With the days getting longer and the sun more likely to be shining, we’re now entering the peak period for buying and selling houses and there’s much a seller can do to make there property more appealing to a buyer. So, after much research I’ve compiled a top ten list of the essential elements needed to sell your home.
1. Clutter. A prospective buyer needs to be able to visualize living in your home. Clear away knick-knacks and excess junk that may make your home seem smaller and disorganized - this will distract potential buyers from seeing your home as the open and airy property that it is (or should be).
2. That Loose Cupboard Door. Now is the right time to do those odd jobs of maintenance that you’d never previously got around to doing. Small maintenance issues may seem trivial, but visitors to your home are sure to notice every detail, if not on the first viewing, then certainly on the second.
3. Drive Bys. Once your house is on the market with its details in the estate agents window, you will no doubt have curious potential buyers driving past your home on a reconnaissance mission. First impressions count, so spend a little time making the front of your property looking at its absolute best, this could mean doing some weeding, planting flowers, or repainting.
4. The Show Home Effect. Our possessions can define us as people. While your political or religious leanings are important to you they can turn off would be buyers viewing your home. Try to make your home a show home, make it neutral and hopefully buyers will be able to connect with it.
5. Bathrooms. A dated bathroom can really put buyers off. You can now get adhesive so you can easily tile over dated tiles. Use storage boxes for shampoo and shower gel etc and also make sure your bathroom is light, extremely clean and uncluttered.
6. Wall to wall. Give your properties walls a fresh lick of paint. Use neutral colours that will reflect light around the rooms, this will also make the rooms feel and look bigger.
7. Floored. Flooring is also important. Buyers will not want to replace the carpets before they move in or live with your turquoise one. A cost effective way is to take up the carpet to expose floorboards and add a tasteful rug, or if you choose to re-carpet once again choose a neutral colour.
8. Pets. Of course you love your pets and you may consider them a part of your family but when preparing you home for viewings it’s important to remember that they can be off-putting to others. If possible assign them there own space to help keep them under control.
9. The three P’s. Presentation, presentation, presentation. It may seem obvious but it’s important to keep your property looking immaculate. Make sure cobwebs are removed, windows are washed, curtains are washed and tied back, polish surfaces, and vacuum. Also don’t forget the garden, ensure its tidy and well presented.
10. At last the viewings. Even if viewings are taking place on a summer’s day turn the lights on this house as this will add even more light. Also refresh your knowledge of the local area and also facts about your house (i.e. when it was built), buyers will be asking questions and it’s good to know the answers.
If you follow my top ten tips you’re sure to have buyers ringing the estate agent and then their mortgage lender to secure your house as their new home.
