In a soft property market, any advantage you can gain over other sellers will give you a greater chance of selling at your asking price.

Staging for sale is a popular avenue to prepare a home for sale but can be an expensive option. Rather than spend money you may not have, there’s no reason why you can’t make some relatively simple cosmetic changes that will dramatically lift the appearance of your home.

Here are five tips for styling your home for sale that won’t cost you an arm and leg, no matter how long it may be on the market for.

1.First up, make sure you research your market and area. What’s for sale in your area? Was there something in these homes that you were attracted too? Invest some time going to open homes and check out the general feel and what others may be saying about your competition. It’s easy to have an objective opinion when you’re not emotionally invested in the home.

2. Secondly, get your Marie Kondo on and declutter! Like I was saying, being emotionally invested in your home can sometimes be to your detriment. You need to de-clutter and remove those personal items to allow potential buyers to see how they could live and function in your home. This means taking down Aunty Betty’s birthday photos… I know you’re laughing but picture yourself in someone else’s home. De-cluttering also means tidying up your storage areas. I know, I know, it doesn’t sound stylish at all, right? Funnily enough, the aesthetic appeal of your home is just as important as storage spaces. “I have too much storage,” said no one ever and potential buyers will be all over those wardrobe spaces in a flash working out whose clothes are going where. Tidy those areas and increase the appeal of size at the same time. A little bit of colour coordination never goes astray too.

3. How often do we hear that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes? These areas can be quite expensive to renovate so if your budget doesn’t allow for full-scale renos, then dress them accordingly, so to speak. Fresh fruit, clean towels, remove your daily products. That goes for the shampoo in the shower, toothbrush on the sink and the kid’s toys in the bath, bring it back to tip number two. De-clutter! No one needs to know your brand of shampoos and conditioners.

4. My next tip is to create warmth and flow. Now I don’t mean turn the heat on, (except in winter), I’m talking accessories. Layer with throws on the lounges and beds and cushions to carry the theme throughout. Consider the 60-30-10 colour rule so that the colour scheme flows throughout and creates consistency and warmth. 60% is the main dominant colour, 30% your next colour and 10% in the remaining colour with accents throughout the home.

5. Finally, add greenery! It’s amazing how much plants can change and the environment without being over the top, they are also extremely cost effective and will easily transport your new home. Flowers and plants change the dynamics instantly and fresh flowers can also add a beautiful scent, without being overpowering. There’s nothing better than opening the front door to potential buyers with the beautiful soft smell of lilies vs. the kid’s smelly shoes or school backpacks with yesterday’s lunch.

All of these tips are an easy, cost-effective way to reduce large staging-for-sale fees and are simple enough to create yourself and present your home perfectly for each and every potential buyer.