Dressing to impress

Everybody knows first impressions matter, and this especially true when prospective buyers view a property, which is why it pays to ensure a property makes a lasting first impression. 

Home staging is, simply, the steps involved in "dressing up" a property to make it more appealing and inviting to potential buyers, by paying attention to the cosmetic and aesthetic details. 

"Since buyers mostly only look at properties in their price range, home staging is an effective way to make sure the one stands out from the other so that it can sell faster and potentially for more money," says Elmarie Bester, principal at Leapfrog Faerie Glen.

More than the price, the structure and the layout, often the final decision for a buyer is based on a feeling they have about the property - an intangible but very important experience. Bester explains: "People need to be able to imagine themselves living in the space, which is what home staging helps to do."

This doesn't mean you need to make it look like a guest house or recruit an interior decorator to make your home look more like just a house, but rather about a few small interventions, tricks and tools that will ensure the property is the best (dressed!) addressed in the neighbourhood.

Clutter-free

Nothing says chaos quite like clutter! It's easy to overlook your own clutter, but essential to pack it away when potential buyers come for a viewing. An untidy, cluttered home can be a major deterrent, particularly in high-use spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. "It is very difficult to gauge the full potential of a property when you are squeezing past stuff, having to look past dirty dishes and tripping over animals," Bester says. A house that is neat and clean just naturally appeals more to a buyer.

Sweet scents 

Looking good is one thing, smelling great is another! Scent has a surprisingly strong effect on our emotions and as such goes a long way in making a space more appealing. "It's a good idea to have a pot of coffee brewing or something tasty baking in the oven. Similarly a scented candle or a mild, but refreshing, room spray can make a subtle difference." Also don't forget to take the rubbish out, wipe surfaces and clear the kitchen sink," Bester recommends. 

Curtain call 

People are generally drawn to light and airy spaces, which is why almost no one wants to walk into a drab and dark house. "It's as simple as opening the curtains and blinds when you have a viewing. This allows the natural light to filter through and for fresh air to circulate," Bester suggests. The buyer also gets a better view of the exterior from the open windows.

Curbside appeal 

Just because the inside generally matters more to buyers than the outside, it doesn't mean the outside should be neglected. The outside is the first experience one has of a property and another opportunity for making an impression. "Make sure the outside of the house is neat and tidy, with the walkway to the front door clear and unobstructed," Bester suggests. 

Home staging is about making the property as appealing to the potential buyer as possible. Property purchases are largely driven by emotion, which is where things like order and a nice smell can tip somebody one way or another.