It can be expensive to stage your home. This is a common misconception. While hiring a professional stylist can set you back several hundreds to even thousands of dollars – depending on the level of service you choose and how long your property is stage for – there many ways you can make your home attractive to buyers without the need to break the bank.

Why is home staging so important?

A positive impression is key to selling your home successfully. Prospective buyers who are searching for a home they can call theirs will appreciate a well-maintained and welcoming environment.

“The decision to buy a property is an emotional one,” says Jo Carmichael, professional organiser and founder of property styling company All Sorted Out. “When a buyer can visualize their own possessions in the home, you capture their emotional heartstrings, helping them to choose your property over another.”

She adds that this is where home-staging plays an important role as it highlights your home’s strengths while minimising its weaknesses.

“Staging and decluttering make it easy for buyers to imagine how this property can become their property,” Carmichael says. “Buyers are inspecting multiple properties in a short space of time. Your property is in competition with every other property for sale, so make yours the one that wins their attention.”

Here are some tips for staging your home to sell.

If you are selling your home, Carmichael says it is vital that you put yourself in the buyer’s shoes, so you can identify what they are looking for in a home.

She suggests three important factors to consider when staging your home.

1. Clutter

“By eliminating our clutter, the buyer can visualise their own possessions in the property. Decluttering also maximises the property’s value.”

2. Space

“Present the property in way that it creates flow and showcases how spacious it is. Rooms should be presented in a way that clearly shows their intended use, rather than leaving them empty.”

3. Style

“Styling ensures each space has a clear purpose and function. It presents where the living, dining, or family room, or study nook is.”

Home-staging tips you can do on your own

Carmichael offers some tips that can make your home appealing to potential buyers.

Curb appeal

Carmichael says a buyer’s emotional connection begins from the streetscape, so it is important to “ensure the front garden and entrance are immaculate.” She shares the following tips to enhance curb appeal:

  • Mow the lawn and rake. Take out any dead plants and weed the garden.
  • Pressure-wash your front steps or the entire house if you need to.
  • A front doormat or greenery will make an entrance feel more welcoming.
  • Check that the letterbox or front gate has a clearly visible property #.

Decluttering

Eliminating clutter is one of the most effective means of maximising your home’s value, according to Carmichael. These are some ways to declutter.

  • Remove any photos or personal memorabilia that might be distracting to buyers.
  • If existing furniture is blocking water or garden views, reorient it.
  • You should take out all clothing that is not hanging in a closet, or in drawers in your bedrooms.
  • You should get rid of all extras in the bathroom or kitchen.
  • If the garage is attached, show how a car or two can fit inside.

Styling

Carmichael says styling is important because it makes your home “match ready.” Here are some things you can do to create a good impression for your home:

  • To let in as much light as possible, you can open your curtains.
  • Place fresh or cut flowers around your property.
  • If there’s a pool, ensure it is sparkling clean with a fluffy beach towel draped on a nearby comfy chair to suggest relaxation.

Here are some tips to avoid when staging your house for sale.

Carmichael warns you that certain things could make a negative impression on potential buyers, so it is important to avoid them when considering selling your home.

“Leaving your fur babies or pets either inside or locked up outside during a property inspection is not ideal,” she says. “Have a friend or pet service care for them off site.”

This holds true for dishes and laundry that have not been washed.

“Piles of dirty dishes and dirty washing are a reality, but these detract from showing your property at its best,” Carmichael says. “Aim to fill the dishwasher and washing machine prior to buyers viewing your home, so all benches, sinks, and floors are clean and tidy.