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Transform Your Property Sales with Expert Staging: Insights from Ellie Tildesley

 

In this episode of the "Utterly Indispensable Podcast," host Rob Graves sits down with Ellie Tildesley, the founder of The Hub Property Staging. Ellie brings her extensive background in merchandising, interior design, and set design to discuss the ins and outs of property staging. She shares her journey, insights into the staging industry, and valuable advice on how staging can significantly enhance the marketability of properties.

Key Topics Discussed:

Ellie Tildesley's Background and Journey into Property Staging (00.30 - 01:30)

  • Ellie’s career spans over 20 years in styling and staging, starting with merchandising in commercial and retail spaces.
  • Transitioned into interior design and set design, eventually focusing on residential clients.
  • The pandemic shifted her focus toward residential design, leading to the birth of her business, The Hub Property Staging.

The transition from Commercial to Residential and Set Design (01:30 - 03:20)

  • Challenges and rewards of working in commercial spaces versus residential clients.
  • Differences in creative freedom and client expectations in various sectors.
  • The impact of COVID-19 on her work and how it led her to concentrate on residential staging.

Establishing The Hub Property Staging (03:20 - 06:30)

  • The decision to focus exclusively on property staging and setting up the business in 2023.
  • Rapid growth and unexpected demand from estate agents.
  • Building a network and educating clients about the benefits of professional staging.

Benefits of Property Staging and Working with Estate Agents (06:30 - 08:00)

  • The advantages of staging for speeding up property sales and achieving higher prices.
  • Challenges in convincing estate agents and vendors of staging’s value.
  • The role of estate agents in facilitating property staging for their clients.

Educational Role and Market Comparisons ( 08:00 - 10:30)

  • Comparison with property staging industries in the US and Australia.
  • The emerging awareness and acceptance of staging in the UK market, particularly outside London.
  • Ellie's efforts to educate both estate agents and vendors about the importance and benefits of staging.

Staging Vacant Properties and Working with Developers (10:30 - 11:30)

  • Specifics of staging vacant homes and show homes.
  • The fast-paced nature of working with developers and holiday let owners.
  • The financial and operational benefits of professional staging for investors.

Challenges in Educating and Convincing Clients (11:30 - 15:30)

  • Overcoming client resistance to staging and the importance of first impressions.
  • The return on investment from staging and its impact on property appeal.
  • Addressing common misconceptions and providing clear, actionable recommendations to clients.

Consultation Process and Tailoring Solutions (15:30 - 18:30)

  • Detailed walk-through of Ellie’s consultation process with clients.
  • Creating tailored recommendations based on the property’s specific needs and client’s budget.
  • Examples of how small changes can significantly impact the marketability of a home.

Role of Estate Agents in the Staging Process (18:30 - 22:20)

  • The importance of estate agents in facilitating and promoting staging services.
  • Building strong relationships with agents to create a steady flow of staging projects.
  • The mutual benefits for agents and clients when properties are professionally staged.

Future Outlook and Mission (22:20 - 27:30)

  • Ellie’s vision for the future of The Hub Property Staging.
  • Her mission to make professional staging a standard part of the property selling process.
  • Encouraging estate agents to adopt staging as part of their core services.

Educating the Market and Overcoming Challenges (27:30 - 31:00)

  • The necessity of educating both estate agents and vendors about the value of staging.
  • Ellie discusses how she works with estate agents to help them understand the benefits and integrate staging into their offerings.
  • The challenge of breaking through misconceptions and the importance of clear communication.

Importance of First Impressions and Visual Appeal (31:00 - 34:00)

  • Emphasizing the crucial role of first impressions in the real estate market.
  • How visual appeal and professional staging can create an emotional connection with potential buyers.
  • Examples of successful staging projects that led to quicker sales and higher offers.

Top Tips for DIY Staging (34:00 - 37:00)

  • Ellie shares her top tips for homeowners who want to stage their properties themselves.
  • Focus on decluttering, optimizing lighting, and neutralizing color palettes.
  • Simple yet effective changes that can make a big difference in how a property is perceived.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways ( 37:00 - 40:20)

  • Ellie’s final thoughts on the importance of property staging in the current market.
  • Encouragement for estate agents and homeowners to consider professional staging to maximize property value and appeal.
  • Rob’s reflections on the insightful conversation and the practical advice shared by Ellie.

Notable Quotes:

  • "Staging can make a property sell three times faster and for up to 8% more."
  • "It's all about first impressions; you have about 30 seconds when someone walks through the door."
  • "By presenting a home well, you're appealing to a wider market and creating more demand."

Listener Takeaways:

  • The importance of professional property staging in today’s competitive real estate market.
  • How small changes and professional advice can make a significant difference in selling a property.
  • The role of estate agents in advocating for and facilitating staging services for their clients.
  • Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about the transformative power of property staging and how it can help you sell homes faster and for a better price.

 

Connect with Ellie Tildesley and The Hub Property Staging:

Website: The Hub Property Staging

Instagram: @thehubpropertystaging

LinkedIn: Ellie Tildesley

 

Connect with Rob Graves:

Linkedin: Key Coaching Ltd 

Twitter: @robgraves

Website:  www.keycoaching.co.uk