Selling your home is a significant decision, and achieving a quick sale at the best possible price is often the goal. Professional property staging is instrumental in achieving these goals. By presenting your property at its absolute best, staging increases its value and helps it to stand out in the competitive New Zealand market.
Home staging is the process of preparing a home for sale to make it more attractive to potential buyers. It involves decluttering, depersonalising, and organising the space to create an emotional connection with the buyer.
Why is home staging important?
Home staging is essential because it helps potential buyers envision living in the space. A well-staged home allows buyers to see the potential of each room and visualise their furniture and belongings in the space. It can also make the home look larger, brighter, and more inviting. According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, staged homes sell 73 per cent faster in the United States than non-staged homes.
Although it’s practically impossible to have reliable statistics on how much faster a house sells with staging, it does help the seller stand out in a competitive market. With so many homes on the market, it’s important to make your home stand out from the rest. By staging your home, you can make it look more appealing and memorable to potential buyers.
How home staging affects your home's value
Home staging enhances the perceived value of a property, typically adding 5–10% or more to the sale price. In addition, staging attracts greater buyer interest and can lead to stronger, more competitive offers.
Smart ideas to stage your house for sale
Staging your house doesn't have to be complicated. Here are our smart tips and checklist to help you maximise your house value and potential to start attracting buyers:
Declutter and depersonalise
The first step in staging your home is to declutter and depersonalise the space. Remove any excess furniture and personal items. This will make the space look larger and allow potential buyers to envision their belongings in the space. Make sure to also remove any family photos, religious items, or political memorabilia, as these can distract potential buyers. Consider renting a storage unit to temporarily store items that you don’t need in your home.
Clean and organise
Once you have decluttered and depersonalised, clean everything thoroughly, including windows, floors and surfaces. Make sure to also organise all wardrobes, drawers and cabinets. This will make the space look more spacious and appealing to potential buyers.
Use neutral colours
When it comes to your home staging, it’s important to use neutral colours throughout the home. Neutral colours such as beige, grey, and white are more appealing to potential buyers and make it easier for them to envision their furniture and belongings in the space. Avoid using bold colours or patterns, as these can be distracting.
Create a focal point
In each room, create a focal point that draws the eye and showcases the best features of the space. This could be a fireplace, a piece of artwork, or a statement piece of furniture. A well-placed focal point can make the room look more inviting and memorable.
Let in natural light
Natural light significantly influences the aesthetic and ambience of a room. Make sure to open all curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. If the room doesn’t have enough natural light, add some artificial lighting to brighten the space.
You may want to consider removing heavy drapes and replacing them with light-coloured curtains or blinds that allow natural light to filter in. Clean your windows inside and out to maximise the amount of light that enters your home.
Rearrange furniture
Rearranging furniture is a cost-effective way to make a room look larger and more inviting. Remove any excess furniture and arrange the remaining pieces to create a clear traffic flow and open up the space. Make sure you place furniture in a way that highlights the best features of the room.
Enhance curb appeal
The exterior of the home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s important to enhance the curb appeal. Make sure the lawn and garden are well-maintained, the front door is clean and inviting and the exterior of the home is free of any damage or wear and tear. Consider adding some potted plants or outdoor furniture to create an inviting atmosphere. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to your home’s exterior if it’s looking worn or outdated.
Create a welcoming entryway
Another item on your home staging checklist is your home’s entryway. Since this is the first thing potential buyers will see, make sure it creates a positive first impression. Remove any clutter and add a fresh coat of paint to the front door. Add a welcome mat, potted plants, and attractive lighting to make the space more inviting.
Make necessary repairs
Address any obvious repairs, such as a leaky tap or cracked tile, before listing your home on the market. Potential buyers may be put off by a house that needs obvious repairs.
Set the mood
When potential buyers come to view your home, you want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Consider playing soft music, lighting candles and using air fresheners or diffusers to create a pleasant scent.
By following these tips, you can stage your home to sell and increase your chances of getting top dollar for your property. Remember, the goal is to create a space that potential buyers can envision themselves living in, so keep things simple, organised, and neutral.
Let LJ Hooker assist you
Choosing LJ Hooker means gaining access to expert local insight and personalised support, backed by our extensive presence across major cities in New Zealand. Our deep understanding of the local property market allows us to provide tailored advice specific to your area.
Once your property's value is assessed, your local LJ Hooker agent will guide you in selecting the most suitable method of sale, whether that’s auction, private treaty, or tender to the highest bidder and support you every step of the way. If you need guidance with your real estate journey, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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