When it comes to selling a property, first impressions matter. Real estate styling, also known as home staging, is a strategic approach to presenting a property in its best light to potential buyers. The goal is to create a welcoming and appealing environment that allows buyers to envision themselves living in the space. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to sell or a real estate agent assisting clients, here are the ten best tips about real estate styling that can help you achieve success in the competitive market.
- Declutter and De-personalize
Clearing out clutter is the first step in preparing a property for sale. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and any unnecessary decor to create a clean canvas that allows buyers to visualize their own belongings in the space. - Street (or Curb) Appeal
When buyers arrive, the exterior of the property is the very first thing they see, so it’s crucial to make a positive first impression. Trim the lawn, tidy up the garden, and consider a fresh coat of paint or minor repairs to the façade. It doesn’t take much to tidy up and that may go unnoticed. But what will be noticed is if the front yard is a disaster zone! Get this very first step right and it invites buyers to want to look further. - Focus on Key Areas
Concentrate your styling efforts on the main living spaces: the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. These areas tend to have the greatest impact on buyers’ perceptions of the property. - Neutral Color Palette
Opt for neutral colours on walls, furniture, and decor. Neutral tones create a versatile backdrop that appeals to a wider range of buyers and allows them to imagine their own style in the space. - Lighting & Ambience
Maximise natural light by opening curtains and blinds. Well-lit spaces feel larger, more inviting, and showcase the property’s best features. Whether you do or don’t have good natural light, you should always turn on all the lights in the house on inspection day as well. Also consider creating some ambience, like a pot of freshly ground coffee, a pot roast on the stove or a few nice aromatic candles. Not too much though, just enough to show you have a home you love, and they will love too!
- Furniture Arrangement
Arrange furniture to create an open and spacious feel. Avoid blocking natural pathways and make sure furniture placement highlights the functionality of each room. - Thoughtful Decor
Use carefully selected decor items to add personality without overwhelming the space. Thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit, or a tasteful piece of artwork can enhance the overall ambiance.
- Functional Spaces
Highlight the functionality of various rooms. For example, turn an empty or underutilised corner into a cozy reading nook or stage a home office to demonstrate the potential use of spaces. - Minimalism is Key
Less is often more in real estate styling. Avoid overloading shelves and surfaces with decorations, as an uncluttered space helps buyers mentally move in and envision their own lives there. You might love grandma’s collection of multi-coloured throw rugs, but if they are strewn across everything, it will draw attention away from what buyers should be focusing on, which is buying your property! - Professional Photography
Invest in professional photography to capture the staged property in its best light. High-quality images will attract more online views and encourage potential buyers to schedule visits. While we all like to think we can take great pictures (and selfies!), the difference between professional and amateur is immediately noticeable to most. And when we’re talking about selling your most valuable asset, isn’t it worth the small cost to maximise your selling price?
- Declutter and De-personalize
In the competitive world of real estate, effective styling can make a significant difference in how quickly a property sells and at what price. By following these ten best tips about real estate styling, you’ll be well-equipped to create a compelling and appealing presentation that resonates with potential buyers, helping them see the true potential of the property and increasing the likelihood of a successful sale.
So get styling, and good luck!!
