Home staging is all about presenting or styling your property attractively to entice more prospective buyers/tenants and SELL/RENT to them for the maximum price. A styled property will appeal to the widest range of viewers, it will have the essential ‘wow factor’ and the ability to inspire the viewer to visualise each space as their own. In this competitive market place only the highest standards will pass the scrutiny test of a potential buyer/tenant, as they are conditioned, maybe subconsciously, to find fault with your property in order to secure a lower price. A successfully home staged/styled property will instantly win them over for the desired asking price, allowing both the buyer/tenant and seller/landlord to move on ‘hassle free’.

The key ingredients to home staging your property; de-clutter, neutralise, de-personalise, inspire and create wow! factor

De-clutter – now it is time for you to move on!
Your aim is to create a neutral space, free of family photographs and ornaments which are personal to you and illustrate your life, but which will distract a prospective buyer. The idea is to allow each potential buyer to visit your property and visualise themselves living there. This process begins the moment you advertise your property for sale. Immediately you can wrap up and store away your personal belongings, safe until you arrive in your new home. Since this is a job you would save until the last minute you will be helping yourself by de-stressing the final stages of your move along with securing a quicker property sale. You will be surprised how spacious each room will appear, you may identify a few areas in need of a touch of paint!

Neutralise – think show home style
This is very important if you are to gain maximum appeal from a wide audience. Whilst it may be difficult to appreciate spending any amount of money on your property prior to selling, the recommendation is to budget 1% of the asking price to secure a significant return on your investment, up to 10% more than the full asking price, and quickly. Your aim is to create a freshness and harmony throughout your property. Show home style means perfection and this includes a very high standard of cleanliness. In particular buyers wish to see spotless kitchens and bathrooms, with fresh aromas. Gardens must be well maintained front and rear with an inviting front door and entrance hall area. Windows must sparkle, paying attention to light switches and door frames, all paintwork inside and out will benefit from a clean to freshen its appearance. Carpets and floor coverings in plain neutral shades work the best. It is worthwhile having these professionally cleaned or hiring the equipment to complete the work yourself. Remember if you are pet owners, whilst most of us love animals, it is in your best interest to house them in their pet carrier to a secure spot, during all viewings. All areas used by your pets must be maintained to the highest standard prior to viewings.

Inspire/Wow! Factor – show stopper show home perfection
Think of hosting a party, from the moment your guests arrive you are wishing them to enjoy themselves and celebrate, this is the same principle. Each potential buyer to pull up outside your front door needs to be drawn by the magic. If your front door has chipped paint, re-paint it, if you decide to change the colour think through the connection, does it match your garage door and gate? Does it compliment the colour of curtains in your entrance hall? Consider the style and features of your property, should you paint your classic front door bright yellow? Choosing the right colour to suit your property style is very important. Once your potential buyers are into your hallway, are they guided to the spacious layout of the downstairs of your property, or are they greeted by a rack of dirty shoes! First impressions – you get one chance to create the right first impression, don’t leave it to chance! The hall is the perfect opportunity to create wow! factor and follow through into the reception rooms of your property. Each room, if dressed to impress will have a focal point to stimulate the senses of your viewer. A vase of fresh cut flowers on the dining room table, neatly arranged decorative cushions with co-ordinating wall prints stragetically placed invite your viewer to dream and visualise...small changes will have a massive impact if staged successfully. The balance and position of furniture in proportion to each room considering the purpose of each room to realise the best look for your property. Unrestricted views into your beautifully maintained gardens will inspire your viewers and turn them into BUYERS.

Renting out your property? – stand out in the crowd
This is a highly competitive market place and knowing your market is vital. Do you need advice on what furniture to utilise and which pieces to remove? Viewers are looking for space, fresh neutral colour schemes, good storage and well maintained properties in excellent working order. An indication of this will be the kitchen and bathroom areas. These will require to be spotless and aroma free with all traces of limescale and kitchen grease removed. It is important to set a good example of how you would like your property to be respected by re-painting the walls regularly; if they are showing clear signs of wear and tear then your property is less likely to be looked after. An organised folder to welcome your tenants including up to date billing information; local authority and amenity contact details encourages respect for your property.

Virtual Tours – how to increase your odds
Consider adding a virtual tour to your property advertisement to show off the qualities of your property to its fullest potential, once home staging is completed. A virtual tour will encourage the genuine prospective buyers to contact you to arrange viewings of your property and to eliminate lookers.

Home staging by hotproperties4u
We can visit your home and view your property objectively, inside out, through the eyes of the potential buyer. We take in every aspect, identifying and overcoming objections to protect your investment and ensure a smooth sale. From accessorising a single room to creating perfect showhome style, we can help. If changes are needed, we can create a new look without lavish expense on re-decoration, using existing furnishings to enhance your property. A full action plan can be designed 4u from an initial consultation to helping you pack, contact us at info@hotproperties4u or 07900 225544