Property Styling Myths - BUSTED!
It’s not often that people sell their homes and work with designers/stylists so it does make sense that there are so many common misconceptions (myths) hanging about. Now whilst we believe that it’s healthy to be a little skeptical about what we do here at Nestled Interiors it’s also about time we addressed these myths once and for all.
MYTH # 1: Property Styling is too expensive
A lot of people are of the assumption that styling your property for sale is another unnecessary and overwhelming cost when it comes to the fees related to selling your property. But you’d actually be pleasantly surprised about how affordable it actually is.
Full styling packages through us start from as little as $1500 inc GST (Which over x6 weeks hire works out to be $250/ week) and with options like our Style Now + Pay Later service you can defer this upfront cost for a very minimal fee for up to 120 days! So whether you’re looking at furnishing a full house or even just adding some pieces to your current furniture to create a more cohesive look there’s a budget friendly option to suit everyone.
MYTH # 2: There’s no ROI (return on investment)
The benefits of property styling to help you achieve the best sale price for your property far outweigh the initial investment costs. I like to look at it this way: the investment in staging your home will always be far less than the first price reduction your agent asks you to make.
CASE STUDY: Property styled in Mornington, Victoria listed for $600-$660k and was full of old antique mahogany furniture but when emptied it looked in definite need of some love which would in turn cost potential purchasers more $$. We came in and added a fresh look with furniture, artwork and soft furnishings and the property sold in 7 days for $701k. More than $40k above the vendor’s top asking price!!
MYTH # 3: Styling your property doesn’t influence the opinion of a buyer
This is by far my favourite myth there is because it couldn’t be any further from the truth. Many studies have shown that potential buyers will make a decision on whether or not the home could be theirs in 7 seconds. By presenting your property in it’s best possible light and removing any personal or polarising items, you’re allowing buyers to visualise themselves living in the space - thus creating an emotional connection (which is what we want) resulting in more $$.
MYTH # 4: Property styling is the same as interior design
While all of us at Nestled Interiors are qualified Interior Designers there are many differences between the two services. Interior design is about injecting your own personality and style into your home by incorporating colours, design and furniture that reflects who YOU are. Property styling is intended to create appeal to a wide variety of people.
We offer both services here at Nestled Interiors so if you’re interested in hearing more about either service contact us here: Our Services
MYTH # 5: Buyers would rather see an empty house/rooms
This actually surprises a lot of people, but rooms look smaller if they’re empty compared to when their furnished (aside from if the room was packed full of the wrong proportioned furniture). I’m sure a few of you have walked into an open home and looked in bedroom and automatically assumed a queen-sized bed and two side bedsides wouldn’t fit when in fact it - it will!
Property styling takes the guesswork out of these assumptions, along with injecting life and emotion into the home which is what we want above all else.
MYTH # 5: I can do it myself - it can’t be that hard
Quite often people mistake home decorating and property styling.
While they appear similar they couldn’t be further apart in terms of execution. Decorating a house is adding pieces to appeal to personal taste/style. Whereas styling a home for sale is about showcasing the properties assets and appealing to the largest variety of buyers by choosing pieces that create a cohesive and appealing property. We take the guesswork out of odd spaces, tight corners and additional multi-purpose rooms with a carefully considered and customised design plan. We understand the market, we understand buyers and we have the results to prove it.
MYTH # 6: Property styling is only for high-end properties
The opposite actually - older, smaller and more dated homes experience the biggest impact from property styling! Typically 70’s and 80’s homes that are in complete original condition look completely different and in the 21st century after property styling.
However, it’s always good to keep in mind that even if it’s a one bedroom studio apartment or an 8-bedroom waterfront mansion complete with helipad, every single home needs to be presented in it’s best possible way.
