If you’re looking to sell a property quickly and increase the sale price, home staging is a smart move because property presentation can increase the value by up to 25%.
Let’s be frank though; not everyone is design-savvy, otherwise every property would sell in record time. Agents know what factors can help sell a home but don’t necessarily have the expertise to implement them. That’s where home staging with a professional property stylist becomes a significant investment.
What is the home staging process?
There are some important steps to the home staging process. It’s essential to get styling right in order to appeal to people’s first impressions.
The consultation
At the consultation, the stylist walks through the property and looks at it with an objective eye. They take plenty of photos to aid in creating styling ideas, they take measurements, look for features that need emphasis and take note of any updates or repairs that are required. It’s during this time that the stylist gets a good idea of which furniture and décor will be necessary to achieve a particular look or lifestyle feel.
The report
After the consultation, the stylist provides a full evaluation, action plan and quote. This report includes prices for staging rental items, whether any of the client’s things will be used, timelines and if there are any repairs, painting or decluttering required before staging. Once the quote is agreed upon, the stylist can commence booking the furniture, delivery and installation.
The installation
Before installation, the property stylist spends many hours at the furniture hire warehouse, scrupulously selecting furnishings and décor that will bring the property to life. The stylist will confirm the arrival time with the owner and/or agent the day prior.
The stylist, removalists and furniture warehouse staff take much care at the property; before the truck is unloaded, they take photos of any prior damage to the property.
Installation day is exciting for the stylist, vendor and agent. It’s the start of the – hopefully very short – selling journey. Items are brought into the home by the removalists; beds made, linen steamed, cushions put in place and décor placed in just the right position to catch a potential buyer’s eye.
At the end of the day, the agent and vendor are invited to come and view the property once the styling is complete to check that they are happy with the final result.
The photography
Usually arranged by the agent, professional photos of the styled property are taken once the home staging is complete.
The removal
Standard property staging hire is six weeks and will be part of the initial agreement. When the six week period ends or if the property is sold before this time, the removalists and warehouse staff attend the property at an agreed time to remove the furnishings, using a checklist as they go.
When you’ve got a professional and experienced property stylist involved, this home staging process is not only streamlined but peace of mind for both the vendor and agent. Not only will you know that the styling process is always under control but that every attention to detail is considered to sell a home quickly.