If you’re planning to sell your home and embark on a new adventure, here’s how to get your property ready for the market.
Sonja Townsend, 44, specializes in transforming houses into luxurious, attractive spaces.
While facts are crucial for selling, capturing a buyer’s attention and making a memorable impression is just as important.
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If your home catches the eye of multiple potential buyers, you might even sell it for more than the asking price.
“Every property I’ve staged has received offers within a month,” said the Brixton-based owner of London Property Staging to Luxury Property News.
“A house purchase is one of the biggest decisions we make.
“Why leave potential buyers to imagine the space during their short viewing time?
“Eliminate the guesswork, so they can focus on picturing their lives there.”
Here are her top five tips for quickly finding a buyer:
KNOW YOUR BUYER
Sonja emphasizes the importance of targeting the right audience and price point.
“Often, people forget this and end up styling their property to their own taste,” she said.
“I always create a written brief identifying the target market, such as first-time buyers, families, singles, or downsizers.
“This focused approach allows us to include eye-catching pieces that photograph well and attract the desired audience.”
DECLUTTER AND DEPERSONALIZE
Next, Sonja advises sorting out what you actually need for the move.
Channel your inner Marie Kondo by decluttering and selling unnecessary items.
“Your house is currently your home, but it will soon belong to someone else,” she said.
“You want buyers to feel at home and start imagining their life there.
“That’s harder to do if your house is overflowing with personal belongings.
“Start decluttering now; you’ll need to do it before moving anyway.”
UPDATE AND DECORATE
To make your house market-ready, ensure it’s in top condition and up-to-date.
It’s time to pick up those paintbrushes, opting for neutral colors to freshen up your home.
“Even a simple coat of paint can make a significant difference,” she said.
“You want buyers to imagine their lives in your property, not get distracted by scuffs and marks.
“Choose neutral colors, and if you’re unsure about color combinations, use a color wheel.
“I’m a fan of monochrome, so I prefer light walls and furniture with darker accents for rugs, cushions, artwork, and smaller pieces like coffee and console tables.”
DEFINE EACH ROOM’S PURPOSE
Make sure every room in your house has a clear purpose.
“Each space needs a defined function,” Sonja said.
“A kitchen is for cooking and possibly eating, not an office or nursery.
“Keep things simple for your buyers.”
CLEAN DAILY TO KEEP BUYERS INTERESTED
Finally, after all the hard work, maintain your efforts by keeping your home spotless.
“Once your home is freshly decorated, decluttered, and has a few new pieces of furniture, keep it clean,” Sonja advised.
“Dust, vacuum, mop the floors, and do the dishes regularly.
“It will be easier to manage when your agent schedules a viewing, and it will also smell better.
“Add some fragrance with reed diffusers in the entrance hall, bathrooms, and bedrooms. I like jasmine, neroli, and lemongrass for their fresh, clean scents.”
For Sonja, home staging can be a game-changer when selling a property.
She uses her expertise and creativity to assist clients, sharing her insights to help others.
“My clients range from investors to developers and landlords,” she said.
“Many aren’t even in the country anymore.
“For these clients, I provide a comprehensive project management service, assessing the property, recommending improvements, and managing the work.
“This can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint or as extensive as new carpets, joinery, and gardening.
“Whatever it takes to maximize the property’s value and present it in the best possible condition.
“Staging is marketing, and it’s gaining popularity in the UK. I’m thrilled to be part of this growth.”
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