There is so much activity in the housing market at the moment, prices are changing to the extent that it is hard to know what houses will sell for.

If buyers fall in love with a house, competing bids can drive a price well past the estimated amount so this is a market where styling your home to show it in it’s best light will really pay off. You don’t need to hire a houseful of furniture but you do need to ‘think like your buyer’ and dress your home for it’s important next date with Destiny.

What should you consider when Dressing your Home fit to sell? I’ve used images from my own projects and also this gorgeous Mid Century listing from RT Edgar to illustrate the most important points to consider.

EDIT, EDIT, EDIT

Neat, clean and spacious is how you want a buyer to find your home. The best styling work you can do is to remove half your possessions and put them into storage. But don’t loose the home’s personality. Buyers want to be able to imagine themselves living in the home and some key interesting pieces make the difference between a ‘staged home’ and a house with soul.

WARM, LIGHT AND BRIGHT

If you are selling your home in Winter, don’t aim to make it dark and moody. Australians like the indoor/outdoor connection even in Winter so your home should be warm, light and bright. Turn on your table and floor lamps - buy some if you don’t have any - you’ll want to keep them for the new house when you see the atmosphere they bring.

EMBRACE THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Sweep your outdoor area of fallen leaves every day, hose down your outoor setting and get your lawn and plants in their best order. Make sure your windows are sparkling for a clear view through to the garden and draw the drapes as far back as you can. Remove pelmets and dated window dressings that block the light and the view and consider a few strategically powered solar garden lights.

IT’S TIME TO GET AROUND TO IT

All those little things you’ve been meaning to get fixed should be done now. The leaking taps, a chipped tile and ceiling leaks. Yes, it’s hard because because you’ve waited years to get them fixed but once one defect catches a buyer’s eye, they’ll see another, then another. Get them done and enjoy the view for a short while before you move on.

CLEAN OUT YOUR CUPBOARDS

Come on, you know you have to do it to move anyway. Buyers will be looking to see what storage space the house has and cupboards always look more roomy with less in them. Besides, you know the neighbors will be coming to have a look. This is a good time to donate clothes and crockery to charity - don’t forget the backyard shed either as these are now being considered for other purposes than storing the lawnmower.

LAST MINUTE TOUCHES

Having a home on the market is exhausting. You have just put all the effort in and organised your weekend for home opens and then the agent calls to ask for an extra private viewing Monday morning. Don’t give up - these buyers are usually the most eager. Make the beds, clear the floors and plump the pillows. Your house has put up with you for all these years, it deserves your best efforts to show you’ve loved it. If you work with your real estate agent and can take some tips from this blog you’ll be rewarded with a better than average price for your home.