Home Staging i.e. the discipline of increasing the perceived value of a property by highlighting its strengths and concealing its weaknesses in front of a potential buyer.
But how do you become a home stager? La training is certainly the first important step in learning the techniques and tools of a profession that encompasses knowledge of interior design, decoration, communication and marketing.
To ensure the best training for their students, Italian Design Institute organises a course with an innovative programme and a successful lecturer: Mirna Casadei.
There are, however, rules, which can be taken into account, when one wants to 'stage' a property for sale.
1. Disposing of used personal items and rubbish
Anything that has to do with personal aspects should be removed: toothbrushes, soaps, and anything else that might distract the buyer's attention in some way or might arouse in him a sense of disorder or disgust. Personal photos should also be eliminated, because potential buyers may dwell on those and not focus on the real purpose of the visit to the property. The same thing happens with 'artistic' objects: they are distracting and might invalidate the choice.
2. To each space its destination
Very important is that every space and room in the property must be used for its original purpose. One should not allocate the bedroom to the office or vice versa, for example, because this would give the buyer the impression that there is not enough space in the house.
3. No to animals
Everything about animals must be removed. Beyond what may be the passion and love for four-legged friends, it is better not to risk it: there are many people who are allergic or dislike smells.
4. As much light as possible!
During visits, it is good to turn on the lights or open the windows, let in as much light as possible, so as not to convey the impression that it is a dark house or that there is something to hide. Light also has the advantage of making rooms appear larger and conveys positivity.
5. No to empty houses!
A house without furniture does not express its true potential, is not cosy and does not allow buyers to imagine what that house will be like once purchased.
6. Order!
A tidy, clean house is reassuring, it gives the impression that there is enough space.
7. Visual storytelling
This is the most important and most interesting rule and is conveyed by the lecturer Mirna Csadei during the course in Home Staging at IDI.
A story must be told through the layout and decoration of the house, creating emotional connections, stimulating the imagination of visitors, using colours, scents, objects.
Scented candles, air fresheners or potpourri, objects that help to give the rooms a soul, and then baking chocolate biscuits during the visit... will make for a warm and cosy atmosphere.
