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Published: 07 March 2025

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Staging your home can attract buyers, speed up your sale and even get you a higher price. Here are 16 DIY home staging tips to help your home look its best.

Key takeaways

• Staging your home is a way of styling it to appeal to more buyers and encourage a higher sale price
• Home staging can add 10% to your sale price and sell your home 3 times faster
• Get a professional in or do it yourself with our 16 DIY home staging tips

Home staging is styling your home to appeal to more buyers.

It involves stripping back your personal style to help buyers picture themselves living there.

A staged home usually appeals to a wider audience than your own style – no matter your taste.

Although you can pay for a professional to stage your home, you can totally do it yourself. 

DIY home staging is easy, fast and affordable, and you’ll reap the rewards when it comes to sale time.

Thinking of selling?

Get the ball rolling with an in-person valuation of your home. It’s free and there’s no obligation to sell.

1. Tidy up the front garden

Kerb appeal is a major factor when selling your home. It’s all about that first impression when buyers rock up to view it.

Get rid of weeds, power-clean the paving, sweep the drive and hide the wheelie bins.

You could consider painting your front door and adding a smart new house number to make the entrance really memorable.

Find out more about how to improve your kerb appeal.

2. Make sure every room has a clear purpose

We all make rooms multi-task for us, whether it’s a home office in the spare bedroom or a makeshift laundry space in the conservatory.

But home stagers recommend reverting rooms back to their main purpose. If your home’s listed with 3 bedrooms, make sure buyers will find 3 bedrooms at their viewing.

If you have an open plan design, split the room into zones and make it clear how you use each space.

3. Play to all the senses

Home staging tends to be about boosting visual appeal, but playing on other senses can have a big impact.

Think scented candles or plugs and soft music playing in the background to create a peaceful feel.

Make sure your home’s at a comfortable temperature too. That might mean putting the heating on for viewings in winter, or throwing open windows and switching on a fan in the summer.

4. Clear clutter and nick-nacks

Everyone has a bit of clutter lying around. A home’s there to be lived in, right?

But potential buyers want a blank canvas so they can imagine their nick-nacks in it. 

Clearing clutter and personal items is home staging 101.

It leaves more floor and shelf space, contributing to a clean and minimalist feel.

A good rule of thumb is to remove half of the items in the room. The feeling of spaciousness will be worth any storage costs.

5. Use throws and cushions to revive old furniture

Professional home staging often involves wheeling in new sofas, beds and tables. 

But you don’t have to go to the extreme of buying new furniture.

A knitted blanket and cosy cushions can give an old sofa an instant update. A patterned runner is a clever way to cover marks on the kitchen table.

6. Add mirrors to reflect light

Mirrors are an excellent way to make rooms feel bigger, lighter and more open.

When staging your home, place mirrors opposite windows for the best effect. 

If you don’t have many mirrors, see if you can pick one or two up at a second hand shop.

7. Put fresh linen on beds and in bathrooms

It’s tricky to get the balance between hotel and homey when you’re staging a house for sale.

Don’t feel like everything has to be matching, but clean and coordinated linen can create a pulled together look.

Fresh bed sheets and fluffy bath towels are easy ways to give rooms a quick makeover.

8. Dress the dining table

Setting the dining table is one of the oldest tricks in the home staging book.

A dressed table will conjure images of cosy family teatimes and fun dinner parties.

A simple tray or basket in the centre of the table might be all you need.

Or, if you want to go all out, add pretty placemats, matching cutlery and polished glasses.

If you’re selling in the summer, you could even consider dressing an outdoor table. It’ll get your buyers thinking of al fresco brunches and afternoon barbecues.

9. Add life with plants and flowers

Home stagers always recommend adding life to your home with houseplants and fresh flowers.

A simple vase on the kitchen table or a potted plant in the lounge can create a feeling of freshness in an instant.

And they don’t have to be real. Fake plants and flowers can create the same atmosphere, and you won't need to worry about watering them.

10. Hide electric cables and extension leads

Electric leads can look a bit messy, and they get the buyer thinking about whether you have plugs in the right places.

If in doubt, unplug electrical appliances and tuck the leads out of sight.

11. Clear the kitchen worktops

Clear counters work wonders in making a kitchen feel bigger and more liveable. 

If you can, store away any washing up brushes, utensils, fridge magnets and phone chargers.

