5 Expert Tips to Sell Your Home
1. Kerb Appeal
Chances are that any prospective buyers will explore the area first, so that even before they book viewings they will have seen the outside of your house. This means that the first thing you need to do is ensure you maximize the ‘kerb appeal’ of the property, to attract their interest.
- If you have flowerbeds or borders make sure they are weed free, colourful, and that all bushes or hedges are neatly trimmed.
- Paths should be clean and free from litter, walls intact and dustbins placed as discretely as possible.
- Look at the outside of your property and consider whether the windows could do with a coat of paint, that the house number is prominent and that the door looks inviting.
- It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should look as though you make an effort and care for your property.
- If you live in a block of flats, make sure the stairs are clear, that your landing is clean and fresh and that doorbells and buzzers/intercoms work.
2. De-Clutter
No matter how much you love your ornaments, they will make a space feel smaller, so pack them away in boxes in the loft or in storage.
- Make sure coats and shoes don’t clutter the hall and only special bathroom products are on show.
- Clear kitchen work surfaces of jars and appliances, leaving the worktop as clears as possible. Also ensure the bin is clean and towels and dishcloths are fresh and tidy!
- If you have a lot of books and bookcases, remove some and weed out others, leaving only generic titles, neatly arranged. Perhaps place some on their side, or intersperse with the occasional ornament to make the bookcase a feature.
- Large items of furniture also make a room seem smaller, so if you can live without that baby grand or huge sofa for a few weeks put it into storage.
3. De-personalise
You want the potential buyer to imagine themselves living in the house, so pack away photos, striking art pieces and posters from the walls.
- Kitchens and bathrooms need to be hygienic, with fresh towels (white works well) and sponges.
- Consider hiring an industrial carpet and upholstery cleaner- it’s money well spent to have fresh unstained carpets.
- Tidy, re-arrange and de-clutter wardrobes and cupboards. Viewers are very likely to open them to check storage space, so ensure they are clean and organized to make the most of the space.
- If you have a rear garden or courtyard, weed it, tidy it and perhaps put out some patio furniture and planters to make the area look inviting and relaxing. In a city that outdoor space is at a premium so make the most of it.
4. Freshen Up
It’s essential that your property is in a good state of repair.
- Replace cracked floor or counter tiles. If the bathroom tiles are looking tired, consider re-grouting or using grout paint.
- Patch holes in walls.
- Fix leaky taps or cisterns.
- Clear clogged gutters, so that rainwater doesn’t drip in front of doors and windows.
- Fix doors that don’t close properly and kitchen drawers that jam. Make sure those doors don’t squeak! A few drops of WD40 will solve creaking doors.
- Replace burned-out light bulbs.
- If you have carpets in the bathroom, consider replacing with new lino.
- Place flowers or green leafy plants around the home. Plants add colour, and suggest a cared for home.
- Wash dog beds and cat bedding. Ensure cat litter is removed and the pets out of sight for showings.
- If you smoke, try to only smoke outside for a few weeks, or at least don’t smoke indoors on the day of the showing. The smell of stale tobacco smoke can be very off putting to nonsmokers or viewers with children.
5. Clean Up
Kitchen & Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms need to be hygienic, with fresh towels (white works well) and sponges.
Carpet & Upholstery
Consider hiring an industrial carpet and upholstery cleaner- it’s money well spent to have fresh unstained carpets.
Wardrobe & Cupboards
Tidy, re-arrange and de-clutter wardrobes and cupboards. Viewers are very likely to open them to check storage space, so ensure they are clean and organized to make the most of the space.
What could be easier?
If you’ve found these tips for selling your property useful, please get in touch with our estate agents team, who’ll be more than happy to help with any questions that you may have about the process of selling your home.