Home Staging

What is home staging?

Also known as house doctoring, this is when you make a few small changes to your home to achieve a faster sale and get the best price. It’s about making your home irresistible to buyers and elevating your house above the competition.

When you decide to sell your home, it is important to understand that your house is going to be someone else’s home. You need to detach yourself from it being your home. Yes of course it’s still your home, but at the same time it is a property that you want someone to buy from you.

People viewing your house need to imagine living there. If you want a quick sale, and get the best price, you shouldn’t have anything in your home that could put people off. Most people cannot see beyond what is in front of them.

Whilst you have every right to adore your bright pink living room or dark brown bedroom, it probably won’t be someone else’s cup of tea. To give your home maximum appeal, that might mean toning down strong colours or temporarily removing items that are overtly ‘your taste’.

Put yourself in your buyers shoes. When you are viewing a house, how good is your imagination? Can you easily see through someone’s clutter and picture a clean and spacious room? Can you envisage that dark and dingy red dining room painted in soft colours if soothing pastels are more your thing? If you can, you’re in the minority as most people can’t, so are easily put off by things they don’t like. Whilst you can’t change the fact that you’re next door to a noisy pub or overlook a graveyard, you can do something about the interior and exterior of your home.

Why use a professional?

I have been designing and installing show homes for housebuilders since 1990. Throughout my career I have dressed dozens of houses – hundreds probably – for the sole purpose of achieving a sale. In doing this I create homes that are aspirational yet homely.

Homeowners have a natural tendency to not be able to detach themselves from their own home and belongings, which means it is hard for them to spot the aspects that are likely to put prospective buyers off.

It’s also hard for homeowners to know where to start. Exactly what they should concentrate on, and what doesn’t need changing. Using a professional can actually save you money as you can often recoup the cost when you sell. Most changes are easy to do yourself, saving you a lot of money.

I will visit your home, and make an honest appraisal. I will never insult your taste, nor tell you to get rid of treasured items just because they might be dated. It’s about working with what you have, and guiding you to make some changes – often just small changes – to give your house a new spice of life and create that all important positive first impression.

Things to consider when house doctoring

DECLUTTER – this comes first and foremost. Clutter is very distracting to buyers and makes rooms look smaller and untidy too. We’re all guilty of owning way too much stuff, which we’ve accumulated over time. You’re moving house, you’re going to be packing up your belongings anyway, so make a start now, before you put your house on the market. Pack it up and put it in storage, or donate it to charity if it’s not longer needed. Kitchen surfaces in particular must look spacious, and living rooms and bedrooms tidy. It’s a great opportunity to have a big clear out.

STORAGE – good storage is very important. Consider purchasing some additional storage to make each room feel tidy and organised. This might be storage boxes, not necessarily furniture. You do not want buyers to open a cupboard and find it packed to the gunwales, with stuff about to fall on top of them. When staging a house, buyers need to feel your home can cope with their belongings because your storage is ample, not under pressure. Storage boxes are a fantastic way to organise your belongings.

CLEANING – it is essential that your home is spotlessly clean. If you don’t have time or the inclination, get someone in to do it. Just until you are under offer. Without sounding rude, there is nothing more off putting that someone else’s dirt. Imagine how you’d feel staying in a hotel room that is dusty and grimy. It would not be a pleasant experience. Sometimes a house viewing happens at very short notice. If someone rings your estate agent wanting to see your house that day, and you’re at work, you cannot afford to say no, simply because there’s a pile of dirty dishes by the sink. Make sure your sanitaryware and taps are sparkling clean, at all times.

DIY – get those obvious maintenance items done. Fix that leaky tap. Touch up that peeling paint. Repair that door that creaks or gets stuck. To secure a quick sale, people do not want to feel they will have to tackle a big list of jobs when they move in.

DECORATING – seriously consider a fresh coat of paint – at least in the most important rooms. Pale colours brighten a room as they reflect light better. This also helps to make a room feel bigger. While you may love vibrant or dark colours or bold wallpapers, it’s advisable to stick to with something that is safe. You don’t have to go white or, dare I mention it, magnolia. But neutrals and soft colours will create a space-enhancing feel that buyers will love.

CARPETS – get these professionally cleaned. Stains and marks can make people think they will have to fork out for new carpets, when in fact they might actually be very good. Just grubby. You will need to clear the room for this to be done, so it’s a brilliant opportunity to take a hard look at what you absolutely need to keep and what you can get rid of or pack away. Cleaning carpets gets rid of stale smells, perhaps from your dog, or years of cooking.

KITCHEN STAGING – if your dated kitchen is likely to hold back an offer, then consider a makeover. You don’t need to change the entire kitchen – perhaps just the doors and drawer fronts. The cost, if remodelled wisely, can easily be recouped when you sell.

ACCESSORIES – often just decluttering is enough to make your home feel like new again. But you might want to buy a few items too. If you have a tired sofa, freshen it up with a throw and some new cushions. A bright picture in the living room is a useful trick too. As is a new rug, especially if it helps hide a carpet that is beyond its best, or not the most appealing of colours. Some new towels in your bathroom, and new bedding will make a huge difference too. Add some house plants, as these add an appealing pop of interest and make a room look fresh. Never buy fake plants – always buy real.

KERB APPEAL – first impressions count. Many buyers research properties online and then do a kerb side viewing before contacting an estate agent to view internally. It is paramount that your property has kerb appeal. Paint your front door. Jet wash the driveway and paths and remove all weeds. If you can, add some annuals to introduce some fresh colour. If not, simply buy some ready-planted pots or hanging baskets from the garden centre to put by your front door. Cut your front lawn and trim grass edging, so it’s always well manicured.

GARDEN – ensure your lawn is cut and lawn edges trimmed neatly. Clear away any fallen leaves and weed all beds, including the lawn if you can. Most buyers are looking for a low maintenance garden, so prune everything to make it look well cared for and easy to look after. Jet wash any paved areas and clean all garden furniture so it looks like you use the garden regularly. Improve weathered fences and outdoor woodwork with a lick of paint or exterior wood stain.

A FINAL TIP – always go out when there’s a viewing – especially a first viewing. Buyers will feel much more relaxed and comfortable if you are not present. Instruct your agent to arrive early and turn all the lights on. For the weeks you are on the market, have the heating on while you are at work if it’s winter. Stepping into a chilly house will put people off.