Homes expert is also a best-selling author
THE director of Melbourne-based Lemon and Lime Interiors has become an Amazon best-selling author after the launch of her first book.
Sell High, Sell Fast, by Derbyshire home staging expert and property professional Elaine Penhaul, reached the number one best-selling spot in Amazon’s real estate and multi-level marketing kindle categories, as well as ranking at number six in the property and real estate financing category for paperbacks.
Written with vendors in mind, Sell High Sell Fast... equips sellers with the skills and knowledge they need to get their homes ready for sale.
It helps them to understand their market, find their ideal buyer and demonstrates how to create a home that will sell quickly, using tried and tested home staging techniques.
Elaine said: “I’m so happy that the book has been well received and sold so many copies on Amazon already. Home staging is a huge industry in America but it’s not widely recognised in the UK so I’m excited to shine a spotlight on the contribution that we’re making to the home staging sector, all out of our base here in the Midlands.
“We are very proud of Lemon and Lime Interiors’ roots and we are delighted to call Melbourne our home.
“This book explains what I have learned about the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of selling a home as quickly as possible for the maximum financial gain. For most of us, selling a home represents far more than simply a bricks and mortar transaction.” Covering topics such as marketing property in the 21st century, the importance of presentation, home staging, decluttering, and decorating, the guide gives well- rounded insight into all the elements of a property sale.
The book also includes Elaine’s expertise and knowledge gained since setting up Lemon and Lime
Interiors in 2012. Elaine said: “When writing Sell High, Sell Fast I aimed to equip vendors with all the skills they need to get their properties ready for sale.
“There is a common misconception that home staging and interior design are the same – when actually they are at the opposite ends of the spectrum.
“Home stagers are only interested in creating market appeal for a property. In essence, it is a marketing tool and as such can be taught.”
During 2018/19, the occupied properties that Lemon and Lime Interiors worked with sold on average four times faster after staging, showing just how effective home staging can be.
Elaine continued: “Home staging is essential if you want your home to sell quickly and for the asking price or more. It’s important to create an environment that can resonate with buyers.
“Buyers don’t want to be greeted by an empty, dormant space when attending a viewing or looking at pictures online – rather they want to see how the space can be lived in and utilised by occupants, should they wish to make the purchase.
“If you are selling, planning to sell, or just want a new way to think about how you live in your own home then this is the book for you.”
The average price tag on a home in Britain hit a new record high of £323,530 in October, according to a property website.
Prices are now 5.5% or £16,818 higher than a year ago, marking the biggest rate of increase for more than four years, Rightmove said.
But some sellers may be getting too optimistic about what people will pay, its report said.
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property data, said: “We predict that the annual rate of growth will peak by December at around 7% higher than a year ago.
“Many buyers seem willing to pay record prices for properties that fit their changed post-lockdown needs, though agents are commenting that some owners’ price expectations are now getting too optimistic, and not all properties fit the ‘must have’ template that buyers are now seeking.”
Rightmove said despite the effective market closure between late March and mid-may, 2% more sales have been agreed so far this year than in the same period in 2019. As well as the new price record, Rightmove said the average time to sell a property is also at a new record of 50 days. This is 12 days faster than a year ago.
I’m so happy that the book has been well received and sold so many copies on Amazon already Elaine Penhaul