When putting your home on the market, it's important to consider first impressions and audience appeal. This applies whether someone sees your listing in person, online or in print.
As some real estate agents say, 'you are only fresh once'. Therefore it's always a good idea to show your property in the best light possible. It's been found that investment in styling for a property brings in a 10 to 15% return over initial spend. It may also sell quicker. A professional with experience in styling helps you stand out in a crowded market and identify the latest trends.
So, what are some key things to consider?
The extent to which your home is styled before putting it up for sale can vary depending on the stylist you're working with. Some opt for minimal interventions, adding select pieces to complement existing furniture. Others will advocate for a complete overhaul to give the property a fresh look. It's best to collaborate with both the stylist and your real estate agent to ensure the best result is achieved.
Emotionally detaching from a home you've lived in for an extended period can be challenging. Sentimental attachments to inherited furniture or knick-knacks may cloud your objectivity. A stylist's role is to declutter, remove items as needed, and ensure each room showcases its best features.
Styling costs depend on the home's size, location and value. Real estate agents should have a list of stylists they've worked with previously but an online search can help you identify a reputable stylist in your local area. Quality photographs are crucial, especially for listings featuring 'fly-through' or video tours. There are so many potential buyers researching properties in their chosen areas online so it's important to have everything in place to showcase the property to its maximum advantage.
Empty spaces can sometimes look much smaller than those that have furniture in them, and rooms that are properly staged can look much bigger!
The goal is to have an emotional pull on buyers who are coming to see your property. You want the buyer to feel good, just like when you walk into a beautiful hotel room or restaurant.