Inspiration

Here is some inspiration for when you run out of oumph while setting your property up for sale.

The images are from the IKEA home inspiration website. well worth a look for those who are interested in smart ideas for your home or just for some eye candy inspiration.

Images: Print Screens from here.

Personal but not private

Before putting your home on the market you have to arrange for photograhs to be taken. Since you don't get a second chance to make a first impression you have to get everything ready before the photographer arrives to do the photos for the marketing campaign. The buyer will already form an opinion about the property from a quick glance at the photos so you must make them count!

For example remove all things private from your home, just pack them up for now I know you will miss them but it wont be long until they can be unpacked in your new home. The property needs to be set up so that the buyer can imagine themselves moving in.

Remove things like family photos, sports gear, kids toys in the living room, pets beds and food bowls etc.

Thanks for the lovely feedback

It was lovely to read the feedback I received, I appreciate everyone being so enthusiastic. I have been told all the comments did not work since it was tricky to log in, but I picked out one that managed to get through the filter. It is from Mia Wingrove who also seems to love scented candles as much as I do.

"Sharon this is a wonderful idea to create property styling, I'm a candle freak myself & love to have candles burning all the time at home as it gives it a beautiful ambience as well as wonderful aroma's : ) keep up the good work Sharon x 

Mia Wingrove"

Furniture hire

If there are some rooms or outside areas that needs updating but you don't want to buy furniture and decorations that wont fit into your next home you should consider hiring. For example Valiant  seems to be a good option. Here is something I found on their website...

(text from here)

"Property Styling is all about creating a look and feel that shows your property in it’s best possible light. You want that bond between the potential new owner and your property, they need to feel and see themselves living there.

It is about texture, feel, dimension – none of which is possible using virtual images alone.

Your potential buyer needs to see the space for real and see the furniture in place to let them understand how the property flows between rooms, so they can image their new lives.

Imagine the disappointment if they have seen a furnished property online and then turn up to the inspection and it is totally empty – no character – no bonding – no connection.

There are many factors to consider, however remember, there are some things that a computer can’t replace and feelings are definitely in that category. People will fight for a property if they have become emotionally attached – and that is a benefit of a professionally styled home.

Regardless of the property size – Property Styling works! Check this video of a few recent inner city properties. They aren’t huge in floor space , but they are enormous in style and character !"

Here is the video they mentioned, some nicely styled properties. And some photos from their website, looks like they have done a good job. What do you think?

Images: Print screens from here.

Budget Styling

Using day to day material for your DIY projects can result in some fantastic results. You don't have to spend big to create a home that makes the potential buyer want to stay longer and walk through the house imagining themselves living there or planing where they will sit and relax with a cup of tea after a long day at work.

Have a look at these amazing lampshades for example. They are made by Allison Patrick and if you are not a craft person you can buy then from her Etsy shop here. Otherwise be inspired and get started on your own decorating projects!

 Lampshades made out of paper from a book.

Or why not use paper from a comic book for your kids room.

Who would have thought those old plastic bags could create such a romantic light?

Images: Print screens from here.

Spacious but not too minimalistic

Remove any furniture that is bulky or unnecessary. It is important that the rooms look spacious and inviting. Having said that, if you remove too much your home might look too minimalistic and lose it's welcoming atmosphere. Plan your interior and perhaps invite a friend over to bounce some ideas so you get it right before your first open home.

I would love your feedback

I love to make my home smell nice it makes such a homely atmosphere. It is also a good subtle way to make buyers feel at home during open homes. This scented candle is one of my favourites and I would like to share it with one of you.

To win the scented candle leave me a comment, I would love to know what you think of my Property Styling blog. Do you find the information helpful? Which information has been most interesting? What would you like to know more about? I will pick the best comment and share it with you next Friday the 25th.

I look forward to hearing what you have to say!

Update: (22/11/11) I received some feedback that it is a bit tricky to leave a comment. So the easiest way to do it, is to use the "Anonymous choice" and then just leave your name at the end of your comment.

Get ready to sell

Pantry Bliss

Organise your pantry into their appropriate sections, cans, condiments, packages etc. I find that putting small packets into containers/baskets really helps. Also get some larger baskets and put in all your sauces etc,line the baskets with paper towel.This Will keep you super organised and keep your pantry much cleaner.

Tupperware Queens "Get tossing"

Now seriously girls check out your Tupperware cupboard, how many un-matching lids and containers did you find? Do you ever wonder what really happens to them? A bit like the odd socks. Be brave.. be a tosser and get rid of them.

De Clutter your walls

Create a clean cut organized look. Nothing worse than the ceramic flying ducks hanging alongside your Bali painting from the 80s. The buyers coming through your house must be able to relate to your home and see themselves fitting their life and family in there.

IKEA

IKEA has opened its doors for a new outlet at Tempe, much closer to us here in the Illawarra. They are great for some inspiration for your home or you can pick up some storage and organising ideas. For it's opening they are offering some good deals on selected products, swing by for a look.

Images, print screens from the IKEA website

5 Things I love in my house....

Nana's bowl

This was my Nana's mums bowl (great grandma's), it was one of Grandma's wedding presents. I was very brave one night and called my nan and asked her what was the most special thing that she loved most of all, hence it was the bowl which she later gave to me before she passed away. 

If I had a fire this apart from my family would be the only thing i would take with me. It means so much to me, scary to think all the other things I own are mostly just stuff.

My oven

This was our indulgence, I just love this oven, I like cooking up a storm for my friends and family.

Salt and Pepper

I got these from Vietnam for $3.50, how cute are they salt n pepper bowls, cool as! My regret is that i didn't buy a dozen sets and give them to all my friends

Framed 

My daughter gave me this card for my birthday and I loved it so much that i framed it!! So very me! Nothing like a great party I say :)

The crystal set

I have always wanted one of these dressing table sets, so old fashioned but beautiful. I got this one from the Op shop. Love ops shops, however I never seem to have enough time to go out and find treasures.

When it's done right

Don't be afraid to let the real estate photographer be creative when doing the photos for your property. It is obviously good to show that the rooms are large and sun filled but if you want to stand out and get people interested you can use interesting angles and detail shots of the best parts of your house. The images for this property looks like they would fit into any magazine but also has some quirky angles showing the mirror reflection in the kitchen or the on-suite attached to the bedroom. And don't you just love the dog sneaking into the photo, looks very comfy.

Images, print screens from here.

5 Things I love at work

Job satisfaction

I love helping people make a move, whether it is moving house or moving forward it is great to share the journey with clients and friends.

Flexibility

The flexibility and freedom my job provides, it's important for me to maintain balance. I am always available for my clients, they can get me on the phone at most hours of the day, whilst I can still pick up my daughter from school and take her to her activities.

Clients 

Building long term relationships and customers for life is a great bonus with my job. Negotiating and getting the very best price possible for my vendors gives me a kick and builds on that competitive streak I pretend I don't have but somehow always seems to pop up.

My team 

I love my team at the Ray White Kiama office, they are awesome.

Tech tool

And last but not least I love my iPhone, how did we ever get by before iPhones I wonder.