Easy way to add up to 20 per cent to the value of your home via styling

A lot of us need a little bit of help to see how good our home can be. Here’s how.

Even in a seller’s market, it pays to make your property pop.

Although vendors have been in the driver’s seat as housing supply stayed low this year, a late listings surge in December means buyers finally have more choice. According to recent PropTrack data from realestate.com.au, the collective capital cities have recorded the highest listings levels since March 2011.

So, with a greater number of homes on offer, house hunters are more likely to scroll past lacklustre listings that don’t inspire them to click or attend an inspection.

Here’s how to make sure yours doesn’t get overlooked:

MAKE YOUR HOME LISTING SHINE

Realestate.com.au surveyed users to discover buyers’ biggest frustrations.

Sixty-five per cent said their pet peeve was no price guide, 52 per cent said they expected a floor plan and 40 per cent were annoyed when no address was provided.

Make your home standout. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Troy Malcolm, head of sales at LJ Hooker Group, said vendors should work with their agent to get maximum exposure.

“With about 90 per cent of buyers likely to see your property online, make sure you have quality, accurate images to help it stand out,” he said.

Whether an online listing, newspaper ad or for sale sign, Mr Malcolm said good copywriting evokes imagination while connecting with buyers.

“Getting the copy right means using a good copywriter who can write engaging and accurate text focusing on the property’s features, along with the potential lifestyle benefits,” he said.

To cast the widest net, a balance of traditional and new marketing is ideal.

“While social media and the internet are undoubtedly a primary platform, print advertising remains in the advertising mix. Not all buyers are online. The ritual of reading the Saturday real estate lift out is far from over,” Mr Malcolm said.

LOW COST WAYS TO PREP YOUR HOME FOR SALE

Property stylist Justine Wilson of Vault Interiors said sellers have plenty of boxes to tick. “Any touch ups around the home – small or large – such as painting, steam cleaning and decluttering will all help add value,” she said.

Designer Justine Wilson.

Before listing, Ms Wilson suggested vendors work on a home’s street appeal by tidying gardens, repairing fences and guttering and creating an inviting pathway to the front door. “Also, remove overly personal items such as photos and figurines which can make a property feel small and cramped. These things can distract buyers from focusing on the property itself and make it hard for them to visualise how they would live in the home,” she said.

For open homes, a well-planned property preparation will also impress.

“Conceal day-to-day items such as laundry, paperwork, dishes and garbage. Set up in advance by opening curtains and blinds, turning on heating or air conditioning, opening balcony doors and windows, plus turning on lights. This makes the property feel light and airy while reducing odours, Ms Wilson said.

The right styling can add value to your home. Picture: Renee Nowytarger

ADD A PROFESSIONAL TOUCH

“Property styling can add value by detracting from any imperfections the property may have, enhance the visual appeal overall, and when properly done can target the right buyer demographic,” Ms Wilson said.

By creating useable zones like study nooks and outdoor sitting areas in otherwise dead space, stylists can help buyers visualise a home’s possibilities.

And if styling a whole home is not in the budget, many stagers offer part-styling options.

“A trained stylist will work with your existing items, suggest storing bulky or dated items that detract from the home and bring in key pieces to enhance the property’s appeal,” Ms Wilson said.

HOME STYLING TRAPS TO AVOID

Justine Wilson, principal and director of Vault Interiors, said an empty home can slow down a sale by putting potential buyers off. At the other extreme, a house packed with personal items and clutter will be a turnoff for any potential buyers.

And without inspirational inclusions, purchasers are less likely to fall in love at first site and offer top dollar. She revealed some key concepts for sellers to consider:

• Our research tells us styled homes sell for as much as 20 per cent higher than an unstyled property.

• The reality is, 90 per cent of buyers can’t envision how an empty space will work for them. A part-style can just focus on key areas to be highlighted in the marketing campaign such as the lounge room, dining room, master bedroom and outdoor areas.

The right styling can add up to 20 per cent to a home’s sale price. Picture by Luke Marsden.

• Do your best to present the home as neat and move-in ready as possible. Ensure there is some furniture, even if it’s your own items to show scale and function.

• Add touches to create a good first impression like flowers, bright scatter cushions, colourful throws along with a burning scented candle.

• Hide any traces of pets like hair and beds, plus remove coat racks, shoes, laundry baskets or garbage bins – anything that will look messy in a photograph or during an inspection.

• Tweaks to the flow of the home, good air circulation and the right scale furniture can make a big difference for buyers.

Originally published as Easy way to add up to 20 per cent to the value of your home via styling