Why property styling gets you the best sales price
When you are selling your home, professional property styling can help you achieve the best possible price. But what will a home stylist do for you? How much does home staging cost? And how much return can you expect on your investment?
We take an in-depth look at home staging, to put you in the picture.
Why house staging is important to your sale
The Australian property market is currently going through a correction – house prices have fallen everywhere, particularly in the major cities. This means it’s a buyer’s market, so there is more competition. If you want to achieve the best possible sales price, your property needs to stand out from the crowd.
This is where a professional home stylist can help. They style your home to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers, often bringing home furnishings with them to highlight key features of your home. This maximises your home’s appeal in a number of ways:
1. It makes your home aspirational
Potential buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home. They like the thought of being able to move straight in without having to do any work to the property. Home staging achieves this by making your home neutral, removing all personal items such as family photographs, and ensuring all the furniture is new and of good quality. This helps buyers to see your home in its best light and picture themselves living there.
2. It gives your home a broader appeal
By highlighting the best features of your home and making even dated rooms look more attractive, property styling makes your home appeal to more potential buyers. This ensures you will receive more competing offers, giving you a faster sale and helping you to achieve the best possible sale price.
3. It makes your home look better in photographs
A professional home stylist knows exactly what makes a property look good in photographs. As a result, the online advertising for your home will generate more interest, leading to more buyers wanting to visit your home in person.
How much does home staging cost?
Firstly, it is important to see home staging as an investment. Property styling statistics tell us that by having your home professionally styled, you can add between 7.5 and 12.5 percent onto the final sale price. In every case, you will at the very least make your money back, usually making significantly more.
The cost of home styling depends on what you want. It is possible to have a single consultation with a home stylist for between $150 and $500, but you would then have to carry out their recommendations yourself. Most sellers choose property styling packages, which can include a whole variety of services such as decluttering, and cleaning and minor repairs, as well as styling and hiring furniture.
The cost of a full property styling package can range from $1,500 for a one-bedroom apartment up to $10,000 for a large family home, but this is money well-spent.
Should you consider DIY home styling for sale?
If you want to style your property yourself, the most important things are to declutter and give your property a thorough clean. Make sure any minor repairs are done; and remember that a coat of paint can give the space a much fresher feel.
However, if you really want to make a difference, you also have to consider how much it might cost to hire furniture for a house sale, unless you can borrow the items you need from family and friends.
Most importantly, you need to consult with a reputable real estate agent, who will be able to offer advice on what you need to do. They will also be able to put you in touch with a professional home stylist.
If you need any further information and advice, please contact us, and we will be happy to help.
