Why Your Estate Agent Must Give You Honest Home Presentation Feedback BEFORE Listing

When I'm invited to meetings to discuss selling a client's home, one of the key factors I consider is the interior décor. Is it modern or outdated? Has the seller mentioned any planned updates before listing? These details can significantly impact a property's market appeal.

Even if a seller doesn’t specifically ask for my opinion on their home’s interior or exterior, I believe it’s essential to provide honest feedback. Homeowners often become accustomed to their living space and may not recognise aspects that could affect a buyer’s perception.

A recent example is a home I sold in Waltham Abbey, which had previously been listed with another agent. When the owner contacted me for advice on selling, the first thing I did was review the existing listing. I always approach this from a buyer’s perspective—how could the listing be improved? What would I change? What aspects stand out positively, and what might be less appealing?

Anyone who has discussed selling with me knows that I emphasise the importance of the three P’s: Price, Presentation, and Promotion. While some agents may quickly suggest reducing the price when a property isn’t selling, that’s not always the best or first solution. In some cases, an overpriced listing might need adjustment, but often, presentation and marketing strategies play a bigger role.

For this particular home, my first recommendation was to reposition the beds. The previous agent’s photos showed headboards covering windows, blocking natural light—a crucial selling point. This issue was present in both the master and second bedroom.?

When I returned with a photographer, we made simple yet effective adjustments, like repositioning furniture to enhance light and space, along with removing the tv from the wall.

In addition to optimising the layout in the bedrooms, we added small lifestyle touches throughout the house—fresh flowers in a vase, the aroma of ground coffee, baked croissants, and a bottle of wine—all designed to help buyers envision themselves living in the home. We then relaunched the property with a high-quality, magazine-style brochure and successfully sold it for more than the previous agent's asking price.

The above example is just a small change, perhaps by someone (me) who isn't a 'yes man' when speaking with sellers about the presentation of their home.

While I don’t claim to be a professional home stylist or stager—I leave that to the experts—there is no denying that well-presented homes sell faster and often at a higher price.? Studies show that staged properties create a stronger emotional connection with buyers, making them more likely to sell at a premium. A small investment in presentation can significantly impact a home's final selling price, proving that first impressions truly matter in property.

Home staging offers several advantages when selling your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers and increasing your chances of selling quickly and at a higher price. Here are some key benefits:

1. Creates a strong first impression

2. Helps buyers visualise the space

3. Increases the perceived value

4. Sells faster

5. Competitive edge in the market

6. Highlights functionality of rooms

7. Reduces negotiation pressure

8. Better online appeal

9. Maximises return on Investment (ROI)

10. Makes the home look move-in ready

Would you like advice on your home sale and if it's ready to market, or if hiring a professional stager could benefit your sale? Get in touch with me today to discuss your home.

Email me direct on [email protected]

Call, Text or WhatsApp me on 07824 555 681

Instagram: @thomas.neil.property

Until next time

Thomas