How to Stage Your Property to Maximise Its Sale Price

In the competitive Australian property market, making your home stand out to potential buyers can significantly affect its sale price.

Whether you're an investor or an owner-occupier preparing to sell, understanding the art of home staging is crucial in attracting the right audience and securing the best possible outcome.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through what home staging entails, its importance, and how to effectively execute staging strategies for different target markets, along with tips for those on a tighter budget.

What is Home Staging?

Home staging is the process of preparing a property for sale in the real estate market by making it look appealing to the highest number of potential buyers.

This practice goes beyond just cleaning and decorating; it involves strategic placement of furniture, decor, and even minor renovations to showcase the property's best features, maximise space, and present a lifestyle buyers can aspire to.

The goal is to make the home look its best, highlighting its potential and making it easier for buyers to envision themselves living there.

Why Every Seller Should Stage Their Property Prior to Selling

Staging a property before putting it on the market has proven to be a game-changer in real estate sales. It's not just about aesthetics; it's a powerful marketing tool. Properties that are well-staged often sell faster and for higher prices compared to those that are not.

Staging highlights the property's strengths, minimises its flaws, and creates a welcoming atmosphere that can generate a stronger emotional connection with potential buyers.

It also provides professional-quality photos for online listings, which is where most buyers start their search today.

How to Stage Your Property When Targeting Owner Occupiers

When staging a property for owner-occupiers, personalisation with a universal appeal is key. The objective is to create a warm, inviting space that potential buyers can see themselves calling home. Here are some tips:

• Declutter and Depersonalise: Start by removing personal items and clutter. This helps buyers imagine their own lives in the space.

• Functional Spaces: Arrange furniture to showcase the functionality of each area. For example, set up a study nook if there's an awkward corner or highlight an outdoor living space.

• Neutral Palette: Use neutral colours for walls and major pieces of furniture to appeal to a wider audience, allowing them to envision adding their own colour accents.

• Emotional Touches: Small details like fresh flowers, art, or a set dining table can create an emotional pull, making the space feel more like a home.

How to Stage Your Property When Targeting Investors

Investors are generally more interested in the property's potential for return on investment rather than its aesthetic appeal. However, staging is still important. Here's how to appeal to this audience:

• Highlight Versatility: Show the potential for different uses of spaces, such as a home office or an extra bedroom, which can appeal to renters.

• Maintenance and Upgrades: Ensure that the property looks well-maintained and highlight any recent upgrades or features that would appeal to investors, such as low-maintenance landscaping or energy-efficient appliances.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Avoid overly lavish decor and instead focus on a clean, functional aesthetic that suggests the property is a smart, cost-effective investment.

• Financial Details: Get a property management agency to prepare a dossier containing information on rental yields, area growth, and other financial data that can appeal to an investor’s logical side.

Avoid These Mistakes When Staging Your Property

While staging can significantly enhance your property's appeal, certain pitfalls can detract from its value:

• Over-Staging: Too much decor or furniture can make spaces feel smaller and distract from the property itself.

• Ignoring Flaws: Minor repairs and maintenance issues should be addressed before staging. Visible flaws can turn off potential buyers.

• Neglecting Outdoor Spaces: First impressions count, and curb appeal plays a crucial role. Ensure the garden is tidy, and outdoor areas are well-presented.

• Being Too Trendy: While it's tempting to go all-in on the latest design trends, remember that timeless appeal often works best.

Low-Cost DIY Staging Alternatives When You Can't Afford a Professional

Professional staging might not be within everyone's budget, but that doesn’t mean you can't effectively stage your home on your own. Here are some budget-friendly tips:

• DIY Declutter and Clean: A thorough clean and decluttering can do wonders. Rent a storage unit if necessary to clear out non-essential items.

• Rearrange What You Have: Use existing furniture and decor to maximise the layout and flow of your home. Sometimes, a simple rearrangement can transform a space.

• Minor Touch-Ups: Freshen up walls with a coat of paint, update old hardware, and ensure all lighting fixtures work and brighten up the space.

• Accessorise Smartly: Invest in a few key pieces like cushions, rugs, or art to add character and warmth without breaking the bank.

Staging your property effectively requires a strategic approach tailored to your target market. By following these guidelines, you can enhance your home's appeal, whether targeting owner-occupiers or investors, and maximise your property's sale price.

Remember, the effort you put into staging can significantly influence the speed and success of your sale, making it a worthwhile investment in your selling journey.