Using the art of home staging to sell your home quickly

Home staging doesn't need loads of expenses or expertise but it works really well. Various surveys have shown that properly presented homes are sold quickly and for more bucks then a normal non-staged home.

Home staging or property styling is the process of setting up your home for sale. It can be done by cleaning, decorating, painting, or just going through some maintenance work. Home staging is a time-tested method that enables property owners to sell their home quickly (and that too at higher prices). Although there are real estate agents and interior designers who will do it for you, you can also do it yourself without much of a problem. You just have to work towards making your home more appealing and more likable. People are now starting to realize the importance of property staging. Individual sellers, now commonly use home staging that was once a technique used by real estate agents only.

Maintenance work:
Don't leave basic maintenance work for new buyers. Normally they are looking to get a house that is readily available to shift into. They are already tired of going through the hectic task of property search; a home clearly asking for maintenance work is an immediate turn off. Also, some maintenance work can cover the normal wear and tear signs as well.

Outlook and doorway:
When the potential buyer arrives at your home, he'll most probably make his mind in first few minutes. First impression contributes a lot towards the final decision of approval or rejection. You need to spend most of your time on improving the outlook and entrance of your home. The buyer should feel at home, the moment he/she arrives at the house. If the first feelings are negative, then there's hardly anything a splendid drawing room or a very elegant dining room can change afterwards.

Cleaning and Decorating:
Cleaning will not cost you anything, but a clean and tidy look will definitely increase the property price. Painting (whitewash) can do wonders, and it doesn't cost a lot as well. You maybe familiar with some messy bedrooms or thinking that those cartoon characters painted on wall by your children are really cute, but all of this stuff is going to give the visiting buyer an uncomfortable feeling. Remove your family pictures or personal belongings from the shelves; remember you need to make them feel at home. They shouldn't feel like violating someone else privacy.

Furniture and Accessories:
This is a must for newly built homes, which are not occupied as yet. Rent the furniture or carpets to make it look like a home. Adjust the furniture wisely; smart furniture arrangements can make a room look bigger and more open. Design rooms to express their use, like bedroom, study room or dining room. This will make the decision making a lot easier for the buyer.

William King is the director of UAE and Dubai Real Estate and Property Portal: http://www.bayut.com , Lahore Real Estate and Lahore Property: http://www.zameen.com/Homes/Lahore-1-1.html and Property and Real Estate Directory: http://www.propertydir.com . He has 18 years of experience in the marketing and trading industries and has been helping retailers, entrepreneurs and startups with their product sourcing, promotion, marketing and supply chain requirements.