Team Tierney’s 3 Tips for Staging your Home

When meeting with vendors, I always ask if they've made or are planning any renovations before selling. The responses usually fall into one of two categories.

The first response is enthusiastic. Vendors will speak of the investments they have made into the renovations and the beautiful upgrades they've made to their home. Sometimes, their pride makes me wonder if they even want to sell! While I appreciate their efforts, buyers typically aren't interested in these personalized touches. Instead, they look for brand-new features or homes they can renovate to suit their tastes.

The second, more common response is that they've completed minor fixes they've been putting off for years, like updating a bathroom or installing new granite countertops. While these improvements are nice, they won't significantly boost your home's value.

Here’s the reality: when renovating for sale, it's an all-or-nothing approach. Either renovate the entire home or stick to strategic updates. Partial renovations often do more harm than good. Think of it like wearing a new pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes with a 30-year-old Chanel tweed suit; it just doesn’t work.

If a full renovation isn't feasible, here are some smaller, impactful changes you can make:

Tip #1: Lighting

Lighting is crucial for showcasing your home. A poorly lit home feels stuffy, dark, and outdated. Whenever I show a home, I open all window and doors (where possible and weather dependent) and turn on every light, even in the daytime. Many homeowners don’t realize how dim their homes appear to potential buyers. Improving lighting can make your home feel brighter and more inviting. Remove old blinds, trim trees blocking windows, and clean skylights and windows thoroughly. Natural light can make a huge difference, especially in the suburbs around Auckland, particularly those close with ocean views.

Tip #2: Declutter

Clutter distracts buyers. Even tasteful decor can overwhelm potential buyers. They need to envision their own belongings in the space, not yours. Remove personal items, family photos, and quirky decorations. Staging your home professionally can be a worthwhile investment, potentially adding significant value to your sale price. A well-staged home helps buyers see the potential of the space without distractions. If you are interested in staging your home, we have assistance we can offer through List Now, meaning no up front investment, and the price of the staging can be removed from the deposit upon unconditional sale, or paid back like any other loan over a period of time.

Tip #3: Focus on High-Impact Rooms

Rather than trying to renovate everything, focus on the most important rooms. Prioritize the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom. These areas have the greatest impact on buyers' impressions and the overall value of your home. Less important spaces like guest bathrooms, garages, and studies can remain as they are, provided they’re clean and uncluttered.

Bonus Tip: Scent Sells

A pleasant scent can make a lasting impression. Avoid strong or outdated scents like potpourri or the smell of microwaved food. Instead, opt for high-quality candles, or if candles are not welcome, a diffuser or liquidless stone scent such as this one by Glasshouse Fragrances. A subtle, pleasant fragrance can evoke positive emotions and make your home memorable to buyers.

Combining professional staging, excellent lighting, decluttering, and a pleasant scent can significantly enhance your home’s appeal and value.