Seller's Guide (Part 2): Staging – how to raise the price with little effort

We have already determined the realistic market price of your property (in Part 1). Now the goal is to sell it at the upper end of that range and as quickly as possible.

Here comes the role of “Staging” (Property Staging).

Bansko is full of apartments that look “tired”, are cluttered with old furniture or smell stale. This is your chance. With a minimal investment (often under 500-1000 BGN) you can transform your home and make it irresistible to buyers.

Here are the 5 steps that work flawlessly:

1. The “2008 Furniture” Problem”

Most complexes in Bansko were furnished during the construction boom with heavy, dark furniture and orange or yellow walls. This style is morally outdated and creates a feeling of cramped space.

What to do?

  • Declutter: Mercilessly remove everything unnecessary. Old CRT televisions must go. Heavy curtains that block light and the view of the mountains – too.
  • Remove personal belongings: The buyer must imagine his/her own life there, not looking at your family photos, old skis or clothes.
  • Less is more: If the living room is crowded with armchairs, leave only one sofa. Space is a luxury.

2. The power of white paint

If your walls are yellow, orange or peach (popular colors 15 years ago), repaint them in white.

  • Why? The color white makes small studios and one-bedroom apartments look bigger, brighter, and cleaner.
  • The investment: A bucket of latex and a weekend of work can increase the value of the property by thousands of leva.

3. Minor repairs are a must

Buyers in Bansko are often afraid of repairs because they don't know local craftsmen. If they see a leaky faucet or a broken handle, they don't think "I'll fix it for 10 leva," but "there are hidden problems here, I need to lower the price.".

Quick Fix Checklist:

  • Tighten all door and cabinet handles.
  • Replace burnt out bulbs (install powerful LED bulbs with warm light).
  • Glue the loose skirting boards.
  • Clean or replace bathroom grout if it is blackened by mold.

4. Deep Cleaning

Nothing turns off a buyer more than dirt. Before you put the ad up, the property should shine.

  • The windows: Wash the windows perfectly. In Bansko, the view is a major asset – don't hide it behind dirty glass.
  • The bathroom and kitchen: They must be impeccable.
  • The smell: Ventilate for a long time. If the property has not been used for months, it will smell stale. Don't try to cover it up with heavy air fresheners; just ventilate and clean textiles (sofas/carpets).

5. Professional photography

In the internet age, the first viewing is done online. If your photos are dark, blurry, or taken with a phone against a window, the buyer will pass by your listing.

  • Invest in a professional: The difference between a photo taken with a phone and one taken with a wide-angle lens and proper lighting is huge. Professional photos lead to 50% more views.
  • Arrange before shooting: Open the curtains, turn on the lights, put fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit on the table. Create a cozy atmosphere.

Next step: The property looks great and the buyer is ready to make a deal. Now the paperwork part begins. What documents do you need to prepare so that the deal doesn't fall through at the notary?

???? Read Part 3: The Documentary Maze – a list of documents for sale