Selling your house may well be one of the most stressful things you ever do, but there are a few things you can do to ensure a smoother process. As many who are currently navigating a house move will know all too well, the way a house is staged can make all the difference and can be key to a quick sale.
A well-staged house can help speed up the selling process, allowing buyers to envision what their life might look like in their new home. Although you may assume staging a house may set you back a fair few quid, and some do indeed splash out in this area, this doesn't necessarily have to be the case.
With this in mind, interior design expert, Zara O’Hare from Land of Rugs, has outlined some of the cheapest, quickest, and most appealing ways to stage a home.
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Invest in your 'kerb appeal'
Potential buyers will get an eyeful of the exterior of your property before so much as setting foot inside, and so Zara advises cleaning windows, gutters, and sidings to your home. Making sure to mow your lawn and plant a few flowers can apparently also make a huge difference. Sorting out any chipped paint is also advised, as is staging an outdoor area or patio space.
Cleaning up and decluttering
According to Zara: “One of the most effective and free things you can do to prepare your home is to clean and declutter.”
This should include cleaning absolutely everything from top to bottom, including appliances. Zara also urges sellers to scrub the corners and hidden areas they'd usually just leave, ensuring buyers aren't put off by unsightly grime.
Clutter should be stored or chucked away, and sellers should have a 'less is better' when considering furniture and decor, creating the feel of an open, spacious area.
Smells can make a huge difference and potential buyers will be drawn to soft, welcoming smells. Therefore, investing in an inviting lemon or lavender fragrance can be a great idea.
Make sure to depersonalize your space
Photos, clothing, makeup, and all other such personal items can make it harder for potential buyers to envision themselves in their new home, so you should make sure all things that personalize your home are removed or stored away.
Brighten up the space
Zara has advised: “You want your space to look as bright and open as possible, so open up those blinds! Let all of the natural light shine in and make sure the windows are clean.”
Those with old carpet or flooring are encouraged to consider renting out a carpet cleaner or perhaps get a rug. If you are able to, then a lick of fresh paint and a few bright decor items can also lighten things up a treat.
Show off your storage
Buyers will be looking for homes with good storage space, and so this is one element sellers should try and highlight as best they can. One simple way to do this is to declutter and organise, storing smaller items in baskets and containers to avoid a messy look.
Do you have some house-selling tips to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
