SELLING YOUR HOME? To make the process as stress free as possible when you’re preparing to sell your property, it’s essential you present it in its best light.
A few minor touch-ups can go a long way towards making a favourable impression on prospective buyers and clinching a sale at the price you want. Put your buyer’s hat on and walk through your home like it is the first time. Remember your aim is to help them imagine their life there.
They’re sure to have some essential requirements, such as the number of bedrooms, or garden size, but beyond those, a great deal depends on the little details that make them feel at home.
Many people first start with an online viewing and a video ‘tour’ of the property. This means that with each viewing you only have a few seconds to capture the interest of a prospective buyer. So first impressions are key if you want to convert these viewings to accompanied viewings.
KERB APPEAL
First impressions are important, so make sure that the outside of your home is newly clean, especially the windows, and consider easy cosmetic upgrades like a fresh coat of paint.
Move your bins out of sight so they’re not the first things potential buyers see.
Small details, like adding a new doormat or placing potted plants at the entrance, suggest a welcoming home.
Check that the property is well-lit externally, particularly if you’re selling in winter. If you don’t have lights, temporary solar-powered lighting can be a budget solution.
Clear the cracks in your path or driveway or borrow a pressure washer to bring it back to its best.
IN THE HALLWAY
If you usually store coats and shoes by the door, pack these away so that your hallway is clear of clutter.
Keep your post tidy and dispose of old flyers or newspapers.
Use an open door to indicate which room you’d like viewers to enter next, while keeping bathrooms and storage spaces closed off.
For a communal hallway, speak to neighbours about keeping it clear of items like bikes and pushchairs at certain times.
LIVING AREAS
Take personal items and photos off display, to create a more neutral space that potential buyers can imagine putting their own stamp on.
Homes generally look better with less furniture, so consider putting some in storage – particularly if your taste is bolder than most.
Open all your blinds and curtains to allow in the light and add lamps to remaining dark corners.
Pets can be off-putting to certain buyers, so hide away beds, toys and litter trays.
With more than 98% of buyers currently clicking on to the internet to search for their new homes, the first few seconds’ viewing has become make or break
BEDROOMS
While you’ll want to keep your décor neutral, consider individualising each bedroom with coloured throws, pillows and accessories, so viewers can recall them later.
Bed sizes should be proportionate to the rooms that they’re in, to avoid a sense of overcrowding.
To show off how spacious your built-in wardrobes are, these must be clean, organised and not overfilled.
If you currently use a spare room as a home office, converting it back to a bedroom can add to the perceived value of the property.
KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS
When thoroughly cleaning your whole home for viewings, give the kitchen and bathrooms a little extra care.
Be mindful of any smells coming from cooking, items in the fridge, blocked drains, full bins, etc. as these can unconsciously put off potential buyers.
Small details, such as candles, soaps, plants and fluffy towels, can really improve the visual impression of your bathroom – as can closing the toilet lid.
It’s usually not worth refitting a kitchen or bathroom, as this is an expensive project that won’t add much to your asking price. Let your buyer take this on so it’s done to their taste.
GARDEN
Keep your garden tidy throughout the period your home is on the market, and dispose of waste immediately, if you can, so it’s not sitting around.
If your garden’s not blooming in the season that you’re selling, consider adding potted plants to fill any gaps.
Check to see if any gravelled areas are running low, and if so, top them up so they look as good as new.
If you have viewings in the evenings or in winter, consider how you’ll light the outdoor space, for example with portable lanterns, if you don’t have external lights.
In small gardens, or even on balconies, you can use furniture to demonstrate how to make best use of the space.