Buyers will expect to see a toaster and kettle on the side, but see if you could pop the microwave in a cupboard. It’ll open up valuable worktop space.

12. Clean the windows

Sparkling windows can finish off a room and make the whole house look fresher. 

Give all your windows a good scrub, including the frames and sills. Pull the curtains back and let as much light in as possible.

13. Give tired walls a fresh lick of paint

Fresh paint can transform a room, even if you’re going for the same colour. 

It’ll clear any marks and stains on the walls that you might have missed.

Soft and light colours reflect light well and are likely to appeal to a variety of people. A strong statement wall can add interest and depth to a room.

14. Put away any extra TVs

One thing that most staged homes have in common? 

They don't have a TV.

A TV becomes a focal point. It can take over the room and draw the eye away from the things you want buyers to notice.

Buyers will expect to see a telly in your lounge. But if you have TVs in bedrooms think about packing them away while you hold viewings. 

It’ll make the room feel more relaxed and balanced.

15. Give your home a deep clean

One of the most important parts of home staging is to clean, clean, clean.

Do a deep clean of the whole house – from the carpets to the back of the cupboards to the cobwebs in the corners.

And don’t forget to have a quick touch up before every viewing.

16. Add a couple of special finishing touches

You’ve decluttered, depersonalised, scrubbed, smartened, toned things down and spruced things up. What’s next?

Well, the trick to home staging is hitting the right note between subtle and memorable.

See if you can add a statement item, unique display or pop of colour that will make a room stand out.

You don’t have to spend a lot to make a difference either. 

You could paint the kitchen handles with a metallic spray, create a coffee table display or add an interesting piece of art in the hallway.

How much value can home staging add?

You might question if home staging is worth the money and time, given you’re about to move out.

But home staging can add value and help you sell more quickly.

Experince here at ACres has showning a staged home can fetch 5%, or if a property is really cluttered or poor perhaps even more.

Find out what your home's worth..

You are not going to attract the same pool of potential buyers if your home doesn’t have appeal in the photos online etc and so staging at all stages of marketing can be key. Potential buyers could be put off just when looking through the photos of your home on line if the kerb appeal is poor.  

If you would like to discuss selling your home, our proactive approach and ideas please get in touch with us; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                  0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                             0121 358 6222

Lettings                                 0121 312 4997

Thank you for reading our latest article, your interest in Acres, and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners

Article  Zoopla 20.8.24

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Published: 16 February 2025

Hits: 1154

Mistakes to avoid when selling your house & Essential tips for a smooth sale

As exceptionally experienced agents we are able to highlight the most common mistakes to avoid when selling your house. 

We know that there’s a lot to consider when you’re selling your home. And there are some easily made mistakes that often crop up when trying to find that all-important buyer.

We’ve have put together some insights to help make that next-life-step run that little bit smoother. So, let’s take a look at some of the things that can be easily overlooked when selling — but are also just as simple to put right before the next potential owner comes to view your home.

First impressions matter

Think about the first thing viewers will see when they arrive, and whether there’s anything you can do to make sure the viewing starts on the most positive note possible. You don’t want to lose a buyer’s interest before they’re even inside.

Nigel Deekes Partner of Acres says: “I firmly believe many buyers make their minds up about whether the property is potentially the “one” within the first 20 to 30 seconds of the viewing. With this in mind, the front driveway, condition of the garden, and external paint work are more important than people realise –  you might have lost your prospective buyer before they are even inside the property.”

Don’t leave clutter on show

Clutter can be a major turn off. When it comes to selling appearance matters. A cluttered and untidy home can deter potential buyers, as it gives the impression of a poorly maintained property. 

Declutter and organise your belongings. While we’re not talking bare rooms and walls here, it’s a given that more of a pared-back, tidier space will help a buyer to envisage how their own possessions might fit within a space.

Chris Harvey, of Acres Four Oaks office comments “ Make sure everything is hidden away when the photos are taken – not only will viewers see your home as close to a blank canvas as possible, but it will also make the space look bigger! “

Asking too much

Chris Deekes, manager of Acres Great Barr, and associate partner has often found that “ Becoming fixated on a certain value that you think your home is worth can put a death sentence on any potential sale. “ According to rightmove.co.uk, 70 per cent of interest in a house comes in the first three weeks of putting it on the market. “ If the price is too high, your property will appear expensive and people will be instantly put off.  In contrast, if your property appears to be really good value, then you will attract lots of attention and viewings “.  The right price will drive competition and create a buzz about your place, which in turn will push up any offers to the max.

