What is home staging and how does it help to sell my home?

If you’re a fan of the huge variety of property programmes on TV, as many are, you’ll probably have heard of the term ‘home staging’ - but what exactly is it?

The object of home staging is to flatter a property without going overboard.  Its aim is to maximise the presentation of a home so the vendor can get the best price possible for their property. 

Part of the skill of a ‘home-stager’ is to show the property in such a way that it appeals to the maximum number of viewers; it’s not simply about neutralising everything as some people may think, it’s about bringing out the best in the home using various skills & techniques.

You may be the type of person who is confident enough and able to tackle this home improvement yourself, which is great. 

Others, however, may find it slightly more daunting or may struggle to find the time in their busy lives.  This is where choosing an estate agent with a proven home-staging service comes into it’s own.

So, how does home staging help sell your home?

1.     It can create the right mood / atmosphere

Have you ever visited a home that had no soul?  If so, how did it make you feel? 

Did you feel comfortable and relaxed?  The answer is probably no.  You know the type of property we mean; bare, no character, mismatched and tired décor.

The bottom line is that not everyone has the time, energy or money to make their home look amazing.  Perhaps they work long hours or maybe they have a large family who take up most of their time.

If this is the case, a home stager could make a huge difference to the home; they can create a mood and make the property seem warmer, brighter and more loved. 

They know precisely what lighting, soft furnishings and accessories to use to create a welcoming space.

2.     Set the stage for eye-catching online photos

What’s the first thing your potential buyers see when trawling through properties on the internet?  The answer is your photos, of course. 

The photographs are the seller’s main tool, in fact a brilliant main photo can hugely increase the chance of getting viewings…and viewings lead to sales. 

If the photos don’t stand out, those potential buyers will continue scrolling and your sale opportunity has gone.

A home stager can create the perfect scene for the photographer.  If a house is staged it will look incredible, then add to that the professional photographer and the results can be astounding.  

3.     They will emphasise good features and disguise any flaws

Professional home stagers are masters of presentation.  They know precisely what to draw attention to and what will bring out the very best in your home.  This could be anything from adding some strategically placed lighting to a forgotten alcove, to completely changing the identity or use of a room.  They know what buyers want and that’s what they deliver.

It’s truly incredible what can be achieved.

4.     They will turn unused / quirky spaces into usable space

Home staging can maximise the value of your home by finding little forgotten spaces where you never knew you had them and turning them into magic spaces. 

Let’s say, for example, you have a dark, unused under-stairs alcove, they will work their magic and give it a use, perhaps by fitting some clever storage solutions, or maybe creating a quiet reading corner with shelving and lighting. 

All these special areas offer the viewers an idea of what ‘lifestyle’ they can expect when living in your home.

5.     A good home stager will give you a good return on your investment

A well-recommended, professional home stager can add value to your home.  It’s important that you choose wisely so we recommend that you ask to see their previous work and portfolio; you could even try to speak with a former client.  Don’t simply opt for the cheapest as, like anything else, you get what you pay for. 

Potentially, as much as 10% value increase can be achieved (depending on the home and the stager) so it’s definitely worth considering!

What does home staging cost?

There are no set prices, as each situation is unique depending on the size, condition and location of the property. 

However, at Quarters Residential we’ve invested (heavily) so that you don’t have to and, in the right circumstances, we can include this premium service within our selling fee (and remember, reputable estate agents will only make a charge when the sale completes at a price which is acceptable to you so where this is included we bear the cost in the true spirit of partnership).

If you’d like to know how home-staging could help you please get in touch.  We are members of The Home Staging Association and have examples of properties which have benefitted (and owners that have realised more from their sale as a result).

If your home is currently on the market and you are unsure how to proceed, please ask we are more than happy to help.  You may find our Sellers Guide - The 7 Steps to a Successful Sale - helpful which you can download here