STAGING SURGERY
TOP 10 STAGING MISTAKES YOU DIDN’T EVEN KNOW YOU WERE MAKING
Many people who are putting their houses on the market fail to do these most basic tasks and don’t realise how much effect it will have on the perceived value of their property when putting it on the market for viewings.
Here are the Industry’s top 10 staging mistakes you didn’t even know you were making!
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1: Hanging the artwork too high
The centre of the art should be about 160cm above the floor, which is a comfortable eye level for most people.
2: De-cluttering by jamming everything into the wardrobes
Storage space is high on your buyer’s list. If there is not enough room for your stuff, they know there will not be enough room for their stuff. Top Tip – Make sure the bottom of the wardrobe is clear. This will make the storage space appear much bigger
3: Neglecting the patio area
Outdoor living is trending on the priority lists for today’s buyers. Creating an irresistible alfresco dining and relaxing area can add a tonne of value onto your property with very little effort – even if selling your property in the winter. Add a firepit and some warm cosy blankets laid onto garden chairs to create a usable welcoming space in ALL seasons
4: Skimping on a professional cleaning service
Everything must be white-glove, sparkly, spotless - from the skirting boards to the ceiling and everything in between. View this as an investment rather than an additional outlay as it can add huge value onto your property just by having it spotlessly clean
5: Showing the home vacant
Buyers spend more time in staged homes, and the longer you can get them to hang around, the more likely they are to make an offer often higher than valuation offer. This is because the perceived value of a staged home is much higher than an empty space. You are selling a lifestyle to them in which they can see themselves, living in your home. Creating emotions sells homes and you need to make sure the emotion you are creating is the right one from the start
6: Allowing pets to remain in the home for showings
Remove every trace of pets, including your furry friends themselves. Some buyers will start sneezing just at the sight of a dog toy!
7: Area rug too small
The rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs to be on it. That means at least 240cm x 340cm for most normal-sized living rooms. 140cm x 200cm will look skimpy and bring down the perceived value of the home. Make sure you check the room will take this size before purchasing!
8: Intense paint colours
Keep it light and neutral. This is not the time to express yourself.
9: Displaying personal photos, diplomas, and memorabilia
You want buyers to focus on the home, and not be distracted trying to calculate if you were in the same class as their cousin who attended Oxford University.
10: Withering plants
The perception is that if you can’t maintain a plant, the chances are you probably haven’t maintained the central heating etc.
