I don't know about you, but I am definitely a person that loves all that the season of spring brings to my life, from the lovely weather to Easter and all of the wonderful bursts of life in nature. I think that it's definitely a season to help you to have a "spring in ya step" and feel happy to be alive. It's also the perfect time of the year to inspire anyone that's in the midst of selling their home, to start the process of deep cleaning, de-cluttering and preparing their home for viewings and professional photos.
Home Staging is what you can do to you prepare your home aesthetically and showcase it to potential buyers. It's the "norm" in the USA, but in recent years it has been embraced by home owners here in the UK because of the additional positive attention your space receives from potential buyers, because they will have found it easier to appreciate its full potential and therefore there is an increased likelihood of you getting your asking price.
"Demand for housing is still spectacularly strong, despite the hit to the economy, with the supply at a record low. Be prepared for prices to drop, but don’t get discouraged. Past housing records show that house prices recover well from sudden market downturns. Thus, don’t be hesitant to put your home on the market...." Property Wire
Home staging doesn't have to be a costly endeavor, you can work with what you have, if you're clever about it.
Selling a home at the best of times, cannot be easy, but selling in the midst of a pandemic must be harder, not withstanding the additional stress. So here are some useful ways that you can at least have the basics in place:-
Step 1 - Exterior
The only time I would suggest you work from the "outside, in". Your home is being "judged" by someone looking to make an investment in every sense of the word. First impressions are important. So, definitely take advantage of the nicer weather to get out into your garden, and cut any overgrown grass, shape up any hedges, and get rid of any weeds growing through the cracks in your driveway if you have one. Get rid of anything that should have been taken to your local tip. And 100% invest in a window cleaner.
Step 2 - Repairs
Fill any holes in walls, and give your walls a little "touch up" with the same colour paint if they're looking a little grubby, "high traffic" areas, such as, your staircase will probably benefit from this step.
Step 3 - Entrance/Hallway
Clear this area of any shoes, coats and jackets. If you don't have storage in this area of your home, then find a temporary home for these items. It may seem obvious now that I've mentioned it, but you would be surprised at how often this part of the house is overlooked.
Step 4 - Living Room
Make sure your blinds and or curtains are open to let in the natural light. This will create a nice and open space. Add some fresh flowers. Accessorise with cushions and throws to dress your sofa, only if they will be a positive addition to your room style. Remove any rugs that look a little old and tired.
Step 5 - Kitchen
Ensure all worktops are clean and the floor is mopped and polished. Place your bins out of sight. If you have pets place their bowls in a cupboard so that the kitchen looks clutter free and spacious.
Step 6 - Bathroom
Make sure you keep the toilet lid down. Place a full toilet roll in the holder if you have one. Place clean and freshly folded towels on the towel rail, and remove them completely if you don't have one and tend to hang them on the back of the door or hang them on the bath etc.
Step 7 - Bedrooms
Open all curtains and blinds to let in the natural light. Again, doing this will create a spacious environment. Remove any clutter that's being stored under the beds. And obviously make sure beds are made. For kiddies rooms, tidy away any toys, or at least organise them in a way that looks appealing and doesn't make the room look untidy.
If your home has been on the market for sometime. I would encourage you to seek help from a professional so that they can assist you by taking a more in-depth-look at your space and can then tailor a staging plan and furniture layout plan that better suits you and your property.
RESA studied 481 homes that were staged before they went on the market. These homes, on average, received their first offer in 23 days after being professionally staged. Their 2013 study also found that homes, not staged, would sit on the market, on average, for 143 days and those same homes, once staged, sold, on average in 40 days!
Good luck, and do get in touch if you would like additional free advice.