spending time completing the staging process yourself!