Accepting the highest offer not the right offer

In many scenarios when selling a home, especially in a competitive market where the property being sold is particularly sought after, or great value for money it might be that there is more than one offer put forward. 

In this instance it can be appealing for a vendor to simply accept the highest offer but a good estate agent will always advise that a seller considers all aspects of an offer. 

From the desired timeframe and whether this aligns with the sellers plans to whether or not a buyer is actually proceedable, and of course their financial position there are multiple elements to consider. 

When selling a house, it’s crucial to consider the various aspects of each offer instead of simply accepting the highest bid. In some cases, a lower offer might be the better option for a smooth and successful business transaction.

Not accepting early offers

Every offer should be considered on its individual merits. As Matthew Tubb, manager of Acres Walmley says “ Just because it’s the first one, placed days after marketing doesn’t mean it’s a bad one. Many buyers will call an estate agent within one hour of walking out of a viewing to ‘lock down’ any other offers. Or they might be first in with an offer because they have been waiting months for the right house to come on the market and are therefore highly motivated to move. “ It Is not uncommon to hear clients regretting the refusal of an early offer weeks later if interest falls away, sometimes in it is a case of the right buyer in the right place at the right time. 

Showing buyers round yourself

Surely the best person to show potential buyers round the house is the person that’s lived there? Right? Often not. As tempting as it is to wax lyrical about the joys of your home, sellers can often be too emotionally attached to pointing out all the finer details of their beloved home. Having your agent show prospective buyer allows us to take the stress out of your move, and allows the buyers to perhaps provide more honest feedback, people are generally inherently nice, and so often give the impression to sellers of loving a property that perhaps wasn’t quite so great.

Don’t ignore the season

Make sure everything fits with the time of year you’re selling in, including how you prepare your home for viewings. For instance, if the weather’s starting to warm up and you’re normally lounging on an outdoor sofa in summer, set it up for viewings so buyers can see how you use the

Don’t overly renovate right before coming to market, but do fix any issues

While you’ll want your home to look its best for viewings, it doesn’t make sense to make a high-cost renovation right before listing your home for sale. Sharron Smith, manager of Acres Sutton Coldfield says “ As well as it being unlikely that you’ll recoup the cost as part of your selling price, it could end up being something that’s removed by the new owner shortly after you’ve handed over the keys. “

That being said, any minor repairs should be fixed before viewings (and before you have pictures taken).

Don’t overlook your home’s best bits

Got a light-flooded kitchen, or a home office with a show-stopping view? “If there’s a ‘best room’ in the house, make sure this is shown early on, buyers usually make a decision quickly so make sure you set the right impression from the start.

Taking the “I’m in a no rush” approach

While you might be happy to wait for that big offer to land on your mat, if you keep your property on the market for too long, it can start to give the impression it’s a tough sale and will put people off. The best time to sell is within the first three to four weeks, while the house will feel fresh and new. Leave it on for too long and it could become stale amidst newer listings

Article courtsey of Rightmove https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/articles/property-news/seller-mistakes-to-avoid/

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Published: 01 February 2025

Hits: 948

Taking out a mortgage is likely to be the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make, and so you'll want to find the best deal you can. The good news is there’s plenty you can do to improve your chances of getting your mortgage application accepted – follow our top 10 tips to help you get the mortgage you want

If you’re thinking about how to get a mortgage, you should be aware of the factors that affect your eligibility. These include: your credit score, length of time in current job, current debts, whether you’re self-employed and of course the size of your deposit.

Follow our top 10 tips below to find out how to get the mortgage you want.

1. Your credit score matters

Before applying for a mortgage, get a copy of your credit report which is held by credit reference agencies such as Experian or Equifax. This will allow you to see what lenders see when they review your application.

If your credit rating isn’t looking that great, there are lots of simple things you can do which can give your score a boost. For example, check you are on the electoral roll and close down credit card accounts which you no longer use.

2. The starting point is your own sums

Sit down and work out your budget before applying for a mortgage. You will need to be sure you can borrow enough to cover the purchase of the property and that you’ll have enough spare to cover all the associated costs and fees. 

Monthly mortgage repayments will depend on how much you want to borrow (and over how long) and the interest rate charged. 

