Designer's tips on home staging

Thinking of selling up?

So you are thinking of selling your property. In these difficult times of falling house prices how can you get offers as close as possible to the asking price? Well, initially you need to mentally ‘move on’. One suggestion would be to take a walk around and look at every room objectively. Think of yourself as a prospective purchaser. Here are some pointers which could help:

1. 
   Does this room feel light and airy? Open dark curtains as far as possible let the light in. If you have dark colours on the walls (I know it is fashionable!) consider painting them in a lighter colour, a pot of paint is not that expensive in the great scheme of things


2. 
   How about clutter? Are you a collecter/hoarder? Start packing some of it away. Sideboards stacked with various ‘collections’ and magazine racks stuffed full, are going to prevent prospective purchasers seeing ‘the wood for the trees’! It is nice to see some items on display, just thin it out.


3. 
   Are there lots of personal items like family photos? If so, get them packed up. Mentally, when prospective purchasers view your home, too many personal photos means this is your own personal area and they are intruding.


4. 
   Is there a lot of furniture in the room? If so put some into storage. Too much furniture can make a room look deceptively small. It is very difficult when viewing a home to see beyond the furniture in situ . Make it easier for the prospective purchaser to get a mental idea of what their furniture would look like in the room.


5. 
   Are there lots of appliances cluttering our kitchen work surfaces? Try to find storage for some of them. If every surface has a mixer/toaster/set of weighing scales etc, purchasers will think there is no room to work. Also, try to keep the drainer free of washing up.


6. 
   If you are fortunate enough to have a utility room, keep it clear of wet/drying washing.


7. 
   Tempting as it may be, try not to overdress beds with throws and lots of cushions. Bedrooms in relatively new houses can be small, they will look even smaller with the bed overloaded with soft furnishings. Also, keep dressing tables as clear as possible. I am afraid I am a culprit in dressing table clutter! The same applies to cushions and throws in the living area, too many can be over facing.


8. 
   Outdoor clothing. Hanging outdoor clothing in the hall will make the area look untidy and also if the hall is long and narrow, navigating past coats will make it seem even narrower. First impressions count.


9. 
   Keep pets outside.


10. 
    Try and keep bathrooms and kitchens clean and tidy, although I know it is difficult with children and busy work lives.
    


11. Tidy the front of the house, sweep and weed. Keep any hanging baskets well watered with no dead flowers. Also, consider getting some large plant pots to show that the house is well looked after.

I hope these few suggestions will aid the sale of your house and hopefully you will get as near to the asking price as possible.


Anne Stuart