Selling a home can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, you can increase its appeal to potential buyers and achieve a higher sale price. Whether you're a first-time seller or a seasoned pro, home staging and home styling can help you make the most of your property and give it the best chance to shine.

What is Home Staging?
Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale or rent by making it look as attractive and appealing as possible. The goal is to create a backdrop that allows buyers to imagine themselves living in the space and see its potential. Even the cheapest homes can benefit from proper home staging, and it can be a worthwhile investment in terms of both time and money.

Basic Home Staging Tips
Here are some basic home staging tips to get you started:

1. De-clutter and store items that take up too much space, are unappealing, or could be controversial to potential buyers. Overcrowded rooms can appear smaller and darker, which can lower a buyer's opinion of the property.
2. Clean carpets and remove any pet or household odors.
3. Apply a fresh coat of paint, using low-odor paint to make the house smell like new. Lighten homes that are dim and reduce glare in homes with too much sunlight.
4. Replace tap fittings and consider re-grouting in the bathroom or ensuite.
5. Enhance or tone down natural light as needed. Remove windows and blinds if they block light or obstruct a great view.
6. Install a skylight to brighten up a dimly lit room.
7. Install a split system air conditioner or ceiling fans to enhance value and solve a problem with a hot bedroom.
8. Consider installing awnings to cut down on afternoon sun.
9. Pay close attention to entry and exit points. Add a stunning painting, flowers, or a decorative coat hanger to create a "wow factor" when buyers first enter the property.
10. Replace dated or tattered curtains or blinds.

Improvised Home Staging Ideas
For homes that warrant a more improvised approach, consider the following:

1. Rent furniture that is more appropriate in style, color, or size to make a room appear larger.
2. Knock out an internal wall to create more space.
3. Render a dated internal brick feature wall.
4. Replace a worn or tired garage door.
5. Replace old carpets or expose and polish floorboards.

Improvised Bathroom and Kitchen Ideas
Bathrooms and kitchens are key areas to impress buyers, so consider the following updates:

1. Re-tile walls and floors.
2. Replace cupboard handles.
3. Install brighter lighting in the kitchen.
4. Replace external doors with windowed doors to let in more light.

Impressive External Ideas
Street appeal is the first thing a potential buyer sees when they arrive at your property, so make sure it's attractive and inviting:

1. Render an old brick veneer home.
2. Replace old windows.
3. Paint a tile roof and repaint the mortar.

Tips for Success

1. Ask for outside opinions. Friends or family members can give you a fresh perspective on your property and suggest areas for improvement.
2. Consider getting expert help. A professional staging business can assess your property and suggest the most cost-effective solutions. You can also consider taking a home staging course to learn the tricks of the trade and add a new skill set to your arsenal!

If you would like more information on getting your hoome staged, please speak with our sales team today!