With these six steps, your investment property will go from drab to fabulous in no time – ensuring a quick sale and maximum return on investment.
Blogger: Naomi Findlay, founder, International Institute of Home Staging
When it comes to property staging, try to think beyond paint colours and de-cluttering, as there is so much more to it. From chic accessories to advice on the day, potential buyers will be beating down your door with these top tips.
1. Accessorize
Property staging isn't just about refreshing cushions and tidying up the garden – there are infinite improvements you can make to your property before it is sold. Investing in side tables, lamps, artworks and rugs can mean the difference between a mediocre property and one that is truly ‘finished’, and thus has a great impact.
A fabulous rug can unify a space visually while also defining it. A clear division of space usually makes a house feel larger. Also, freshly cut flowers are a no-brainer – they will always enhance a space.
2. Number your home
Not only should you make sure you have a house number, it should be easily visible, in good repair and in keeping with the style of your home. It sounds petty, but the last thing you want is a buyer’s experience of your property starting with frustration because they were unable to locate it.
3. Go neutral
From paint to linen, and everything in between, neutral tones are fail-safe, whereas too much colour can overwhelm and dissuade potential buyers. Avoid a generic feel by injecting colour with on-trend decorative items such as cushions, ornaments and throws – all easily updated come next season.
No doubt due to its large proportions, the bed is the focal point of most bedrooms, which makes your choice of linen super important. Keep your linen choices clean, neutral and mainstream to appeal to the most buyers.
The same goes for other areas of the home – fresh, white towels lend an instant update to a tired bathroom.
4. Beautify the outdoors
There is no doubt that Australians are obsessed with outdoor living and entertaining and, with weather like ours, it makes perfect sense. Be sure to maximise the potential of your alfresco space and accessorize it with decorative accents such as cushions, throw rugs, potted plants and accessories.
Variety stores like Kmart have upped the ante on this front of late – head there for cheap outdoor pots and knick-knacks that could be just the lift your outdoor space needs.
5. Dazzle during inspections
There are a few simple, yet often overlooked things that can make a difference during a home inspection. Make sure you leave all the lights on (including lamps) and your home heated or cooled to a comfortable temperature. Open all of your curtains (unless they are hiding an unsightly aspect, in which case leave them partially closed) to allow as much natural light in as possible. And while on the topic of nature, there’s nothing like fresh air to make a home more inviting – open a few windows to let the breeze in.
Also, avoid old-fashioned techniques such as brewing coffee and baking bread as this takes ‘staging’ to a whole other, unsubtle level.
6. Leave your ego at the door
And lastly, while it’s not the easiest thing to do, try to detach yourself from your home as much as possible and see it through the eyes of a potential buyer. Selling a home is a business exercise after all – if you can see it like that, you should make a larger profit in a smaller time frame.
Naomi Findlay
Naomi Findlay is founder of the International Institute of Home Staging (IIHS) and SILK Home Staging & Styling She is also the author of a bestselling book, Ignite Your Property Mojo.
