5 Top tips for styling a property to sell

We asked the experts for their top five tips for styling a property.

1. Declutter

​Pairing things back and simplifying the space makes a world of difference and is often under estimated, even de-personalising a space and removing family photos can help. 

2. Focus on key rooms

Focus on the main rooms to be photographed for the internet as these are the ones which will help the buyers choose which properties they will inspect. The kitchen is a very important room and must be clean and decluttered with perhaps just a coffee machine, a bowl of green apples or a small vignette of a cookbook, herb pots and mortar and pestle.

3. Consider your proportions

The rooms need to have well proportioned furniture to suit the size of the room and should contain a focal point, be it a great sofa, accent cushions or a colourful interesting art work. Also consider which angle the photos will be taken from and avoid showing the backs of sofas and chairs. 

4. Neutralise the space

 A lick of neutral paint always freshens up a space, allowing you to add pops of colour through art and decorative cushions which can be changed seasonally. Colour draws the buyers emotionally. For example soft blues and grey to create a feeling of relaxation and brighter oranges and yellows to energise the living areas.

5. Fresh flowers for the win

Especially for photography purposes. Greenery or flowers adds freshness to a space and adds impact to photography. “We often use greenery to enhance the decor in the home and help link the rooms with the garden or outdoor space,” says Gowen.

Source Domain, click her for more information

Property styling to sell

Before: Property styling, or home staging as it is known in the US, is becoming increasingly popular.

After: Sellers turn to professional stylists to improve the chances of selling a property.

                                                

With the growth in popularity of television shows like The Block and Selling Houses Australia, styling has become a lot more common, says Juliana Gowen, senior stylist at property styling specialists, Urban Chic in Sydney. “People realise the economic advantage of professionally presenting their property.” 

Home stagers can improve the selling chances of any home from luxury to budget. “Once it was only reserved for high-end market homes, however now we regularly style properties right across the board,” says Gowen. “Real estate agents are also very pro styling these days as it increases the level of interest in the property helping them them sell more easily while achieving a higher price for their client. It really is a win-win for all concerned.”

Gowen says that the art of property styling is showing potential buyers how the space works so that they understand easily how they could live comfortably in a particular home. They may even be swayed to choose a property lacking something on their wish list. “Buying a home is very much an emotional decision and if it feels right the buyer will often compromise on some of their requirements. Professional styling can achieve all of the above.”

Empty properties offer the best potential for styling she says but don’t be put off your selling objective. “Styling works particularly well where the property has been vacated and the stylist is able to co-ordinate a complete new look. We are often told by vendors, ‘Now my home looks this good I’m not sure I really want to sell it.'”

Source; Domain. Click here for more information

Quote of the week

Tips for getting your property ready to sell!

Soak Up a Sale - Bathroom

•     Your bathroom must be spotless and tiles clean
•     Fix or replace cracked basins, toilets or tubs
•     Air your bathroom before inspections - bad smells are a buyer turn off!
•     Add a little luxury with plump towels, handmade soaps, a plant or flowers
•     Add some boutique bath products
•     If your bathroom is small maximise space by putting the towel rail behind the door

Sleeping In Style

•     Reduce the amount of furniture in small bedrooms to give the impression of space
•     Storage is important - consider adding built-in wardrobes
•     Add a little luxury with fresh linen, puffed pillows and extra cushions
•     Dimmer switches create atmosphere in a bedroom
•     De-personalise your bedroom but
•     Add little touches like candles and perfume bottles

Step Outside - Backyard

•     Trim your lawns and weed your garden beds
•     Defining your garden bed borders
•     Add a focal point
•     Give the illusion of space in a courtyard by using large pavers
•     Introduce colour with pots of whatever is in flower

Decorative touches

  

Placing statues, sculptures and urns between trees or in the centre of the lawn adds a charming decorative touch to your outdoor area. For a formal garden, look for classical Greek or Roman figures, or for a Victorian feel, pretty statues of cherubs or angels should do the trick. In addition, wooden signs and wrought-iron artworks are right at home in an outdoor setting. Why not hang some wind chimes from tree branches to create a calming ambiance, or put a sundial among the flowers to conjure up the image of a traditional English garden?

A beautifully designed planter or small water feature can add an elegant look to an outdoor area and bring some colour and greenery to an empty corner. And, if you’re keen to attract native wildlife to your garden, include a bird bath or feeder – these come in a variety of styles ranging from traditional to modern and are often quite inexpensive.

Don’t forget that less is more – avoid crowding your yard too much. Add just a few attractive accessories for an easy and inexpensive way to turn your outdoor area into a warm and welcoming space that everyone can enjoy.

Source: Country Home ideas, click here for more information

Sold under the hammer!

                           

  

Our auction on Monday night was a huge success, we sold 7 out of 9 properties under the hammer and exchanged on another one today. We had over 40 registered bidders, the most we have ever had!

See below comment from my clients, really made my day :)

Sharon Ford has either acted for us in purchasing or selling 4 properties now and her professionalism is excellent, her support and empathy has been appreciated as 2 sales have been for elderly relatives and the process has been a positive, least intrusive one with a great outcome.

J & G 

North Kiama Drive - Vendors