If you’re selling your house, then it’s important that you’re aware that first impressions count! You want homebuyers to be able to imagine themselves living in your space and by facilitating this you’re one step closer to securing a buyer. Did you know that there’s an art to presenting your home in the most appealing way called home staging? Let’s take a closer look at the top tips for staging your home.
Top 10 home staging tips
Many homeowners can often miss the mark when it comes to home staging when it goes on the market, here’s ten common mistakes you should be aware of when getting your home ready for sale, so you know what NOT to do.
1. Over-personalisation
We all love our personal touches – family photos, quirky ornaments, and keepsakes. However, when it comes to selling your home and home staging, they all have the potential to can distract potential homebuyers from imagining themselves living in your home.
Home staging tip: remove personal items and if you can opt for a fresh neutral decor. Think of it as setting a stage for someone else’s story.
2. Home staging and neglecting the outside
First impressions start the outside. An unkempt garden, chipped paint on the wall or windows, or a cluttered driveway can instantly create a negative impression.
Tip: mow the lawn, prune shrubs, and consider a fresh coat of paint for your front door and you’re your windows a clean. A little effort can make a big difference and create that all important kerb appeal.
3. Leaving clutter around when home staging
From overstuffed cupboards to crowded worktops, unnecessary clutter can be a massive turn-off for potential buyers.
House selling tip: decluttering is essential for home staging. As sales agents advise, “Less is more.” Clear out unnecessary items and consider renting a storage unit if you don’t have room to store things you intend to keep. Home buyers do look in cupboards and fitted wardrobes so be warned not to just stuff your cupboards full and give them a clean inside and out. Spacious homes are more appealing.
4. Home staging and bad lighting
A dark and dingy room will feel uninviting and small.
Tip: where possible maximise natural light. Pull back heavy curtains, clean windows, and place mirrors strategically to reflect light. Its worth investing in warm and inviting lights if necessary.
5. Bold and busy wallpapers/wall colours
While you might adore that bold patterned wallpaper or that bright red accent wall, it could be a turn-off for some potential buyers.
Tip: invest in some paint and neutralise your colour scheme. Sticking to soft and versatile colours like whites, greys, or soft pastels can be a good move. It will also help lighten up your room and create a feeling of space.
6. Overly fragrant scents and home staging
Strong artificial scents can be off-putting and can make buyers wonder if you’re hiding something (like damp or mould).
Tip: stick to neutral or naturally pleasant odours when you’re staging your home. Open windows for fresh air or consider mildly fragrant flowers. On the flip side be aware of less favourable smells like dogs’ beds or ash trays, these will not help the appeal of your home.
7. Neglecting small repairs
Creaky floorboards, chipped tiles, or leaking taps might seem minor but can suggest to buyers that the home isn’t well-maintained and there might a few things to tackle as soon as they move in. It could also reduce the offer/s you receive. Research the things what not to fix and what to fix when selling your home.
Tip: tackle these small repairs head-on. Showing a home in its best condition can help you maximise the offers you receive.
8. Home staging crowded rooms
Filling a room with too much furniture can make it appear cramped.
Tip: less is more when staging your home. Choose fewer, well-placed pieces to make rooms appear larger and more inviting. If you’re in de-cluttering mode why not store any large pieces of furniture to help show off the space each room has to offer,
9. Forgetting about flow
The journey a buyer takes through your home should be smooth. If they’re constantly dodging furniture or objects, the viewing can feel disjointed.
Tip: think about the flow of each room and the house as a whole. Rearrange any furniture if necessary.
10. Thinking everyone has your taste
What appeals to you might not appeal to your potential buyers.
Tip: aim for a broad appeal. Speak to your estate agents about current home decor trends and what most buyers are looking for.
What most buyers look for when viewing a property
Home staging isn’t about erasing your home’s personality. It’s about presenting it in a way that a as many buyers as possible can appreciate.
Avoid the above mistakes, seek advice from professional estate agents, and most importantly, think about the potential buyer’s experience as they walk through your home.
Most home buyers are looking for:
- A clean slate: they want to visualise themselves living in your home and a space they can easily personalise, which means neutral decor and a clutter-free environment.
- Space: not just the square footage but rooms that feel spacious and airy.
- Good maintenance: a home that’s been cared for or renovated suggests a sound investment for a well-maintained property. Neglect could result in limited or low offers for your home.
- Light: well-lit rooms feel more inviting and spacious.
- Potential: a homebuyer is essentially looking for a new place to grow into and make their own. Help them envisage this.
Home staging and next steps
If you’re ready to get your home ready for sale, then discuss the above house staging tips and seek extra house selling tips from your local estate agent who knows the local market. Your local Propertymark agent is qualified and regulated to a code of conduct so you can be sure you’re in safe hands.
Last Updated: November 22nd, 2023
