In today’s slower property market, staging your home has never been more important. With buyers taking their time and comparing more options, those small finishing touches can make a surprisingly big difference. Simple steps like decluttering, adjusting lighting, and adding warm, welcoming details can instantly make a property feel brighter, more spacious, and far more homely.
Effective staging helps potential buyers imagine themselves living in the space, making your home stand out as more desirable and memorable. It’s a cost-effective way to attract attention and give your property the best possible chance of achieving a strong result. From my experience valuing properties and preparing them for market, I’ve seen first-hand how a few finishing touches can transform a home’s appeal, both in photographs and in person.
Here’s what to focus on when you’re getting ready to sell:
First Impressions: Curb Appeal
The very first thing buyers see is the outside of your property, so it’s worth spending a little time there.
- General maintenance can go a long way from clearing pathways, removing any weeds and mowing the grass.
- Adding some greenery and colour: Simple touches like hanging baskets or potted plants are a nice touch to make the property more welcoming.
- Think about marketing photos: The front shot is often the lead image on all property marketing portals and websites. It’s also what people see if you have a “For Sale” board up, so it really does influence whether someone picks up the phone to book a viewing.
- If you have a driveway, consider moving your cars for the photographs and during viewings so buyers can appreciate the space properly.
Getting the interior ready – Presentation goes a long way
- Declutter and clear kitchen counters, desks, and surfaces. Kitchens help sell houses, many buyers focus on the kitchen first, only leave out a couple of practical appliances, and tuck away bulkier items (yes, even the air fryer!). Empty bins and remove bags, coats, or shoes from the floor.
- Keep it homely: Don’t strip everything away, as empty rooms can feel cold. The goal is to create a neat and tidy but still lived in environment.
- Personal items: You may wish to store away children’s artwork and family photos for both the photographs and viewings.
Upstairs: Bedrooms and Bathrooms
- Bedrooms: Make beds neatly with pillows, throws, or cushions, and put laundry away. Hoover carpets to give a crisp finish.
- Bathrooms: Shower curtains being neatly to one side, toilet seats down, limiting the number of products visible. Smaller touches like polishing taps and mirrors and ensure everything sparkles and looks its best.
- Lighting: Open blinds and curtains to let in as much natural light as possible so the space feels bright and welcoming.
Gardens: Tidy, Not Transformed
You don’t need to embark on a full landscaping project, but gardens should look cared-for.
- Cut the grass and sweep patios or decking.
- Replace any broken fence panels.
- Keep it simple and tidy so buyers can imagine how they’d use the space.
- Removing any covers from garden furniture
- Adding some colour by placing a few flowerpots.
Final Finishing Touches
It’s often the little extras that make the difference:
- Set the dining table with crockery and glasses to suggest entertaining space.
- Add fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit in key rooms.
- Place a throw over the sofa to make living spaces feel warm and welcoming.
Slideshow Gallery
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At Cross Keys Estates, we pride ourselves on presenting every property at its absolute best. Our photography is always professional and high-quality, ensuring your home stands out from the very first glance. Each listing is accompanied by an in-depth, knowledgeable description that captures the full character and potential of the property.
We also maximise exposure through targeted mail-outs to large audiences and active promotion across social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. With great attention to detail and a commitment to getting every finishing touch just right, we work hard to create a strong impression and help you achieve the best possible sale.
