Should I use a stylist to stage my property or do it myself?
Should I use a Stylist to stage my property or do it myself?
Selling a property can be daunting, but staging your property can make a huge difference in attracting potential buyers and achieving a higher sale price. Property staging, also known as house styling or staging a home for sale, is the process of preparing a property to make it more attractive to potential buyers. This article will explore the benefits of property staging and help you decide whether to hire a professional stylist or do it yourself.
What is property staging?
Property staging, also known as home staging, makes a home, unit or apartment more visually appealing and attractive to potential buyers. The aim is to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere that showcases the property’s best features whilst highlighting the property's potential to buyers.
Staging typically involves decluttering and depersonalising the space, rearranging furniture, adding decor and accessories, and making necessary repairs or updates to the property. Consideration of the buyer target market is one of the first steps in property staging to ensure the furniture and décor appeal to the right market.
Why property styling matters
Staging a home for sale can make a huge difference in attracting potential buyers and achieving a higher sale price. It can make your property stand out in a crowded market, particularly in photographs on real estate websites and For Sale signs.
For open inspections, by creating an appealing and welcoming space, property staging helps potential buyers visualise themselves living in the property. This can increase their emotional attachment to the property and ultimately lead to a faster sale. Moreover, a well-staged property can create a lasting impression on potential buyers, making it more memorable and increasing the chances of an offer.
What does a property stylist do?
Property styling should not be confused with interior design. An interior designer will help you create a home that reflects your style with a space just for you. A property stylist, on the other hand, is impartial. Instead, they choose furniture and décor that appeals to a larger buyer audience. Their task is to create spaces within the property with the buyer in mind, not the current owners. A good property stylist should know the local buyer demographics, the real estate market and the type of buyer the property needs to appeal to.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Stylist for Property Staging
A professional stylist has the expertise and knowledge to transform your property into a visually appealing and welcoming space. They can objectively assess your property’s strengths and weaknesses to highlight its best features whilst minimising attention to any flaws. They also have an eye for design and can make small changes that make a big difference.
Another benefit of hiring a professional stylist is that they bring in their own inventory of furniture and decor to enhance the layout of the space. This can be a significant advantage if you do not have the right furniture or decor. Typically, inventory includes contemporary, neutral pieces and items that add texture, colour and lighting to create interest and warmth.
Stylists understand the target market and work to create ‘lifestyles’ that potential buyers resonate with. Selling a property can be hectic; having a professional stylist on your team can alleviate stress. They can also recommend trades for any maintenance work and tailor their services to your budget. Did you know The Styling Co also offers property services?
Doing the styling yourself
DIYing the staging and styling of your home for sale can save you money if you are on a tight budget. However, using a professional stylist will likely help you get a higher sale price and a quicker sale. Also, you won’t need to buy any furniture or décor.
If you have time on your side, doing the staging and styling yourself is achievable. You can use the furniture you already have and start by decluttering your personal belongings such as family photos. Purchasing new décor to give your property a more modern feel is recommended, but it does come at a cost.
By doing the styling yourself, you can create a personalised look that reflects your personality and style but tread with caution. Not every buyer shares your taste in style and colours. You need to understand what appeals to potential buyers and how to showcase your property's best features.
How much does it cost to stage a home?
The costs of staging a property for sale can vary depending on the size of the home, the size of the job (empty house vs partial) and the location. If you are interested in getting a quote, The Styling Co offers no obligation free consultations. Contact us for a chat.
Considering staging your home?
Staging your property for sale is an important step in the selling process that can significantly impact the sale. Whether you decide to hire a professional stylist or do it yourself, be sure to think about what your buyers are looking for. By creating an appealing and welcoming space, you can increase the emotional attachment of potential buyers to your property and ultimately achieve a higher selling price.
At The Styling Co, we have over 30 years of experience in the Bendigo region real estate industry and have been styling houses for sale since 2015. We know what makes a home appealing to buyers and would love to chat about your property if you are considering staging. Got a question or would like a no obligation, free quote, then get in touch.