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Sell your home with 7 simple staging rules

7 Simple Rules for Home Staging

Home staging is an important part of the process in selling a property, one that can add hundreds, even thousands of pounds, to the sale price. Staging your home prepares it for photographs and viewings, and can help save time later on when packing and cleaning prior to moving day.

Whilst there are many professional staging companies on the market to choose from, DIY home staging is a straightforward, low-cost option. Follow these 7 simple rules for home staging and discover how easy it is to ready a property for sale. Quick to implement and simple to follow, these tips will bring the best out of any property.

1. Minimise your staging

When it comes to staging, less is more. Keep things simple. Do make the bed and plump-up cushions, but don’t go overboard. Let the interior design and staging complement the accommodation on offer, not detract from it.

2. De-personalise your home

While family photographs might convey a warm and homely feel, they are also a stark reminder that the property still belongs to someone else. Home staging should allow buyers to imagine themselves in the property and how they would utilise the space. For now, put family photographs and drawings away in a safe place. 

3. De-clutter every room

Cluttered surfaces, overcrowded cupboards and stuffed wardrobes are distracting and give the impression of insufficient storage space in the home. It is worthwhile boxing up these items, along with books and DVDs, and storing them out of the way in the attic or garage, ready for moving day. If short on space, consider moving them to a self-storage unit. The same applies to bulky furniture items that make rooms appear smaller than they actually are.

4. Neutralise décor

Sellers do not need to redecorate their entire property prior to putting it on the market. However, a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference in a sale. When refreshing the walls, neutral tones typically work best, as they help enhance the sense of space and light. Neutral tones can also be brightened with colourful furnishings and accessories. Most importantly, a home with neutral décor is easier for the new owner to personalise.

5. Deep clean

A fresh, clean home makes a fantastic first impression and indicates a well-maintained property, which is always an important consideration for buyers. A deep clean (that includes shampooing carpets, cleaning windows and steam-cleaning hard floors) prior to putting the property on the market saves time in the long run and will add to a home’s saleability. Expect buyers to look inside cupboards and built-in appliances, like ovens, dishwashers and fridges, and make sure they are clean, organised and uncluttered. 

6. Define the space

Sellers should let every room speak its function in clear terms. It is important to consider whether every room in the property is being used to its full potential as well.

For example, if the smallest bedroom has become a make-shift study or general storage space, its function becomes less and less evident. De-clutter and define it as a bedroom. Of course, it can still have a study area, just make sure the space is clearly defined.

7. Garden staging

Outdoor spaces often get overlooked when it comes to home staging. Yet a well-presented garden can drive viewings just as much as immaculate home interiors.

When staging the garden, think seasonally. In the spring and summer, arrange patio furniture and create a barbecue area to show how the space can be used for family gatherings and garden parties. On autumn and winter evenings, highlight outdoor spaces using low-cost solar-powered light posts or wall lights.

No matter the time of year, keep lawns and flowerbeds neat and tidy. It is also a good idea to spruce up potted plants and to place them in high-visibility areas. 

For more expert staging tips or advice on selling your home, contact NEST Estate Agents on 01324 228299 or info@nest-estateagents.co.uk