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Get the Best Price for Your Home by Staging Your Property

Posted at 1.06pm 13th December 2024 by Oliver Gill - 5 mins read

Introduction
If you’re looking to sell your home in areas like Oldham, Saddleworth, or Ashton-Under-Lyne, making sure your property is staged properly is one of the most effective ways to achieve the best sale price. Home staging is not just about decoration; it’s about creating an atmosphere that makes buyers feel at home, helping them to visualise themselves in the space. In this blog, we’ll share practical tips on how to stage your property and maximise its appeal to buyers, all while using key techniques that drive higher prices.

1. The Power of First Impressions: Curb Appeal

When potential buyers arrive at your home, the first thing they will notice is its exterior. It’s essential to set a welcoming tone right from the front door:

Maintain the garden: Tidy lawns, trimmed hedges, and weed-free flowerbeds show that your home has been well looked after.
Outdoor lighting: Good lighting can make a big difference, especially as winter days get shorter. Add outdoor lighting around the entrance or garden for a cosy, inviting feel.
Freshen up the exterior: A coat of paint on the front door, or even cleaning windows and pressure washing the driveway, can have a significant impact.

Local trends in Oldham, Saddleworth, and Ashton-Under-Lyne show that buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that look well-maintained from the outside. Curb appeal can influence how quickly your property sells and at what price.

2. Declutter and Depersonalise

A clutter-free home allows potential buyers to visualise themselves in the space. Clear out any personal items or excess furniture that may distract from the property’s features:

Clear surfaces: Keep countertops in kitchens and bathrooms tidy and free of personal items.
Remove family photos: Buyers need to imagine their own family in the space, so it’s helpful to take down any personal photographs or items.
Edit your furniture: Too much furniture can make rooms feel cramped. Consider removing bulky or unnecessary pieces to open up the space.

3. Highlight Your Home’s Best Features

Every home has unique features that make it special. During staging, make sure you highlight these standout elements:

Brighten rooms: A well-lit home feels larger and more inviting. Use natural light where possible, and supplement with lamps in darker corners.
Create focal points: A stylish feature wall, a statement fireplace, or a beautiful piece of furniture can be the highlight of a room.
Make small rooms feel bigger: Use mirrors, neutral colours, and light furnishings to make smaller rooms feel spacious.

In areas like Saddleworth, where homes with character are often sought after, highlighting original features such as exposed beams, fireplaces, or bay windows can make a big difference to the price.

4. Create Inviting, Multi-Functional Spaces

Buyers are increasingly looking for properties that suit their lifestyle. Many are looking for flexible spaces they can use for various purposes. Consider staging a room not just as a bedroom or living room, but as a functional space that can cater to different needs:

Home office: With remote working on the rise, set up a stylish desk area in a spare room or corner of a larger room to show the space’s versatility.
Play areas or guest rooms: A bedroom staged as a nursery or guest room can appeal to buyers with families or those who often host visitors.

These ideas resonate particularly well in areas like Ashton-Under-Lyne, where young professionals or growing families are a significant portion of the market.

5. Neutralise the Palette

Neutral colours appeal to a wide range of buyers because they allow them to imagine their own style in the space. You don’t need to repaint everything, but strategic updates can go a long way:

Neutral wall colours: Soft tones like beige, light grey, and off-white create a calm, neutral backdrop that buyers can easily work with.
Cohesive colour scheme: Choose a consistent colour scheme throughout the home to make it feel more cohesive and balanced.

In Oldham, where family homes with versatile spaces are in demand, using neutral tones can help the buyer focus on the space and its potential rather than your personal style choices.

6. Accessorise Smartly

Once the main staging work is done, the finishing touches are essential. Accessories like cushions, rugs, and art can add warmth and personality to the home:

Throw pillows and throws: These can add colour, comfort, and texture to a room without overwhelming it.
Artwork and mirrors: Hang tasteful artwork or mirrors to create a sense of space and draw attention to the best features of the room.
Stylish lighting: Table lamps or elegant pendant lights can create a cosy atmosphere, especially during winter months when buyers want to envision a warm, comfortable home.

7. Professional Staging Services

If you want to ensure your home is presented at its absolute best, consider hiring a professional staging service. They have the expertise to stage your home in a way that appeals to a wide range of buyers and is tailored to the local market.

Conclusion
Staging your property is an investment that can yield significant returns, particularly in competitive markets like Oldham, Saddleworth, and Ashton-Under-Lyne. By following these tips, you can ensure that your home is presented in the best possible light, attracting more buyers and commanding a higher sale price. If you’re ready to get started or need expert advice, West Riding Estate Agents is here to help you stage your home for success.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how staging can help you achieve the best price for your home!