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Quick-fix tips
If you cannot hire someone to stage your home, here are some tips from experts on how to fix up your home before putting it up for viewing.
DECLUTTER
As space management specialist Asian Professional Organisers' chief executive officer Georgina Wong puts it: "When you move house, you have to get rid of things anyway, so start early rather than later." Clutter makes it hard for prospective buyers to see the property's good points.
USE GOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
With numerous property websites, thousands of houses and apartments have pictures on their listings. Stand out from the crowd with well-taken photos that highlight your property's potential, such as good natural light. Avoid photographing unkempt spots.
KEEP IT CLEAN
If you are selling your property, make sure it is generally clean before you welcome potential buyers to view it. Place vases of cut flowers or decorate the dining table with a basket of fresh fruit.
For people who are putting property up for rent, scrub dirty appliances such as cooking hobs, says PropNex Realty chief executive officer Mohamed Ismail Gafoor. He adds: "Look out for key appliances and furniture that are commonly used by tenants. Changing toilet covers or washing curtains won't cost you much... But potential tenants do notice and it could cost you if you're competing with a well-kept unit."
NEUTRAL IS KEY
Remove loud items that will distract buyers, says interior design and styling studio paper+white's founder Davina Stanley. "Make sure nothing stands out. The huge red statue might be your best- loved piece, but it might turn off someone viewing your property."
SHOW OFF USEFUL NOOKS
For example, decorate bay windows with throw pillows to turn it into a seating area.
PLAY UP THE GOOD POINTS
If your balcony has an unblocked view of the neighbourhood, decorate the space so that it looks warm and inviting.
Also, get to know your potential buyer by, say, asking about his lifestyle before he visits.
Ms Wong customises viewings. She throws open windows to highlight a space's good lighting for would-be buyers who like the sun, but closes them when the client is concerned about dust.
USE SCENTS
Find the source of the bad odour and fix it, instead of masking it by spraying room scents.
To add to a room's ambience through scents, pick those that smell like you have been baking. Interior design website Lushome recommends a pumpkin spice or vanilla cookie scented candle.
•Other sources: Houzz and Lushome