How to stage your home

When you are ready to sell, your estate agent will advise you to "stage your home". This method of enforcing a quick sale refers to decorating and showcasing your home's best assets in order to impress potential buyers, as well as attract the highest possible price. If you are having a little trouble selling your home, the process of staging can make a big difference. 

Why are you staging your home?
Understanding the benefits of staging a home is vital as it will help you decide if the process is right for you. You can also determine how much to invest in doing it. When selling your home, staging is worth the time and effort as it makes it easier for people to visualize the property as their own. Staging your home can also decrease the time spent on the market and lead to an increase in the sale price.

Stage the main rooms first
While it is preferred to have your entire house staged, it may not be cost efficient to stage the main room first. Staging the most important rooms in your house will save you both money and time. Consider staging your living room first, then perhaps your main bedroom, followed by the kitchen. Other rooms should be your last priority. Pools and patios are also great to stage as potential buyers in South Africa are often entertaining guests and enjoying a good braai.  
 
Rearrange furniture
Turn your boring room into an exciting and attractive feature by rearranging your furniture. Position your couches, tables, and chairs away from your walls - this design technique is referred to as "floating". Adding a rug will create a cosy and intimate space. If your furniture is not showroom quality, consider renting better furniture to improve the appearance of your staged room. Remember to remove the older unattractive furniture from your home. 

Get rid of the clutter
Along with removing your unattractive furniture, remove all clutter from each room. Nothing is more unpleasant than clutter in a home. Potential buyers will instantly be put off purchasing your home. Do not store your clutter in cupboards as potential buyers often look in them. Remember to remove personalised items as potential buyers will try to visualise themselves in the home and will find it difficult to adapt to items such as pictured family frames. Once your clutter has been removed, clean each room including every nook and cranny in the home.  

Go for the light and bright look
Potential buyers are attracted to homes that have that "ray of sunshine" feel. Open the curtains and blinds to allow the sunshine in. It will also make the room look larger and full of life. Ensure that your light fixtures are appealing to the eye. If they are outdated, consider replacing them. 

Don't forget about the outside
While the inside of your house may be spick and span, do not forget about the outside. The outside of your house gives potential buyers the first impression of your home. Stage the outside of your home by doing the following: 
    - Clean up your walkways and windows
    - Ensure your house number is easy to read
    - Mow the lawn and trim overgrown greenery
    - Plant pretty flowers

Add a little extra
Once you have perfected how to stage your home inside and out, you can add some finishing touches. Potential buyers will enjoy lit scented candles, fresh flowers, a fruit bowl, as well as folded towels in the bathroom. 

Selling your humble abode can often be a stressful and long affair. Staging your home will help minimize the long selling process. Contact Hermanus Property Sales for expert advice and we will assist you in getting the right answers to all your questions.