The Importance of “Staging” Your Home For Sale

It might seem to be stating the obvious but making sure your home looks as attractive and inviting as possible for potential buyers is one of the most important keys to securing a successful (and quick) sale.

Understandably, there are so many things to consider when putting your home on the market that sometimes it is easy to overlook some of the main bullet points. That, of course, is why it is always wise to work with an experienced and highly professional team of experts like those at Promas Estates, who will be able to help make sure all your bases are covered – including “home staging”.

Whether that means doing all the “staging” work yourself or hiring specialists – or a mix of both – there are several things you should be aware of before welcoming buyers through your front door.

It is also best to see this as an investment that will add value to your home, rather than simply an onerous maintenance and cleaning task.

Here is a brief guide to get you started…

Showcase the Main Features

Home staging essentially means presenting your home in the best possible way. Not necessarily to the same immaculately presented levels of a glossy home magazine spread, or even an elaborately creative social media post, but at least using that same aesthetic expertise as inspiration to showcase your own home’s most impressive and appealing assets.

You also need to be honest with yourself and, if your home has any flaws, make sure they are eradicated – or at least minimised. Furthermore, what might seem to you like a charmingly stylish quirk could be interpreted less favourably by a buyer so, ideally, avoid leaving personal objects in openly visible positions.

Making a Good Impression

Don’t forget to pay attention to your outdoor areas. Tidy up the terrace if you are selling an apartment, making sure all plants are healthy-looking and there are no empty pots.

If it’s a villa, the garden will often be the first impression a buyer has when they arrive, so wash the entrance area with a high-pressure hose, mow the lawn, replace an old mailbox, and perhaps paint the front door.

A new coat of paint is also an excellent recommendation for the main indoor areas – preferably neutral or warm colours – while furniture items should be elegant but as understated as possible so buyers can visualise their own style.

To create a more spacious look, you should aim for enhanced natural light and free floor space, as well as clear colours for the walls if possible, and neutral-coloured curtains.

Bedrooms are usually not as important to “stage” as lounge and dining areas and the kitchen, which tend to have a more immediate impact on buyers. Nevertheless, like all areas of the home, they should still be tidy and clutter-free, with blanket throws spread around to add a homely and relaxing touch.

For the main living areas, add comfy cushions, perfumed candles, coffee table books and vases with fresh flowers, and in the kitchen some freshly baked bread or cakes, from your own oven or the local bakery. (Obviously, not your partner’s favourite cauliflower and turnip soup!)

If you have pets, it might be a good idea for a family member or friend to take them away for the day – just in case buyers are allergic or don’t share your love of animals.

As for the bathrooms, again, keep all your personal hygiene items and potions hidden away in cabinets, thoroughly scrub all the humidity-prone nooks and crannies, “dress” the space simply with some fluffy towels and fragrant hand gels, and keep the toilet seat down.

If you bought your home new, as an investment, and are selling it without actually moving in yourself, there should still be some basic furniture and furnishings, as white walls and empty spaces will make it harder for buyers to have an emotional connection.

Staging for Luxury Homes

If the home you are selling is a high-end property – like these exceptional villas in Elviria – buyers will be seeking additional luxurious touches that might not always be covered in a general home staging process for smaller properties.

For example, add some chic clothing and shoes to walk-in closets, fill up the bodega with a selection of fine wines (maybe even offer visitors a welcome glass), have a film showing on the home cinema room screen and set up a cocktail bar in the garden pergola. No need to contract supermodels for the gym, spa or sauna, but at least ensure the spaces are clean and sweet-smelling, and place some contemporary sunbeds draped with attractive beach towels around the pool.

Finally, make sure your home automation system (domotics) is fully operational and dazzle them with its high-tech options.

Home Away From Home

Above all else, when staging your home for sale, bear in mind that the ultimate objective is for buyers to leave with the feeling that they could definitely imagine themselves living there. Obviously, other issues will then need to be addressed – such as price – but, if they are already visualising moving in, you will be well on the way to obtaining their signature on the dotted line.

Home staging also has the added advantage of meaning that, when the sale does finally go through, you are better prepared to move immediately, with most personal objects already sorted through, withdrawn from the living areas, and perhaps even packaged.

The Bottom Line

Good staging helps potential buyers visualise living in the home, and it can mean the difference between securing your asking price or having to accept a lower offer. It also usually means the property will be on the market for a shorter period of time.

If you need any further guidance about home staging – or other advice about selling your home (including arranging professional photography) – our Promas Estates team is always available to help.