Looking for a new house is truly and adventure! I always feel a bit awkward walking into other people homes. Imagining all my furniture in place of theirs. Thinking what colours, fabrics, paint I would use... FUN! But its still not your space, and I have this overwhelming sense of getting a glimpse into how other people live... you know those people, the STRANGERS!

With the market currently still recovering from a depression, I seem to be viewing houses which have been on the market for at least 6 months. That’s a long time!

This is where a few basic principles of Home Staging could be applied. But what is Home Staging? Quite simply this is the depersonalization of your home, and the hi-lighting of your properties good points! Allowing you to get your market value in the quickest time possible.

The toughest part of Home Staging, is removing your personal stamp from your property. This is part of the process that I think is most difficult. After all, this is your home, it’s who you are. But you have for whatever reason decided to move on, you need to start now! You need to let go!

Lets begin!

A: Curb Appeal!

The first impression a potential buyer has of your property is your front door and area around the drive way. Fix this area up, ensure that the garden is neat and the driveway clean. Why not try and include a few pot plants to achieve a look of colour and visual interest. Remember, you can always take these pots with you when you leave, and how inviting are two gorgeous lemon trees or a pretty pot full of seasonal flowers at the entrance!

B: General DIY Interior & Exterior

This should be a simple point to get right. First get your pen and paper, we are going to make our snag list! Now begin at the front door and try and look at everything with buyer’s eyes. Make a list of all cracks, damp, carpet marks, flaking paint and any other flaws which the buyer could use as a bargaining point in order to decrease the cost of your property! Don't forget to include your gutters and your exterior paint work. 1 L of paint could increase your bottom line substantially!

Now get down to your local diy shop and get fixing!
A bit of effort will go a long, long way!

C: Paint

This is the most cost effective way of creating a fresh look. Very important though, don’t try and get creative here. Stick to a neutral colour palette, this is not the time to experiment with wild raspberry! Use a matt pva to cover any plaster defects. A sheen acrylic tends to highlight the flaws.

A really great although messy way of improving the overall look of your walls is to rhinolite your interior. In a small space this process will improve the look enormously! Rough plaster has horrid cheap and nasty look to it. So get those walls smooth.

D: Floors

Floors are always tricky, but if you are planning on doing some renovation in order to increase your properties value, please please, please do not use different tiles in an open plan area. Keep your floor uniform, this will create a flow and the space will look bigger.

Give your carpets a proper steam clean with a professional service operator. Not a bad idea to get them to do your couch at the same time, after all those STRANGERS, are coming into your home. It must be clean!

E: Furniture & Floor plan

Take a look at the overall flow of your furniture. Spend time trying various alternative configurations. You may find a different layout creates more space.

F: De clutter!

If you are an avid collector, this is  a good time to pack a few of those personal items away. As hard as it is you need neutralize your space! Keep it as simple and fresh as possible!

G: Bathroom

Horrid tiles on the walls? Give them a makeover with a coat of paint with the help of a handy tile primer. This will update an outdated tile as well as create a fresh and bright look!

H: Kitchen

Kitchen looking a bit tired... why not give the doors a simple strip down, varnish and paint. Another cost effective option to update the look is to change those door knobs.

I: The Garden

Your pool, must be blue and your grass neat and tidy. This is so often an area of a property that is neglected. Call in a local garden service, plant a few seasonal flowers and plants. Herbs are great to have displayed in pots around an outdoor patio area. The smell of rosemary, basil and thyme will definitely have a positive effect on any potential buyer!

J: Mood: Set the stage for the show day!

Invest in some flowers, something with a gorgeous smell. Daylilies work beautifully! Imagine how intoxicating it is for a buyer to walk into your home and have the smell of fresh flowers tickle their senses. Also consider percolating a pot of coffee as well as having soft music playing in the background. Poor vanilla essence into bowls with dried rose petals and scatter around the house. Its all about setting the mood!

Most potential home owners are looking for houses that are happy homes. We want to see that the property we are viewing was loved and cherished! Spend a little time fixing, painting and decorating!

Its all about a bit of drama and theatre. Style your home fabulously

Happy home staging!
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