When selling a property, making a lasting impression is vital. Capturing a potential buyer’s attention and enticing them to make an offer is a crucial challenge for estate agents. That’s where the art of property staging comes into play. Property staging has quickly become an essential strategy for estate agents looking to sell their client’s homes faster and closer to their asking price. At FocalAgent, we understand the importance of property staging, which is why we created a dedicated home staging guide. Within this guide, we discuss the target audiences as well as provide some insightful tips that can help you secure the sale.
It’s important to remember that we don’t expect estate agents to take full responsibility when it comes to staging a property. This should be a joint effort with the vendor and it’s important as the agent to help guide your clients on dressing a property. However, it’s crucial to remember that staging goes beyond mere decoration and transforms a house into a beautiful, move-in-ready home that appeals to the potential buyers’ emotions and imagination.
By creating an inviting entrance, highlighting a home’s unique features, and enabling potential buyers to envision themselves living there, staging has proven to be a powerful tool for successful property sales. Here are our top 6 tips on property staging.
1. Property dressing kit
Enhancing the appeal of properties is a crucial aspect of the property industry, and one effective tool in achieving this is the property dressing kit. Creating a property dressing kit can save time thinking about how to dress each property. This kit contains a range of items that transform houses into desirable homes. Alongside cooking books, decorative pillows, and throws, the kit may also include rugs and clever touches like champagne glasses, so potential buyers can envisage themselves living in the property. You can bring this box full of tasteful items to each home, instantly elevating the property’s appearance in minutes.
To cater to diverse audiences, customisation is key. The kit can be adapted for students by using vibrant artwork, cosy furniture accessories, and study materials. Whereas for professional couples, you could include stylish kitchen accessories,, along with some scented candles to create an inviting ambience.
By tailoring the property dressing kit, agents can captivate potential buyers, leaving a lasting impression of the property’s unique charm. Did you know, according to NAR statistics, 23% of sellers who staged their homes received 1-5% offer over the asking price? This statistic alone demonstrates the value of property staging.
2. Declutter your property
Decluttering the property is vitally important when trying to sell it as it can significantly enhance its appeal and make a positive impression on potential buyers. Clutter can make a space feel cramped, chaotic, and overwhelming, making it difficult for buyers to visualise themselves living in the property. By asking the vendors to declutter, you create a clean, organised, and spacious environment that allows buyers to focus on the unique features and potential of the space. Clearing out unnecessary items and personal belongings, such as pet bowls, bedding, and children’s toys will improve the aesthetics and helps buyers see each room’s true potential. Decluttering allows natural light to flow freely, creates a sense of openness and makes it easier for them to connect emotionally and see the property as their future home.
3. Creating an inviting entrance
Creating an inviting entrance to your property is a crucial element of property staging that sets the stage for a positive first impression. The entrance is the gateway to your home, where potential buyers form their initial opinions. We believe that sellers should focus on making their property truly inviting, ensuring that the exterior is well-maintained, with a fresh coat of paint and a presentable landscape. You could consider adding tasteful and eye-catching elements such as potted plants or a welcoming doormat. Adequate lighting can also work wonders, creating a warm and inviting ambience. By investing time and effort in creating an inviting entrance, you’ll immediately capture the attention of potential buyers, piquing their curiosity and setting a positive tone for the rest of the property.
4. Stand out from the competition
When it comes to property staging, real estate agents in the US are the true gold standard. They’re able to offer this due to them typically charging much higher property fees than estate agents in the UK do. Agents should take inspiration from agents across the pond, and implement their own cost-effective ways of doing this, even if this is only providing recommendations to your clients. Incorporating these services into your day-to-day routine can result in a quick win for your estate agency.
If your estate agency is looking to stand out from the crowd in 2023, why don’t you consider incorporating this into your business strategy?
5. Add thoughtful touches
When selling a property, adding thoughtful touches can significantly impact potential buyers and help create a lasting impression. These small details demonstrate the care and attention given to the property, elevating its overall appeal. Consider asking your clients to incorporate fresh flowers or plants to bring life and vibrancy to the property’s rooms. Thoughtfully arranged artwork and tasteful accessories can enhance the visual appeal and create a sense of warmth and cosiness. Additionally, strategically placed mirrors can maximise natural light and create a sense of spaciousness.
6. Showcase highlights of the property
Showcasing the property’s highlights can significantly benefit your client’s property when it comes to the selling phase. By highlighting the best features, you create a compelling and attractive presentation that captures the attention of potential buyers. Whether it’s a spacious living area, a beautiful garden, or a modern kitchen, showcasing these highlights helps buyers imagine themselves living in the space and enjoying its unique benefits. It creates an emotional connection, leading to increased interest and competitive offers.
Showcase the property’s highlights by making sure that areas like fireplaces are not obstructed and modern kitchens are kept clean and free of clutter to show off the kitchen’s style.
Furthermore, showcasing the highlights sets your property apart from the competition and positions it as a desirable option in the market. Buyers are often looking for standout features that align with their preferences and lifestyle, and by showcasing these aspects, you increase the likelihood of attracting the right buyers who see the true value in your property.
Why choose FocalAgent?
We’re transforming the way people buy and sell property with our innovative digital products including professional photography and floor plans, Matterport 360 tours, video trailers, home staging and guided virtual viewing technology.