Home staging on a budget

We have all seen the TV make-over shows where they bring in furniture and curtains, fluff up the cushions and freshen up a home before sale. This "professional staging", as it is called, makes a huge difference in making an ordinary home look fabulous.

But what if you don't have the money to rent furniture or get professional advice? Here are some pointers on how to cost-effectively improve the look of your home to appeal to buyers.

Make it spotless: If your home is spotlessly clean and smells fresh it will immediately give the potential buyer more confidence that the house is well cared for. This includes windows and all paintwork inside and out.

De-clutter: This is a real biggie - nothing turns off buyers more than other people's mess. Box up anything that is lying around that is not vital to your everyday life. Store neatly in the garage or with a friend or relative, or rent a storage shed. Ensure that all papers and everyday clutter is tidied away before each viewing.

Freshen bathrooms: Even the most tired bathroom can be perked up by a freshly washed set of matching towels in a colour that complements or adds drama to a bathroom. A well-positioned vase of grasses or a plant can also draw the eye from outdated features.

Freshen furnishings: Have your furniture professionally cleaned to be as fresh as possible. If your couches are stained or shabby, a couple of large throws can hide the worst (store the throws away from pets to keep them fresh for open homes). While you're at it, why not get a throw rug for the floor to update tired carpet, particularly in key areas like the entry, living room or master bedroom? A few well-placed cushions in a striking colour that works with the decor will take the eye from tatty upholstery. Add some books and perhaps a sculptural pot or bowl on the coffee table. Vases of fresh flowers will liven up your living and dining area. Or just cut some greenery from your garden and arrange cunningly in a vase or bowl - look in good florists' shops to see how casual modern arrangements catch the eye.

Create bedrooms: Another bedroom adds more value to a home so ensure that each is clean, clear of clutter and quite clearly seen as a bedroom. If you have one set up as an office, store the desk and borrow a bed from a friend for the sale time. If a room is marketed as a double room, ensure there is a double or two single beds. Fresh clean linen and a few carefully placed pillows make the world of difference.

Luxury touches like large candles on the bedside table in the master bedroom give an intimate feel.

Renew or discard curtains: Fashions change so quickly that curtains often look outdated, particularly those bearing patterns.

If you can run to some ready-made drapes in a neutral colour the result will be worth it. Otherwise a dryclean will freshen the look and remove any dusty smells. If your curtains are truly hideous, you may be better to remove them. A buyer may not even recognise that they are missing, and even if they do, it may be less detrimental to your sale than truly outdated drapery.

Add accessories: But remember, less is more. A beautiful vase will have a much better impact than lots of small stuff. Often by adding some height (eg, with grasses or candles) a room's proportions can be improved. As a rule of thumb, always overscale rather than choose accessories that are too small.

As a final touch for your open homes, turn on lights to banish any shadowy corners, leaving buyers with the impression of space and light.

Allanah Hunt ~ Makeover expert

www.makeover.co.nz