Central Coast business woman Donna Ross has just launched Great Impressions Home Staging, a personal styling service to showcase homes for sale at their very best to ensure top market price.

Unlike redecorating, home staging uses items already in the home or small pieces bought for the purpose, but the difference in buyer’s perceived value of the property is amazing.

“Home staging doesn’t involve a huge investment, but can amount to thousands of dollars added to the house’s selling price,” Ms Ross said.

“I recently asked three agents to value a property – once with no staging, a second time with some staging and finally with my complete home staging service. There nhwas $40,000 difference between the suggested asking prices, with just a small outlay on the seller’s part.

“Imagine knowing you could add $40,000 to your asking price by investing $300. You wouldn’t sell a car without having it detailed first and home staging is just the same – presenting the house at its very best to attract the best price.

“I add finishing touches and give sellers advice on how to present their home, such as where to position furniture, removing highly personal items and what to do before viewings,” she said.

Home staging also leads to quicker sale times, as the home stands out from others in the same price bracket.

“Selling a home can be very stressful for vendors because they wonder if each viewing will result in a deposit, but my service means their home is presented at its best for a quick sale,” Ms Ross said.

“Compare a small investment in home staging, to paying an extra 4-6 months of mortgage repayments on a house languishing on the market because it looks like all the others at that price. It’s a better investment than most in the current financial crisis,” she said.

Great Impressions Home Staging personally styles homes for sale in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Newcastle region and nationally via a phone and email service.

Visit the Great Impressions Home Styling website for more information and tips on selling homes www.greatimpressionshs.com.au or log on to Donna’s blog www.homesellingreport.net for hints and to leave comments.