Selling in style: the benefits of professional property stylists

Buyers are willing to pay more – sometimes significantly more – for a property packed with visual appeal. The way that you and your agent choose to present your property to the market can make a real difference to the price you’ll eventually achieve for it, and that’s where the services of a professional property stylist are worth looking into.

So, what is property styling?

Essentially, it’s how you decorate a property to ensure it looks its best at the open for inspection. It can be as simple as tidying and cleaning, but some properties require a more intensive overhaul.

Why do I need a professional? Can’t I decorate the house myself?

If your property is already in excellent repair and requires nothing more than a quick run around with the vacuum, of course you can skip the services of a professional. But many people have a deep sentimental attachment to their homes, and it can be difficult to disconnect and view it through the eyes of an outsider. Not everyone will look at its quirks and oddities with the same affection as you.

This is where a professional stylist can help. A stylist will take an objective look at the home, weigh up what buyers in the area are looking for, and figure out strategies for making the home more appealing to as many of them as possible.

What will the stylist do, exactly?

The basics of presenting a home for sale are to clean, tidy, get rid of smells, neaten the garden and complete small maintenance jobs like regrouting old tiles and fixing chipped paint.

A property stylist will go a step further by decorating the home with art, books, furniture, cushions, curtains, plants and lighting. They might use your own possessions or bring in rentals as temporary replacements. Any of your own possessions that aren’t working with the look that the stylist is trying to create will be packed out of sight.

A property stylist is not an interior decorator; an interior decorator styles a home to appeal to your own particular tastes. A property stylist takes the opposite approach; they aim to make your home a blank slate so that buyers can easily imagine themselves in the space. They will also make sure that every detail is shown to its full advantage, positioning art and cushions precisely, making use of colour and ensuring everything is beautifully lit.

In a well-styled property, the function of each room is clear. In very small or large spaces, the stylist can cleverly demonstrate how furniture can be positioned to make the most of what’s on offer. In strange nooks that buyers might consider unusable, creative styling can display the possible functions. Alternatively, unattractive areas can be masked.

Is a higher sale price the only benefit?

Not at all! Not only do professional stylists aim to boost the selling price, well styled properties sell faster and attract more offers or bidders at auction. The home stands out when compared to similar properties, and looks extra impressive in online and newspaper listings.

Another side benefit is that after the stylist has worked their magic, you’ll already be half packed and ready for moving day.

OK, you’ve convinced me. Where do I find a property stylist?

There are plenty around, but do your research. Everyone claims to be able to add tens of thousands to your sale price, but they can’t all deliver. It’s best to get advice from an expert; your Nelson Alexander agent can recommend a reputable stylist.