Unlocking a swift sale: Your guide to staging your home for success

Unlocking a swift sale: Your guide to staging your home for success

Selling your home is a big undertaking, and you want it to move quickly and for the best possible price. One of the most impactful things you can do to achieve this is to stage your home effectively. Staging isn’t just about making things look pretty; it’s about presenting your property in a way that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Think of it as a crucial first impression, and with the right approach, you can significantly boost your chances of a fast and successful sale.

So, how do you go about transforming your space from ‘lived in’ to ‘move-in ready’? Let’s break down the key steps to staging your home.

Declutter and depersonalise: The foundation for success

First and foremost, take a hard look at your belongings. The goal isn’t to erase your personality entirely, but rather to create a neutral canvas that appeals to a wide range of tastes. This means:

  • Purge ruthlessly: Pack up anything you don’t use regularly, especially personal items like family photos, collections and excessive knick-knacks. Consider renting a storage unit if space is tight.
  • Organise and streamline: Clearing surfaces like worktops and tabletops will make a space feel larger and more inviting. Think minimal, clean and functional.
  • Wardrobe overhaul: Some property viewers will peek inside your built-in wardrobes. Overly full cupboards suggest a lack of storage, even if it isn’t really an issue. Store out-of-season clothing and organise what remains.

Focus on key rooms: Where buyers pay attention

While it’s important to address the entire home, certain areas demand special attention:

  • The living room: This is often the heart of the home. Arrange furniture to encourage conversation and create a clear flow. Consider a focal point, like a fireplace or large window. Don’t overcrowd the space with too much furniture.
  • The kitchen: A clean and updated kitchen is a huge selling point. Clear counters, invest in some new, stylish accessories and give appliances a good scrub. A bowl of fresh fruit can add a touch of homey charm.
  • Bathrooms: These should feel spa-like. Replace old towels, add fresh soap and put away personal care items. Make sure all fixtures are sparkling clean.
  • The master bedroom: Create a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Neutral colours, minimal accessories and high-quality bedding can make a big difference.

Light and bright: The magic ingredient

Good lighting can transform the feeling of any space. Make the most of natural light:

  • Clean windows: Dirty windows diminish light. Give them a thorough washing, inside and out.
  • Open blinds and curtains: Maximise natural light during showings.
  • Add layers of lighting: Supplement natural light with lamps and overhead fixtures to create a warm and inviting glow.

The final touches: Don’t overlook the details

Little details can make a big difference:

  • Curb appeal: Don’t forget the exterior! A well-maintained lawn, clean entryway and fresh landscaping can make a great first impression.
  • Fresh paint: A fresh coat of paint in neutral colours can instantly brighten and update a space.
  • Neutral palette: Stick to a neutral palette for walls and large furniture pieces. This allows potential buyers to envision their own belongings in the space.
  • Cleanliness is key: Your home should be absolutely spotless for showings.

Staging doesn’t have to be an intimidating or expensive process. By focusing on these key areas and paying attention to detail, you can create a home that’s both appealing and welcoming, ready to attract serious buyers and secure a quick sale.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to hire a professional stager?

A: Not necessarily. While professional stagers can offer expertise and resources, you can achieve great results by following these tips and putting in some effort yourself. However, if you feel overwhelmed or are dealing with a high-end property, professional staging could be a worthwhile investment.

Q: How much should I spend on staging?

A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Focus on areas that will make the biggest impact. Fresh paint, decluttering and proper cleaning can make a big difference with minimal cost. Set a budget and prioritise areas that need the most attention.

Q: Should I stage even if I’m living in the home?

A: Absolutely! Staging while living in your home can be a challenge, but it’s crucial. Maintain the staged appearance during showings, which may mean adjusting your day-to-day habits a bit.

Q: How long will it take to stage my home?

A: This depends on the size of your home and how much decluttering and cleaning is required. Allow yourself enough time to do a thorough job. Don’t rush the process.

Q: What if my home is already well-maintained?

A: Even well-maintained homes can benefit from staging. It’s about presenting your home in its best light, creating a sense of spaciousness and appealing to a wide range of buyers. It’s not about disguising flaws, but rather enhancing existing strengths.

By implementing these staging strategies, you’re investing in the fastest and most profitable sale possible. Happy selling!

Five show home elements to incorporate into your interior design

'Five show home elements to incorporate into your interior design' blog post banner

sitting room with sideboard and parquet floor

 

Have you ever looked around a show home and thought, “Wow, this place looks totally stunning!”? If you’ve taken the time to visit a show home before, there’s a pretty good chance you would have said or thought something right along these lines. That is because developers and property managers put a lot of effort into the perfect presentation of their show homes; after all, these are the properties that will encourage people to move into another one on the development. There are plenty of techniques that developers use to get the best out of their show homes. In fact, there are companies such as Emblem Furniture (www.emblemfurniture.co.uk) who provide staging and furniture hire services to those who are in the trade. Of course, as a home-owner you want to make your home look great whilst still being functional. Therefore, it’s a good compromise to borrow some home show elements, without going the whole hog. Here are five suggestions that could be right up your street:

kitchen sink with industrial-type pull out spray tap

New appliances

When did you last update your kitchen and utility room appliances? Dishwashers, washing machines and fridge freezers can last a fair number of years, but it’s always worthwhile checking out what’s new on the market. This is because appliances can become outdated in terms of energy efficiency and features – it may surprise you, but a new appliance could actually cost you less in the long term. Not only that, but companies are always finding ways to present appliances in a more attractive way, really adding to the look of your home.

orange feature wall in our kitchen

Subtle colour themes

Another thing that show homes usually do well is colour. Whether this is in the walls, floors or furniture, show homes draw in your eye without making you flinch. You could consider incorporating some of these subtle colour themes into your own home such as using calming greens in the kitchen, or warmer colours in the living room. If you’re slightly afraid of colour, you could try starting with a feature wall to introduce yourself to the idea.

large, colourful painting in our sitting room

Feature decorations

Speaking of features, it isn’t just the walls that can make an impact. You can also look to decorations such as clocks and artwork to do the work for you. If your walls are currently a bit bare and barren, this could be a really good technique to bring some character and life into your rooms. Mirrors with interesting frames can also be another great option.

sitting room with chrome coffee table with shiny black glass top

Shiny materials

You can also use other shiny materials aside from mirrors to achieve a high-end finish in your home. Glass is a popular option if you want to create a feeling of spaciousness, and glossy cabinets are perfect for your upgraded kitchen. It’s well worth having a look around warehouses and showrooms in search of inspiration.

kitchen-diner with strips of inset ceiling spotlights

Bold lighting

Finally, check out what lighting options are available to you. If you haven’t been to the hardware store in some time, now might be the perfect opportunity. Show homes often use spotlights to good effect, and will regularly have a statement light fixture in the entrance hall or living area. Borrow these concepts to pull off your own brilliant show home feel.