Moving Homes: DIY Home Staging Tips to Save You Money
Are you preparing to sell your house? Moving homes can be one of the most stressful events in life (just ask me as we’ve recently moved into our forever home), with tight timelines and unexpected costs adding to the burden. In this guide, we’ve shared easy-to-follow, affordable tips on how to stage a home and increase its value.
The Difficult Task of Moving
While moving homes can represent an exciting new chapter, home-hunting, packing possessions, selling, and moving can also be daunting.
However, if you’re planning to work with a professional moving company for the move, things will be much easier.
It’s also helpful to be aware of the latest trends in property sales to encourage views and increase the home’s asking price.
Modern home selling trends include using drone footage or 3D scans to allow for immersive digital viewings. Editorial-level home presentations can also enhance a property’s desirability. When it comes to selling, google the term ‘Sold online estate agent’ who empowers homeowners to sell without relying on traditional estate agents. By understanding these trends, sellers can stay ahead in the competitive property market.
Staging 101: Depersonalise and Minimalise
According to statistics from Architectural Digest, more than 80% of buyers’ agents believe that staging helps potential buyers visualise a property as a future home. One integral element of this is to depersonalise the home so they can imagine themselves in the space. This includes removing family photographs, sentimental keepsakes, or quirky aesthetic styles and tastes.
Instead, create a home with a neutral colour palette, with unnecessary clutter on walls and surfaces removed for greater impact. Rather than purchase new furniture for staging, consider short-term rentals that are modern, clean, and fresh.
Clean Thoroughly for a Refresh
Often a major concern when viewing a potential new home is its ease of maintenance, so presenting a clean house can put the viewer’s mind at ease. Deep scrub bathrooms, the kitchen, and living spaces, steam clean carpets and curtains, and consider repainting the walls. Refresh the tile grout, polish timber floors, and keep windows and mirrors spotless.
Let the Light In
Research suggests that low residential lighting impacts mood, and many have an intuitive resistance to being in dark, claustrophobic spaces. Therefore, home stagers will want to maximise the natural light in the space. Open the curtains and blinds during viewings and consider light drapes and curtains to further brighten the room. This can even make a room feel larger. Light, neutral-coloured furniture will also brighten a space, as will simple lighting fixtures.
Don’t Forget About the Exterior
The home exterior is the first thing prospective buyers will notice during a viewing. Ensure the lawn is mowed and gardens are maintained to make a strong first impression. Plants and flowers can also be a showstopper. If the budget allows, consider a fresh coat of paint, and don’t forget to clean the doors, handles, and windows.
Stage to Sell
By following these tips, sellers can boost buyer interest in their properties and potentially increase the asking price. Be sure to depersonalise and minimise clutter, clean the house, introduce natural light, and refresh the exterior to make a big impact.
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