The sun is up, days are longer and warmer, and the property market across New Zealand is showing good momentum. Could this be the start of another price surge, as the experts at Quotable Value (QV) suggest?
Only time will tell. But in the meantime, these summer-flavoured home staging tips (sourced from the experts) can help bring the “wow” factor into your vendors’ properties.
Let the light in
When it comes to selling a home, light is a key factor. By looking at over 5,000 house sales in Wellington, a 2017 study by economics research group Motu found that each extra daily hour of sunlight a property gets can add 2.4 per cent to its value.
So let natural light do its magic by removing anything impeding it as part of staging. Open curtains and shades, and use mirrors in small rooms to reflect light and make the space appear larger. Thesmoothmover.co.nz also recommends using lamps to brighten dark corners and replacing heavy, dated curtains with basic cotton or linen ones.
For added value, if possible, consider reconfiguring your furniture layout by arranging seating pieces to face the light, a sea view or the outdoor area.
Keep it cool
No one wants to be walking through an overheated house, so ensure you provide your buyers with some summer relief. Leave your windows and doors open, and turn on the heat pump in cool mode if necessary... People will likely linger in the house longer.
Add a touch of nature
“Fresh flowers are a quick and simple way to connect your indoor space with the outdoors,” Sojo Design suggests.
Houseplants can work wonders to make a space feel happier and healthier – simply put, more like home. Plus, they can give buyers a sense of scale when they are scrolling through property listings online, adding a touch of personalisation that can prevent an otherwise cold, “home-staged” look.
Include pops of colour
Spread a summer mood all around by adding pops of light, airy colours – or even bolder and brighter accents for a little “spice”.
Homestaged.co.nz recommends combining vibrant accents and neutrals to brighten your space, while Sojo Design suggests using fresh shades of watery blues, palmy greens and warm yellows, summer-themed cushion covers and fun graphic prints.
Don’t overlook the outdoors
From maximising curb appeal to staging the outdoor living area, make sure your vendors’ property looks comfortable and ready to entertain – inside and out.
“The aim should be to make your outdoor space appear liveable, vibrant and welcoming,” says Homestage.co.nz. This includes updating decks, tables and chairs, and ensuring that the lawn is tidily mowed.
As Upstaged.nz points out, a garden can be a good selling point, provided it’s well-weeded and maintained. Patios and outside walls may benefit from a fresh coat of paint or minor repairs, combined with nice furniture and accessories.
“Even if you aren’t going to repaint the outside of the home, the entire façade can look better simply by painting the shutters and doors,” Upstaged.nz says. “Power washing can also help, as it removes a lot of grime you may not have even realised is there.”
Ask a professional
If your vendors are preparing to sell their property and want to give it a bit of a seasonal flair, professional home staging can make a lot of difference.
A good home stager knows how to present a home and what steps to take to maximise its sale price. Costs vary based on the characteristics of the house, but if done properly, it’s worth the investment.
If your vendors need help funding a top-notch real estate marketing strategy, including home staging, please get in touch. Our Front Door Finance tool can take care of all costs upfront, and your vendors won’t make any repayments or accrue any interests for the first three months. It could be just the time they need to make a profitable sale.
Click here to learn more and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to discuss this further.