I’m a designer and do home staging for investors. They really need to be of a selling/business mindset now that they’re moving .I actually think the problem is they need to change estate agents. The photos if estate agents have taken them aren’t upto par. They’re awkward and don’t really give a sense of the space. They need to earn their money! I will make my comments based on the images, I’m presuming they’re from January at the time of the listing so forgive me if there has been a spring clean outside and changes have been made.
They don’t have to spend much money to get it looking good for images and viewings. Besides it’s allowing people to see themselves in the home, so it doesn’t matter if it’s personal to the owner/s.
The front of the house needs to look like it’s inviting. Got to remove the moss from the drive way, the window ledges look like they need a wipe . It’s always good to give the windows, door garage a wipe or fresh lick or paint. For the gardens front and back I would add more colour, the back may have bloomed with colour as seasons but obviously images don’t reflect this. The front add something bright and chirpy, hanging baskets would be a good affordable option. Also the doormat, if it’s tired then maybe replace - it’s more for the overall view for viewings than pics.
What are the other homes on the streets like? Is there something that could be imitated to create a streamline look?
For the inside of the house I would de clutter the lounge shelves. I wouldn’t go to the expense or removing or modifying allow the buyer to do that, but do give buyers the option to see what they’re like. They’re so full that the eye is drawn to the stuff than the storage itself. Are all the electronics being used? Remove anything with the wires showing that isn’t being used. Or remove it for pics and viewings. I’d really clear the shelvings of a lot of what’s on them. Introduce some accessories if budget allows- if not keep some books and may colour group them for a feature.
For the kitchen the red may not be to everyone’s taste but usually it’s one of those things that people can visualise the change. I would clean the chalk board to remove the smears, leave a home sweet home kind of message on there. I’d remove the bits and pieces hanging up so it doesn’t look cluttered. Between the arch and the lounge is that a magnetic board/chalk board? Remove it if possible or remove the colourful pieces for pics and viewings .
Children’s bedroom really the mattress needs to be on the bed, and the table and chairs from the lounge brought in here. The added space in the lounge add small table and lamp/candle create a reading corner feel.
For the main bedroom I’d remove the hanging plants; add plants to bedsides by all means. New scatter cushions and throw and remove the piece of storage furniture at the end of the bed.
For the 2nd bedroom with the colourful art again i would add scatter cushions and throw. I’d remove the art of the side walls as it doesn’t create a cohesive feel.
Replace any light shades (doesn’t have to be expensive) but it can make a place feel fresher along with any paintwork touch ups.
Before people even consider a viewing they’ll drive to the property, but before that they’re now scrolling online. Not necessarily going to estate agents for info and suggestions first. The imagery is so important! Within a few seconds someone has gone past the property because the images haven’t enticed them. When a prospective buyer has a drive round looking they’ll know from seeing from outside if they want to make a viewing. It takes around 10 seconds for someone to decide their feelings on a property so it has be good first impressions. What’s the hall like? Give it some good consideration from outside property into the hall and the first room to create a feel good factor.
Do advise your friend that the estate agents work for them, it’s becoming a buyers market due to the lack to stamp duty and they won’t want to miss out due to lazy estate agents. They need to get feedback from them from Previous viewings. The listing should have a virtual viewing option too, to accommodate current climate.