When it comes to marketing properties, the importance of home staging is often underestimated. Buyers are sometimes expected to overlook clutter, dirt, and outdated decor, making it challenging to secure a sale.
However, by highlighting the benefits of home staging, estate agents can’t afford to miss out on this investment, especially considering the impact of Covid-19 on the property market.
1. Enhancing Property Appeal in the Digital Age
The Internet’s Impact:
The Covid-19 pandemic not only brought the property market to a halt but also revolutionised how buyers view properties. Social media and online property portals have become significant players in the housing market, with platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket attracting millions of home seekers monthly. This accessibility means properties can be viewed at any time with a simple click. With a plethora of options at their disposal, it is crucial for vendors to ensure their property stands out right from the moment it hits the market.
2. Home Staging – The Art of Property Marketing
Understanding Home Staging:
Home staging and interior design serve different purposes. While interior design is a creative outlet reflecting personal tastes, home staging is a property marketing tool focused on appealing to the broadest possible audience. Despite some vendors dismissing home staging as costly and time-consuming, the undeniable return on investment makes it a vital step in the selling process.
Statistics show that staged properties tend to sell four times faster, often exceeding the asking price, making it a compelling strategy for sellers and agents alike.
Understanding the Demographic:
Before starting the staging process, sellers must identify their target audience and what their property offers. Whether catering to first-time buyers, young professionals, families, or retirees, understanding the demographic helps tailor the staging to entice potential buyers. Conducting market research to gauge local competition further refines the approach, ensuring the property stands out as the best option in the market.
3. Transforming Spaces for Maximum Impact
Declutter and Decorate:
Decluttering is a critical step in home staging. Presenting a clean and well-maintained house is essential, as clutter can deter buyers and reduce the property’s value. Addressing unsavoury items and odours is equally vital for creating a positive impression during viewings. Redecorating with neutral colours, instead of personal preferences like dramatic feature walls or bright colours, adds value to the property and makes it more appealing to a broader audience.
Promoting the Property’s Potential:
Every room should be presented with a purpose to attract higher offers. Turning spare rooms into functional spaces, such as small bedrooms, dressing rooms, gyms, or offices, helps buyers envision how they can utilise the space. By promoting the lifestyle the property offers, rather than just its practicality, potential buyers are more likely to be drawn in.
4. Showcasing the Best with High-Quality Marketing
Lights, Camera, Action:
The marketing materials should reflect the well-staged property. High-quality photographs, taken on a clear, sunny day, and carefully angled, showcase the space’s full potential.
The power of home staging in the modern property market cannot be overlooked. By emphasising its significance to sellers and guiding them through the process, estate agents can ensure properties are presented in a way that maximises offers and minimises time on the market. With strategic home staging, sellers can gain a competitive edge in the digital age and attract the right buyers for their properties.
