You’ve got a viewing booked in tomorrow and really want to make your home stand out.
At this point, you haven’t got time for making drastic changes but don’t fret - there are plenty of simple tweaks you can make to ensure your home is as appealing as possible. Here’s our 7 quick home staging tips to help.
1. Fresh flowers
It really is surprising how much difference a vase of fresh flowers can make. They not only add colour to a space but also demonstrate that you take pride in your home. Nip to your local supermarket or florist and pick out a bouquet that will look great in your kitchen or lounge.
2. Scents
First impressions count and the way a property smells can be one of the first things a potential buyer notices. Smell is also the sense most closely linked with memory and subliminal emotions so it’s important that your home smells great. We’re not saying that you have to bake a fresh loaf of bread here, just make sure kippers aren’t on the menu that day.
It’s also worth investing in an air freshener but don’t go overboard with this one as blatant air freshener can be off-putting. If it’s an evening viewing, maybe light a scented candle or two. Otherwise, invest in a few reed diffusers to put in places like the hall and bathroom.
3. Ditch the clutter
Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and take a look around your home. Family photos everywhere, lots of trinkets and clutter will not be appealing. Although they may be sentimental to you, the buyer has to be able to imagine themselves there so box up this stuff where possible.
4. Leave the dogs with a sitter
You have to imagine that the person coming to view your home doesn’t like dogs. Yours may be your absolute pride and joy but if the potential buyer isn’t fond and is welcomed by an excitable puppy, it can be off-putting. See if a friend or relative will be willing to dog sit for an hour or two.
5. Neaten up your garden
Yes, it’s the day before, so you don’t have time for a full on make-over. Just make sure that the kid’s toys are neat and tidy and that your garden furniture is clutter free. If you have chance, give the lawn a mow and trim any overgrown hedges. This will just help to demonstrate that your house is well kept, both inside and out.
6. Clean the kitchen and bathroom
Kitchens and bathrooms can make or break a buyer’s decision. This is often, because they cost the most to replace or renovate. It can also be really off putting if either of these spaces are unclean. So, set an hour or two aside to give your bathroom a bleach and tidy. Shampoo bottles, sponges and razors should all be tidied away.
In the kitchen, it goes without saying that all dishes should be clean and tidied away. Give the sideboards a quick clean down to remove the morning’s toast crumbs and tea stains. Any appliances like coffee machines and kitchen aids can look appealing on viewings so keep them on display if you have the space.
7. Introduce greenery
As well as fresh flowers, plants can add a breath of fresh air to your home. Not only are they stylish, they also make a home feel more inviting and vibrant. You’ll be able to find stylish plants for around £10-£20 each from the likes of Ikea. Pick up a few feature plant pots whilst your there to really set them off.
To sum up
Making a few last minute changes to your home is quick and simple. It doesn’t have to cost the earth either! Fresh flowers, scents and some TLC will make a real difference to the first impression that potential buyer gets when walking around your home.
If you’d like some further advice on selling your property, we’d be happy to help. Simply call us on 01925 499599 or pop in for a chat.