3. You’ll be better off in the same job

Lisa Brown of Acres Financial Services said; “ Most lenders will want to see that you’ve been with your employer for some time before they’ll give you a mortgage, so if you’re thinking of switching jobs, it’s a good idea to hang on until you’ve got your mortgage in place. Many lenders like to see you have been in your existing job for at least three to six months.”

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4. Debts don’t help

If you’re submitting a mortgage application, the last thing any prospective lender is going to want to see is that you owe a load of cash on credit cards or you’ve got outstanding loans.

Claire Allen of Acres Financial Services said " Before you apply for a mortgage, try to reduce any debts you have – this will help demonstrate that you manage your money responsibly. It will also mean you will potentially be able to borrow more when it comes to a lender’s affordability calculations. "

5. You’ll need proof of income

Mortgage lenders will want to see proof of how much you earn, so you’ll probably need a P60 form which you get every year from your employer and shows a summary of your pay and how much tax has been deducted.

You’re also likely to be asked for three months’ worth of bank statements and payslips so the lender can look at both how much you have coming in as well as your outgoings.

6… or accounts if you’re self-employed

Getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed can be more tricky, especially if you’ve only recently decided to go it alone. Lenders want proof of income and so they’ll usually ask to see SA302 forms relating to the current / recent years from HMRC, or your full trading accounts. 

7. The bigger the deposit the better

The more you can save up to put down as a deposit, the bigger the choice of mortgages that will be available to you. Lenders reserve their best rates for those with hefty deposits, so you’ll also benefit from lower monthly payments because you’ll have qualified for a better deal.

8. Buying with someone else can be easier

If you are struggling to building up a decent deposit on your own, you might want to think about buying with someone else. This could boost your chances of securing a decent mortgage, particularly if they’ve got an excellent credit history and a higher income than you. But remember that this is a big commitment, so you’ll need to sit down and work out with the other person what would happen if one of you wanted to move in future.

9. You shouldn’t chop and change your application

Once you’ve started your mortgage application, don’t mess around with it and start changing figures as it could hold up your property purchase.

10. It can pay to get help

If you’re struggling to find the right mortgage deal, or you don’t know what you’d be eligible for or how much you can borrow, it is always a good move to have the help of a mortgage broker. They can research the market for you and help you through the application process so you don’t have to go it alone.

Here at Acres we offer a comprehensive mortgage service giving  independent financial advice, with access to the whole of market / high street lenders, often with exclusive deals. For further help please call any of our offices detailed below, or click to the link above.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage

Want to check how much your home is worth? You can get an Instant Valuation here.

If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                  0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                             0121 358 6222

Lettings                                  0121 312 4997

Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners

Information provided by 

https://www.moneysupermarket.com/mortgages/first-time-buyers/top-ten-tips/

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Published: 31 January 2025

Hits: 916

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our lettings division with the addition of Annabelle Reynolds joining us to spear head our expansion, marking an exciting chapter in Acres long-standing and highly successful history.

As a trusted name in the estate agency sector, we’ve helped countless clients find their dream homes, and now we’re expanding, and renewing our services to provide top-tier letting and property management solutions.

With our wealth of experience, a dedicated team of property experts, and given our customer-focused approach, we’re committed to delivering exceptional service to both landlords and tenants alike. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or an experienced investor, our lettings division is here to provide you with personalized, professional, and hassle-free solutions.

Here’s what you can expect:

Expert Advice: Tailored guidance on rental pricing, marketing strategies, and legal compliance.

Comprehensive Management: Full property management services to ensure your investment is well taken care of, or indeed a let only service as needed.

Tenant Matching: A rigorous process to find the right tenants for your property, ensuring peace of mind for landlords.

We’re excited to offer this new service to our valued clients, old or new, and so look forward to continuing to serve you with the same commitment to excellence that has made us one of the most trusted names in estate agency.

For more information or to discuss how we can help with your property lettings, or of course sales needs, don’t hesitate to contact us today 312 4997.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and enhance our service offerings.

Want to check how much your home is worth? You can get an Instant Valuation here.

If you would like to discuss selling your home, please get in touch with us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any of our busy, helpful teams/offices:

Four Oaks                              0121 323 3088

Sutton Coldfield                     0121 321 2101

Walmley                                 0121 313 2888

Great Barr                             0121 358 6222

Lettings                                  0121 312 4997

Thank you for reading this article, and your interest in Acres and our property for sale. 

Nigel & Jayne  Deekes – Acres Partners