The property market can be very competitive, even cutthroat in some areas of the UK. So, when it comes to putting your home in Cheltenham and surrounding areas up for sale, you’ll want to make an effort as soon as possible.
That’s why many sellers are now spending time ‘staging’ their houses, which basically means ensuring they look their best.
Here’s our guide to staging your home in Cheltenham and surrounding areas, and how doing so could help you land a quick sale.
Selling Can be a Slow Process
There’s no getting away from it; many factors have hit the UK housing market, from the tightening of lending guidelines to political uncertainty. According to recent data from leading property website Rightmove it takes on average, 65 days from the initial listing to the completion of the sale.
This may appear a reasonable timeframe, however, this is just an average. Some properties may sell much faster, and others may take several months to sell. Even if you are in an area where properties get snapped up immediately, don’t be too complacent. You never know what the competition will be like or what factors might suddenly affect the sale of your home, so it’s still imperative to make your home as attractive as possible.
Ways to Stage Your Home
There are many different ways your home can be staged, but whichever way you choose, ‘staging’ just means showing your home in the best possible light. In some cases, it simply means decluttering and moving things around, while some people go as far as changing room colours and renting furniture.
For homes at the higher end of the market, you can even hire a professional who’ll really show off the best features of your property.
Here are some of the steps you should go through when staging a home.
1. Get objective opinions about your home
Your home is your castle, and no doubt you’ve carefully chosen every aspect, from the colour of your paintwork to the carpets. However, taste is subjective, so it’s important to get some outside opinions.
As estate agents in Cheltenham and surrounding areas we are very good at this, as we know what sells a home and what might be setting it back – don’t forget, we hear unfiltered opinions when we show people around your property.
Look at similar homes in your area that have sold quickly and note their interior design, layout and their general vibe. In certain areas, particular styles of homes will sell faster, so pay attention to what buyers are looking for.
2. Set a budget
Prices for home staging can vary wildly, from practically zero if you’re just sprucing up your home yourself to thousands of pounds if you’re staging a luxury property and employing the services of a professional home staging company.
If you’re serious about staging and are going to rent furniture and decorate certain rooms, it’s not unrealistic to spend a couple of thousand pounds. While this might sound like a lot, keep in mind that it’s just a small percentage of your asking price, so it may be worth the investment.
3. Focus on the important rooms
You may not have the budget to stage your entire home, so focus on rooms that really matter. Our experience tells us that the living room is the most important room to stage, followed by the master bedroom, as these are usually the first photos seen within your online property listing.
When it comes to living areas, decluttering and maximising light should be a priority, ensuring they look as large as possible. However, don’t feel as though you have to remove all the personality from the room.
A few photos, cushions and throws keep a cosy, liveable feel without cluttering. Bathrooms should have neatly folded towels, and kitchens should have a bowl of fresh fruit or some fresh flowers on display.
4. Get the right furniture for the space
The layout of your furniture is one of the key elements of staging. You want to create space, yet still keep the room looking functional.
Stripping rooms of furniture can sometimes be a negative for buyers. For example, if they see a bedroom without a bed in it, they may be wondering whether their king-size will fit, or whether they’ll be constantly bashing their knees on it.
Certain pieces of furniture are the focal point of a room, and if they’re looking a bit tired or worn-out, then it drags down the room. If your sofa has been well-loved by children and dogs, consider putting it in storage and renting a clean, modern one whilst you’re having viewings.
Get the Right Advice on the Property Market
Staging your home isn’t as complex as it sounds. It largely involves making your home as appealing as possible to as many buyers as possible, which in turn will help it sell faster.
Whether you do it yourself or bring in a professional, it could mean your home spends less time on the market!
For more advice on property matters, please get in contact with Althorp & Co on 01242 781781.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staging a Home
How important is staging the dining room?
While the living room and master bedroom are key, consider staging the dining room too. Showcase its functionality by setting the table attractively.
Do I need a lot of storage space for home staging?
Declutter ruthlessly! Limited storage space is less noticeable when buyers see a clean, uncluttered room.
Should I remove my coffee table when staging the living room?
Not necessarily. Arrange furniture for conversation areas. A coffee table can be a focal point, but ensure enough space to move around comfortably.
How can I make the most of natural light when staging my home?
Open curtains and blinds throughout the day. Arrange furniture to avoid blocking natural light. This creates a bright and airy feel, a major selling point for potential buyers
