A seller who is committed to extracting every cent of value from selling their home will always invest in professional staging. It’s not cheap, but the reward can be substantial.
Staging involves a professional stylist assessing your home. They will select the most appropriate furniture and fittings, which will give the property a total makeover.
The aim is to present a stylish but essentially blank canvas so buyers do not feel they are intruding on the seller’s home. When that happens, most buyers find it difficult to picture themselves living in the property.
For the seller, it can be a little disconcerting to be told your furniture “has to go”, but the stylist is trying to maximize the value of your home, not give a critique of your home fashion choices.
Of course, on top of the cost of the stylist and the renting of the furniture – usually reserved for six weeks – you need to put your own furniture in storage until you’re ready to move. So, the costs do add up, but the benefits can be lucrative.
Of course, not everyone’s budget will stretch to a stylist and special furniture and accessories. So, below, I have given you a list of tips for staging your own home.
Be definitive – Make the purpose of every room clear to remove any guesswork for the buyer. And if you have an odd-shaped nook or corner, stage it as a small, functional space, like a reading corner or a home work station.
Right-sized furniture – This is a really important point: ensure the furniture you use is appropriately sized for the room. Oversized pieces make rooms look cramped, while tiny pieces make the room feel awkward.
Living room – The furniture arrangement should be open and inviting, encouraging conversation and relaxation. Avoid having the seating face the TV.
Primary bedroom – Stage the main bedroom as a luxurious, peaceful retreat. Use crisp, high-quality bedding and keep surfaces clear of personal items.
Kitchen – Keep countertops clear to emphasize workspace. You can break it up with a fruit bowl, of course, but don’t clutter it.
Dining area: Set the table simply yet elegantly for a small gathering to clearly demonstrate the room’s function and size.
Maximize light: Always open all blinds, drapes and curtains before every showing. Clean your windows thoroughly.
Update fixtures: Replace any dim or outdated light fixtures with modern ones that provide bright, warm-toned illumination.
Showcase outdoors – Set up your patio or deck with comfortable furniture, a small dining setup and attractive lighting to show its potential for entertaining.