When you’re ready to sell it can be difficult to view your home through unbiased eyes. While you see a lifetime of treasured items and much-loved furniture others may see clutter and outdated furniture.
While not everyone can afford to pay for professional home staging there are plenty of things you can do on a budget that will help boost your home’s appeal to potential buyers.
Outdoors
- sweep, rake, mow, weed
- wash all windows
- clean porch, steps, patios, pergolas, outdoor furniture
- add a cluster of flowering plants in pots near entry
- dress any outdoor tables or seating areas as if you’re about to entertain or relax with a nice cup of tea and a good book
Clean it, then clean it again
- clean all surfaces until they sparkle: counters, windowsills, on top of fridge, cabinets, hard furnishings
- clean inside things: oven, cupboards, cabinets etc
- wash dirty finger marks off doors, walls and major appliances
Cull the clutter
- remove items from surfaces and benchtops and store offsite
- cull the amount of furniture on display to give the appearance of a spacious home
- go through kitchen cupboards and remove items you rarely or never use and donate
- use storage baskets and assemble-yourself-shelving in your wardrobe so your clothes and accessories are stored neatly away
Furniture/furnishings
- pull furniture away from walls and if space permits create intimate seating groupings instead of a layout designed to watch TV
- keep it neutral where possible and bring in accents of colours ie cushions, throws, artwork
- style your table; go all out and dress your table as though you’re about to hold a dinner party. Alternatively keep it understated by including a vase or a few accent pieces
The extra bits
- source affordable artworks in colours that match your decor and hang in groups instead of sporadically. Remove personal photos
- dress your bathroom with a fluffy, new white towels, quality soap and include a small potted plant or fresh flowers, think day spa
- touch up any areas where paint has worn or chipped off ie. skirting boards, around door handles
- check for cobwebs in both bright and dim lighting, run your vacuum cleaner around the cornices and corners of every room
- don’t forget to check bathroom and kitchen ceiling fans and clean if required
Finally, ask a friend or relative to come over after you’ve ‘staged’ your home and get them to do a walk around to spot anything you may have missed.
