Kerb appeal
Prospective buyers often make their minds up without even setting foot inside a property. Take yourself outside and see your house from their point of view. Does it appear to be looked after, or neglected? Check that your guttering and grids are clear, window frames, panes and sills are clean, the front door is tidy. Make sure that any gates are well-fitting, and that bins are tucked out of sight. If you’ve got a garage, park your car in it, make it as easy as possible for them to park up.
The green, green grass of home
Front gardens, yards or even doorsteps form part of the kerb appeal. After winter they can look tired, make sure any dead planting is cut back, hedges are trimmed, pathways are clear of weeds and clean. If no plants are in flower, invest in a pot or hanging basket for your doorstep – it can always move with you to your new home. Low maintenance gardens are high on buyers wanted lists, so the less work that appears to need doing, the better.
Kitchens and bathrooms
Buyers will be looking to see that they are fit for purpose. Make sure there’s no dripping taps, signs of water leaking on floors and ceilings. Even if, in your opinion, the kitchen and/or bathrooms will need replacing it’s always good to make sure they are clean and that cupboard doors hang well. It may be that a buyer will need to live in a property for a while, before renovating. The ability to do that could make or break the sale. A property has to have useable kitchen and bathroom facilities to make it mortgage-able by most lenders.
No one wants to see your stuff
Declutter. Make it easy for buyers to see how their furniture and style will fit into your home. You’ll most probably need a good sort out before you move anyway, so do that now. If it looks like you’ve outgrown the space, buyers will suspect there’s not going to be enough storage, or the property isn’t spacious enough for them.
Add freshness and sparkle
Everyday life leaves its mark on our homes, we get that. However, this is a massive investment for your buyer and they want to see it sparkle. Deep clean carpets, and soft furnishings and make sure everything buyers can see, looks clean and fresh. Every buyer is looking to sniff out a good home, so remember to light a scented candle, or use air fresheners, or scent diffusers before viewings.
Set the stage
Take your personality out of your home. Pack the things you want to keep away out of sight or in storage. Sell, gift or recycle unwanted items and provide a neutral setting. Buyers want to be able to see themselves in your space, to be able to see how their possessions and style will work. Make it easy for them to see how they’ll make it their own home.
Let it flow
Consider how people move around your home. Make sure that doors are easily opened and move any items of furniture that are unnecessary or are blocking the way. Every room should have a sense of purpose and should suggest ways the space could be used. Try to clear any “spare” rooms that are just used for storage and think of better ways they could be styled. A simple table with desk lamp and chair suggests a home office, a bistro set suggests a perfect place to eat.
Appoint the right estate agent
Where will your prospective buyers look? What will they do to help you present your home to the right buyers, and make sure they take a look around? Will they be on hand to support you and have that local market knowledge and experience? Who will give confidence to your buyers and ensure your house moves successfully from FOR SALE to SOLD?
We will!
Contact us and we’ll help you get your move underway.
