Styling your home to sell

THEREIS no arguing the fact that walking into a beautifully presented home will improve your chances of selling quickly, and for the best price.

Presentation is therefore the most important factor to consider when placing your home on the market.

Anobvious option is to hire a property stylist, someonewho specialises in making homes look their best for sale.

The reality, however, is that a lot of homeowners don’t have the budget for this.

Here are some basic rules to adhere to when styling your home for sale. They will help ensure that your home stands out from the crowd Crowded and cluttered rooms do nothing to help sell your home. Most personal items should be placed in storage or out of sight, with the bare minimumleft on display. You don’t want to create a cold environment that doesn’t look lived in, but at the same time clutter is definitely off putting. Find a happy balance between the two to create the most appealing space.

Remember, it’s not about your own personal taste in home decor. Keep the scheme neutral to appeal to the broadest market. Certainly add splashes of colour and texture with throw cushions and curtains, but keep walls and furniture as neutral as possible.

If you are selling a family home, create an inviting, warm space with an open living area. If you are using a spare room as a study, consider setting it up as a bedroom or nursery.

By contrast, if you are marketing an apartment to an urban working couple, consider their requirements, such as modern updates to the kitchen and bathroom and low maintenance features. Young urban professionals will mostly avoid properties that need a lot of work. Fresh flowers and softly scented candles will add to your home’s ambience during inspections. Open blinds or curtains to allow natural light flow, and turn on some ceiling or side lamps if necessary.

Of course it goes without saying that your home should be spotless, so clean before each and every open house.