Date: 8th Dec 2020
When selling your home, you want it to look its absolute best for potential buyers who walk through the door.
That’s where home staging comes in.
Home staging is a method of decorating that highlights your house's most impressive features and helps buyers envision themselves living there. Why stage a home for sale? With so much to gain, it makes sense to put time and effort into home staging. The good news is that learning how to stage a house for sale inexpensively comes down to making smart, budget-friendly decisions, not costly overhauls.
We’ve listed some practical ideas to stage a house for sale, which can help your home attract buyers, sell faster, and potentially fetch a higher price. Here are our suggestions on how to stage a house for sale on a budget—plus a few tips for when it’s worth calling in the pros if styling just isn’t your thing.
The entrance to the house gives prospective buyers their first impression of the property. A nice rug and a console or sideboard with fresh flowers provide the perfect introduction.
Removing clutter is essential—stow away family photos and other personal memorabilia or knickknacks. Keep furniture to a minimum to make the room feel more spacious. Painting the walls a light, neutral colour can make the living area feel more open and inviting.
Cleanliness is key here; nothing will put a buyer off as quickly as dirty kitchen cabinet doors and dusty surfaces. A bowl of fruit and a recipe book open on a stand can help a buyer imagine cooking up a storm. Streamline the number of items you keep in cupboards and drawers to show how much storage space is available.
The best bathrooms feel like a luxurious spa retreat. Adding good-quality, fluffy white towels and a coordinated set of accessories like a soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, and tumbler can make all the difference. A wicker tray of shells can also help increase your bathroom’s appeal. Hide personal items such as toothbrushes and make-up. Make sure the toilet is spotlessly clean!
Again, have as little furniture as possible. A bed, bedside tables and a chest of drawers should suffice. If the room is small but has just enough room for a double bed, put one in to show the space’s potential. When thinking about how to stage a bed for house sale appeal, stick to simple, fresh linens in neutral tones, and add a few tasteful cushions or a throw for a polished look. Slim down the wardrobe to highlight the closet’s full storage potential. The master bedroom deserves special attention as it's a key selling point.
Generally, it’s best to remove books from a home you’re staging. However, if they are neatly arranged on a bookcase, they can help lend a professional feel. One top tip is to keep the styling minimal—aim for a clean, clutter-free room that feels calm and conducive to work. A simple desk setup, complete with a lamp and some plants, can help buyers envision a productive work-from-home lifestyle.
Aim to keep it simple—just a dining table, chairs, and perhaps a sideboard or buffet. Setting the table with attractive crockery and cutlery can help buyers picture themselves entertaining. Make sure there’s ample room to move around the furniture, especially in more formal dining areas that are separate from the kitchen.
If you're focused on staging a home for quick sale, a well-presented deck or patio can be a powerful selling point. Use stylish outdoor furniture to highlight the potential for entertaining or relaxing. If the space allows, incorporate both a dining area with a table and chairs, as well as a cosy seating area with outdoor couches. Opt for a few large, statement plants in substantial pots rather than multiple smaller ones to create a more cohesive look. Finally, give the deck and pathways a thorough power wash to remove dirt and grime, making the entire area look fresh and inviting.
Don’t overlook your backyard in the home staging process. Ensure your property is well-maintained with trimmed hedges and a neat lawn. Consider painting your fence dark colours – this is a great way to improve your yard's appeal. The dark colour draws the focus to the garden planted in front of it, making your plants pop and appear more lush and vibrant. If you have a pool, make sure it's crystal clear and well-maintained – a key feature that can make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
When it comes to staging your home to sell, you can either take on the task yourself or hire a professional. How much does it cost to have a house staged by a pro? There are generally three options that you can choose from to make a great impression:
Many sellers find that professionals can highlight their home’s best features in ways they hadn’t considered. Pricing typically ranges from a few hundred dollars for a consultation to several thousand for staging a house to sell on a larger scale. But even if you don’t opt for professional house staging, carefully considered DIY home staging can still improve your house value, making it definitely worth the cost of the time spent.
Research shows that staged homes typically do sell for more, with Wise Up reporting many realtors see a 10-15% increase in the final sale price. Given that houses are often the most expensive asset most people will sell, staging can often be well worth the investment.
At Tremains, our experienced team is here to guide you through the home staging process. If you’re seeking the best way to stage a house for sale, we’ve got the expertise and tips to make your home stand out. We also partner with trusted suppliers who can handle the home staging for you. Contact us today to explore your options and get your home ready to sell quickly and for the best price.
*Thank you very much to AA Insurance and Louise Richardson for the initial version of this content – Reference here