Prepping your property for selling
We have compiled a simple checklist to prepare your home for sale (and the estate agent photographs)
It might seem obvious to keep your house tidy for prospective buyers but you would be surprised how many viewings we have done on properties and walked away after the first viewing.
Declutter
Allow prospective buyers the opportunity to see your home at its best, concentrating on the space and size of the rooms rather than the contents. Hallways are vitally important as they are the entryway to your home - clear away shoes, coats, dog leads etc and be as minimal as you can - you can always hide it all in a shed till your viewing is over.
2. Depersonalise
When people view a new home they want to be able to envisage themselves living there, allow them to dream a little. It may feel like you are taking the heart out of your home, however remember why you are doing this. Replace wall hanging family photos with suitable art - you can always put your pictures back up.
3. Be mindful of smell
Naturally you will want to eliminate any bad smells like pet beds, rubbish bins, toilets but equally don’t go overboard on air fresheners and candles (or the freshly baked bread trick). Subtlety is key. You want your home to smell fresh. As they say on the adverts ‘You can go nose blind’ - don’t be afraid to ask a friend or neighbour to pop-in and give you a review!
4. The to-do-list
Even the completion of the smallest jobs can make a huge difference - make sure the flaws are few - change blinking light bulbs, replace mouldy silicone around baths and showers, unblock the gutters, mow the lawn… you get what we mean.
Viewers and even surveyors will see stains on interior walls as red flags even if potentially there is nothing wrong. Be certain to make good any previous damage if it hasn’t already been taken care of.
5. Think about lighting
Light can change a room dramatically - from being clinical and modern to cosy and inviting. Think about the space and the use of room. If its a snug, try to make it cosy with lamps and soft furnishings, if it’s a kitchen or bathroom, try and let in as much natural light as possible, bin the peplum window dressing and go for a more simple look that will let in natural light.
For autumn and winter viewings, consider floor lamps and table lamps to add extra brightness to a room.
6. Embrace neutral
We know that not everyone is a fan of neutral and in most cases you will have put your personal stamp or colour palette on your walls and in your furniture… however, it has been proven that homes with a neutral decor sell quicker. It gives your potential buyers a blank canvas to work with. Remember - neutral doesn’t meed stark white walls - you can use greys, oatmeal, cotton, blush…. Check out Pinterest for some modern and classic interiors or speak to our team about how we can prepare your home for sale.
7. Keep it clean
Clean homes are easier to sell, without any shadow of doubt, so make sure you clean everything, and we mean everything, thoroughly.
This is so vital that you should even consider hiring professionals to deep clean your home if it’s in need of proper attention. Things like carpets, couches, and curtains hold smells that can make or break a viewing, so be sure to do all that you can to make your property shine.
8. First impressions count
Most people I know will drive to a property in the days before a viewing so it is vitally important that you spare some attention to your homes ‘kerb appeal’! Make sure that the front garden, if you have one, is tidy, all of your windows are sparkling, and the front door looks inviting.
