When I was asked to visit a client and offer advice on styling a family home for sale, I knew it would be more than just another project. Preparing to sell a parents’ home is never easy — it comes with emotion, memories, and a lifetime of treasured belongings.
On top of that, the real estate agent had rightly suggested professional property styling to give the home the best possible chance on the market. After reviewing several options, the family narrowed it down to three stylists — and I was one of them.
I provided guidance on decluttering and shared a clear vision for styling the home to appeal to the widest audience, carefully considering the local demographic and comparable sales. However, with four families involved in the decision, they ultimately chose the lowest quote, believing that “anything would be an improvement.”
After the home went to market, I received a call from the agent. Things hadn’t gone as expected. The styling had fallen short, and the clients were understandably upset. There had been a clear disconnect between what was promised and what was delivered.
They asked if I could step in — quickly. With the photographer booked and the listing scheduled to go live within days, I had less than 24 hours to respond.
When I arrived, I was genuinely surprised. The installation lacked the level of care, cohesion, and professionalism needed to present the home at its best. Once the previous items were removed, we stepped in and transformed the property to reflect the original vision — clean, inviting, and thoughtfully styled to connect with buyers.
The result spoke for itself. The home sold quickly and achieved a strong price, and most importantly, the family could clearly see the difference.
It’s a reminder that price isn’t always the answer. Property styling can be a difficult investment for vendors, especially during an already costly and emotional time. But when done well, it has the power to elevate a property and significantly impact the final outcome.
In a competitive market, stylists have an important role to play — and with that comes a responsibility to deliver quality and service, every time.
I don’t compete on being the cheapest. My pricing reflects the work, experience, and care that goes into each project. Because at the end of the day, passion and professionalism aren’t optional — they’re essential.
