When it comes to selling your home, it’s not just about the bricks and mortar. The emotional connection you can create with potential buyers can have a significant impact on the sale price and speed of the sale. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through home styling. In Sydney, we have a sophisticated real estate market and buyers have come to expect certain standards. Learn how you can satisfy buyers’ needs and help them feel an emotional connection to your home.
Five steps to creating an emotional connection with buyers
We can’t wave a magic wand and have everything happen at once. Preparing your home for sale means going step by step.
1 Decluttering and depersonalising
The first step to creating an emotional connection is to declutter and depersonalise your home. When potential buyers walk through your home, you want them to envision themselves living there, not you. By removing personal items like family photos and excessive clutter, you create a blank canvas that enables a buyer to place themselves in your home, living their new life.
2 Creating inviting spaces
When we prepare a home for sale, we aim for ‘aspirational’ so we should try to depict the ideal life a buyer could be living in your home. Conversation pits are a fantastic way to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. These spaces encourage social interaction, and the idea of sitting comfortably with family and friends can help a buyer feel more connected in your home.
3 Styling your kitchen
Kitchens, especially for families, are vital to get right. First, the kitchen needs to be spotless but still warm and inviting. Hide as many appliances as possible so they don’t clutter the countertops. Remove tea towels and dishcloths and hide the detergent. Once you have a blank canvas, you can warm up the kitchen with ‘lifestyle’ offerings. Think about setting out some cups and saucers (or attractive mugs), a teapot or coffee pot and a cake. Even some fruit, plates and fruit knives will do the trick. Simple touches like these can make a big difference in how buyers feel when they enter your kitchen.
4 Styling your bedroom
First, we suggest neutral bedding colours. You want to limit your palette to three colours. The main colour should be neutral; you can add pops of colour if you like with throw pillows. An area rug (make sure it’s big enough) will help pull the room together. On your nightstand, add a tray or glass to keep all the bits and pieces tidy. Add a glass of water and a lamp and you’re done.
5 Setting the scene outdoors
If you have an outdoor entertaining area, take the opportunity to style it as if a party is about to begin. Set the table with pretty napkins, a basket of bread and gorgeous jugs of water or juice. Add a bowl of fruit for a touch of colour and freshness and some greenery in a vase or suitable container. This creates a feeling of carefree summer days and can significantly increase the appeal of your home.
Is professional staging worth the cost?
While many homeowners can successfully style their own homes, there is significant value in hiring a professional stager. Even if you choose to get help with one room only, a professional can provide expert advice and help you create a space that truly shines. Your stager can also help you style any awkward spaces in your home and highlight its best features.
Top DIY styling tip
If you’re planning to style your home yourself, we suggest that you take photos on your phone as you style each room. This helps you see each space from a different perspective and identify any areas that need improvement.
By following these tips and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, you can significantly increase the emotional appeal of your home and achieve a successful sale.
Thinking of selling or need selling advice in The Hills?
We have buyers looking for homes in Rouse Hill, Beaumont Hills, Box Hill, Kellyville, North Kellyville and Tallawong. As established real estate agents, we’re here to help. Get in touch today by calling us on 02 8883 0777.
