Preparing your home for sale
In the last 20 years we have assisted many sellers in taking their properties to market. We always try to help our clients to achieve the best possible price and preparation is key.
Below we have compiled a list of tips to consider in advance of coming to market which we believe will help you to achieve the best sales price.
First impressions matter
Take a second to step outside and look at your home from a buyers’ perspective. The outside of your home sets the tone for what’s inside, so it’s really important to make sure you feel proud of what you see. Tidying up the garden, fixing the broken gate or painting the front door will all give your home curb appeal. When potential buyers do a drive by and spot your ‘For Sale’ sign, these are all things that will make them want to book a viewing.
Clear out those cupboards and declutter
Grab some boxes and start today! A buyer will want to imagine your home as their own; they want to look in the cupboards and imagine where their belongings will go. It is much harder for a buyer to do this if your property is full of clutter and every cupboard is bursting at the seams. While you don’t want to remove all the character, you might also want to de-personalise a little – create a bit more of a blank canvas. Decluttering can actually be quite an enjoyable and therapeutic experience – but only if not left until the last minute.
Cleaning
Now this is different from decluttering as cleaning involves getting into all the corners and inspecting every room with a critical eye. It might even be worth getting a professional in to do a one-off deep clean. Pay attention to the detail – the last thing you want is for a buyer to look down at dusty skirting boards, or up at a collection of cobwebs.
Pets
We all love our own pets, but a potential buyer might not feel the same. If you can off-load your pets for any viewings, pop them in the car, ask your partner to take them for a walk, or alternatively leave them with a neighbour, this can be a good idea.
Stay on top of the property maintenance
If you keep on top of your property maintenance then you will have far less to do when you come to market. Remember some buyers will be put off by DIY. A well-maintained and attractive home will have far more appeal to buyers. Get your own tool box out or ask a favour from a friend for the smaller things – like making sure the door handles are all screwed on tightly and that light bulbs are all working. Do also consider any outstanding larger issues such as deteriorating window frames or peeling paint – be aware these can become points for negotiation, which is not a position you want to find yourself in at the last moment. Small and inexpensive steps such as getting your carpets cleaned, giving the house a fresh lick of paint, or getting your roof checked regularly, can make all the difference.
Star of the show
So research suggests that kitchens and bathrooms are considered to be the biggest selling points when a buyer is considering their next move. Make sure these main selling points of your property are looking their best. If you can’t paint the whole house, perhaps start with these rooms and make sure you do things like clean your oven and remove any limescale that might have built up on the taps. Things like oven space and water pressure could be checked by a serious potential buyer. The garden is another space you want to have looking its best – especially given the importance of outside space in lockdown!
Lifestyle setting and property staging
Often buyers are looking as much at the lifestyle surrounding the home as the home itself. So why not set the table, light the fire, have something cooking, buy some flowers – this all helps. You can also move your furniture around to best show off the space. It might not be how you prefer it but if it allows potential buyers to imagine how they would live in your property then it can be an effective selling strategy. We can help you with this when we visit. We will discuss who we think the property will appeal to, and therefore what might need to be done to attract them.
Really hope you have found our tips useful. We would be delighted to provide more information on preparing your home for sale, please do get in touch with us.
Discover more
