Staging your home is an essential process when looking to sell your property. When done well it can help attract buyers, speed up your sale and can even help you command a higher price. When undertaking property staging you are creating a blank canvas for potential buyers and helping them picture a life in your home. For some, this process can be very overwhelming and many people are left not knowing where to start. Below we share our top tips to help you stage your homes’ interior before it goes to market.

Declutter your property before staging for a sale

Say goodbye to the clutter! People need to be able to envisage what the property would look like if they were living there. People often find this difficult - so make it easy for them. You can do this by working room by room with a bin bag for rubbish and a box for the charity shop. The things you wish to keep should be organised into containers or storage boxes and either shut away or displayed neatly. Let them see te fantastic  space you’re offering them!

Use different sources of lighting to create a warm atmosphere

Used well, lighting can completely transform a space. Although viewings will usually be booked during daylight hours to allow viewers see the property properly, you can add to the ambience through the use of statement lighting in key rooms.

The glow created by table or floor lamps can create a warm atmosphere that helps to make people feel relaxed. A top tip for smaller or tricky areas, such as tight hallways or small living rooms, is to hang a large mirror in the space to allow more light into the room and create the illusion of more space. Avoid harsh, fluorescent lighting as it can be reminiscent of a clinical environment and can devoid a room of personality.

Define rooms in your home by creating a ‘purpose’

Make sure that each room has a single, defined purpose. This will help buyers see how to maximize the square footage. If you have a converted loft space, stage it as an office.  A converted basement could become an entertainment room and a junk room can be transformed into a guest bedroom. Even if the buyer doesn’t want to use the room for the same purpose, the important thing is for them to see that every inch of the property is usable space. This includes alcoves, window seats, corners, breakfast nooks and other areas with space.

Create a sweet smelling home

Certain scents can stimulate feelings of positivity while others can be off-putting, so choose the fragrance for your home wisely before a visit from prospective buyers.

Simple fragrances such as citruses, pine, basil, cedar, vanilla or cinnamon can enhance your home’s environment. Candles also provide an easy way to spread scent throughout the house when you are present, and simultaneously create a luxury and sophisticated feel. Alternatively, try a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser, but be careful to diffuse oils in a large, airy space to avoid overpowering the viewer.

Focus on the smaller details to complete the look

Stand back and have a think about the styling of your home - with a few focal points. Although the aim is to cut down on clutter, little touches such as a few books stacked neatly on a coffee table along with a candle and some fresh flowers add instant appeal. And you can’t go wrong with a few new house plants!

Keep to neutral colours in rooms

Clean walls will make your house look more appealing for potential buyers. Instead of touching up the current colour think about something to suit everyone. It might not be to your personal taste, but neutral colours are very appealing to potential buyers as it lets them more easily imagine how they would decorate. It also helps brighten the space and makes smaller rooms look and feel bigger.

Enhance the kerb appeal of your property

First impressions matter! Improving how your property looks from the outside is as important as how it feels once you’re inside yet it often gets overlooked. Make sure that the front garden, if you have one, is tidy and well-maintained, all your windows are sparkling, and the front door looks inviting. Even a pot or two of seasonal flowers near the entrance can make all the difference. Doing these small jobs will again make a big impact on your buyers.

Clean your property throughout

A clean home shows potential buyers that you’ve taken good care of the property. Ideally, you should clean every part of the house, from the floors to the ceilings and everything in between. Make sure your bathrooms shine, skirting boards and doors are wiped, and no cobwebs have been left in lampshades or corners. You’d be surprised what a difference it makes!

While each of these styling tips creates a subtle difference, together they add up to make a lasting impression on buyers. If you need help selling your property, please contact us - we would love to be of assistance.