We chat to Effie Vlachoulis from Harris Real Estate about the importance of effective home styling in the lead-up to sale.
What are the four things people should do when styling their home for sale?
Definitely de-clutter to keep the space open to interpretation. If need be, giving your walls a fresh coat of paint is always helpful and replace any fixtures and fittings that need an update – it’s the small things that make a big difference. Also, don’t forget to give your gardens some love. This is often the part of a property that gets left behind.
How important is curb appeal?
Curb appeal is key as this is the first impression a buyer has of the home. Many buyers will do a ‘drive by’ of the property before inspecting to get a feel for the location, so it is important to create a welcoming entrance. A home’s entrance can be easily updated by tiling a verandah, borrowing some outdoor furniture or simply adding a garden bed or beautiful potted plants.
Why is it so important to get the styling right?
Styling is a pivotal part of selling a home, it creates an emotional connection with the buyer and gives people an idea of how different spaces of the home can be used. A professional stylist can objectively view a home and style it so it appeals to a wider demographic while also enabling potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home.
Is it necessary to engage a styling expert or can people do this effectively themselves?
It’s not always necessary to hire a professional stylist, however a stylist does this day in and day out and they know how to create a space that buyers can see themselves living in. They have different themes for specific property types and ensure that the style flows throughout.
What impact does the right styling have on property prices?
Styling can have a dramatic impact on a property’s sale price. If your property is styled and presented well it will set the right tone for buyers. Not all people can visualise where furniture will fit in the home, so having this set up for them makes a big difference.
Does styling also affect how long a property is on the market?
Professional styling helps to create incredible marketing campaigns as the professional photography comes up amazingly. This increases the chance of potential buyers sharing the property listing with friends and family, which in-turn means more eyes on the property. Styling ultimately enables maximum appeal, which usually means less days on market.
Effie Vlachoulis
Property Consultant
0412 677 189
effiev@harrisre.com.au