In part 1, we saw how an interior designer can bring a new perspective and focus - as well as a great selection of props to help stage your home. But they bring a whole lot more to the picture that you may never have considered.
They can address your big concerns
When you are selling, you most likely want to make improvements without completely renovating the property. But let's say you have an outdated kitchen, an interior designer can make objective recommendations as to what would be the best way to make big improvements without gutting the place. They could advise how, and who to engage, to resurface the kitchen benchtops. They can see clearly if new fixtures and fittings would be worth the effort of updating. There is nothing that an experienced designer has not seen before, saving you not just time but also money and stress deciding what you to do!
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
Less is more
You might think that your child's framed 8th-grade picture adds light and colour to a room, but you are probably wrong. Everyone knows that you should keep clutter to a minimum. But more than just excess stuff, some of the feature items that you love may just be dragging down the entire look and ‘Feng Shui' of the home. Some of the biggest culprits are huge TVs and entertainment systems with every sort of cable and gadget attached - store these. That beautiful Bali cabinet that has stood in the hallway for 20 years? Move it. After all, it might be your pride and joy, but it could be making the hallway feel cramped.
Repurposing
Over time, your house changes to suit your needs, wants and activities. However, whilst it may be mighty convenient (now that the kids have flown the nest) that each of you has their own personal office - this is unlikely to inspire buyers. In fact, offices are seen as a big no-no in interior designer circles. Rather, you want to allow the designer to stage the rooms that allow the buyers to feel great as they look around but also make it easier for them to envisage ‘what they could do with the room’. So even though they may intend to have an office, they don't want to see your paperwork and whiteboards in the process!
A full assessment before feedback
Staging your home is about highlighting its best features whilst minimising areas that don’t do it justice. You only get one chance to make a great first impression. Sure, real estate agents can make suggestions as to how to present your home, but they are not going to be able to give your home the full assessment that a designer will give. Real estate agents try to get feedback from disinterested previous viewers, but by then it is too late. Potential buyers will often just say that the property was “too expensive” or "didn't feel right". This is not always the full story and does not give you anything to work with. A designer on the other hand acts like a potential buyer, who knows the property area and knows what trends are ‘in’ or not.
In a housing market where buyers can finally afford to take a little more time and be more discerning, it really is worth the initial expense of getting the experts in. In doing so, you give yourself the best chance of selling the home quickly and for the best price, whilst minimising the stress and effort for you!
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