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The House Hop Guide to Home Staging

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Introduction

First impressions count

Why is staging your home so important? Because if you don't it will take longer to sell and you will probably end up selling it for a lot less than it's worth.

You'd be amazed at how seemingly trivial things can increase the value of your home if you get them right — and cost you money if you don't.

When your prospective buyer sees your house for the first time they must begin to fall in love with it. If there's no emotional attachment there's no sale. Your buyer must like what they see and be able to imagine how the house will look when it's theirs.

If the first thing a buyer sees is an untidy front garden and paint peeling off the front door they may not even bother to view.

Fortunately, staging your home well is not difficult. It just takes a bit of planning and effort. But remember, you've got to clear the house anyway before you move, and chances are you'll more than recoup the time spent preparing by getting a quicker sale.

Makeover shows

If you're in any doubt as to the value of staging your home then it's worth watching one of the many home makeover programmes. They show how a badly presented house that has languished on the market for months can be sold very quickly given the right look.

Don't forget the photos

You're also staging your home so that you can take the best possible photos. This is vital if you want interest from the best prospects as before they see your home they will be judging it from the pictures in your listing.