Virtual tour ready? Master the art of staging a property

In today’s market, most property viewings start online, making staging more important than ever. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes sell 73% faster than their non-staged counterparts. Staging enhances a property’s look in photos and virtual tours, helping potential buyers imagine themselves living there.

The role of an agent is to guide your clients in making their homes look their best on screen. From picking the right decor to arranging rooms to feel more spacious, or even using the latest virtual staging tech, you can make any listing stand out and catch the eye of potential buyers.

The basics of home staging

When it comes to home staging, always start with the basics; decluttering, depersonalising, and deep cleaning. Each of these are fundamental to changing a lived-in house into a market-ready property.

Decluttering is the first step, involving the removal of excess items from view. This makes each room appear larger and more inviting, allowing potential buyers to focus on the property itself rather than the personal items within it. Removing items like family photos, children’s artwork, and personal memorabilia is part of depersonalising the space.

Creating a neutral space is key as it helps buyers better imagine themselves and their belongings in the home, making the space feel more like a blank canvas ready for new owners. This can involve painting walls in light, neutral colours and replacing bold furnishings with more subdued options. A neutral palette improves the space’s appeal because it resonates with a wider range of tastes and allows the architectural features of the home to stand out.

Deep cleaning is another essential aspect, as it ensures the property looks well-maintained and cared for. This includes scrubbing bathrooms and kitchen tile, cleaning windows to let in more light and scrubbing any stains.

Taking the home room by room to maximise the appeal of each area is the easiest way to ensure nothing is missed before capturing photos and virtual tours.

Staging key rooms

Staging key areas in the home can transform a property listing, making each space appear both functional and inviting. Agents can guide clients in staging each room.

Living room

The living room is often the first interior space that potential buyers see, so its presentation is crucial for a good first impression.

Encourage clients to arrange the furniture to maximise open space and promote easy foot traffic flow, which makes the room appear larger and more welcoming.

Decorative touches such as tasteful art pieces, a few well-placed plants, or stylish cushions can add appeal and warmth.

Optimal lighting setups; layered lighting with ambient, task, and accent lights can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like home.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, clutter is the enemy. Recommend that clients clear countertops except for a few decorative items such as a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase with flowers for a simple, clean feel.

For open and glass cabinets, organisation is essential and carefully positioning matching mugs or other crockery adds to a welcoming aesthetic.

If the kitchen is a little outdated, minor upgrades like replacing old taps or cabinet handles to refresh the space without major renovations, making the kitchen look modern and user-friendly without requiring a large budget.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms should be staged as serene retreats that appeal to buyers. Advise clients to use attractive, neutral bedding and keep decor minimal to enhance the feeling of calm in the space.

Personal items should be stored out of sight to depersonalise the room and allow buyers to imagine themselves living there. Ensure the arrangement of furniture maximises the perceived space and functionality of the bedroom.

Bathroom

Bathrooms should appear immaculate and spacious. Recommend the strategic placement of mirrors to expand the visual space and enhance light reflection.

Use neutral colours for towels and mats, and ensure all surfaces are spotless. Encourage clients to display fresh towels and ensure personal items like toothbrushes and toiletries are tucked away.

For showers and screens, make sure the glass is in pristine condition, and any mould or staining on tiles is removed.

Staging outdoor spaces

Curb appeal is often a decisive factor in a buyer’s first virtual impression of a property.

A well-maintained exterior not only adds immediate visual appeal but also suggests that the property is well cared for, which can significantly influence potential buyers’ interest and perceptions.

For effective staging of outdoor areas, start with basic landscaping to ensure that lawns are mowed, bushes are trimmed, and any garden beds are weeded and neatly mulched.

Simple enhancements such as adding seasonal flowers or new shrubs can add colour and life to the garden, making the space more attractive. Advise clients on repainting or cleaning the front door, as it’s often a focal point in exterior photos.

If there’s a porch or entryway, staging it with a welcoming mat, with any shoes or other clutter removed.

For properties with larger outdoor living spaces, such as patios or decks, recommend arranging outdoor furniture in a way that highlights the usability and comfort of the space.

Showing a well-set table or a cozy seating area with clean, stylish cushions can help buyers imagine entertaining or relaxing in the space. Jet washing any flooring, including decking, patios and driveways, can also go a long way in making the space look more presentable.

Capturing quality photos

Once the above is complete, the listing is ready to be captured. However, all of the hard work will go to waste if an agent doesn’t capture high quality images of the property.

Utilising virtual tour technology and capturing high quality photos allows agents to showcase every key feature in the home in its best light, so they can focus on doing what they do best – client service.

Want to get picture-perfect listings every time? Speak to a Giraffe360 expert about virtual tours, floor plans and photos.