Top tips for selling your home
What are the top tips for selling? If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, or have been trying to find a buyer without so much as a sniff of interest, you’ll no doubt want to know what practical steps you can take to expedite the sale of your property. The good news is, there’s plenty you can do to speed things up, and it needn’t cost the earth.
Update key rooms
If you’ve ever seen a TV property show, you’ll have no doubt heard it said that kitchens sell homes. And in this case it’s true. Your kitchen really is the most important selling point in your home.
Depending on the age and current state of your kitchen, you may not need to go to the expense of fully remodelling it, although you may well get your money back in terms of house value if you do. Often, replacing or painting out-dated cupboards and replacing worn out worktops will do the trick. Small touches like adding new light fittings or updating cupboard and drawer handles can make a big difference to how your kitchen is perceived. Investing in one expensive appliance can give the impression of a higher spec kitchen – with the added benefit of being able to take it with you when you move!
With your kitchen looking shiny and new, it’s time to show your bathrooms a little love. Replacing an old shower curtain with a modern screen, cleaning mouldy grout and adding shiny new taps will make the world of difference. Add fluffy white towels for the full 5* effect.
Clean as a whistle
Make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to envisage themselves living in your property. Before any viewings, make sure you:
- Remove any clutter, including any children’s toys – yes it’s difficult to do, but making sure your house is tidy and clutter-free will pay dividends in the long-run
- Clean up – it goes without saying that your property should be as clean as possible and it’s worth investing in a cleaner to come in and give it a thorough once-over. It’s all too easy to overlook things we see everyday like dusty picture frames, but potential buyers may not be so forgiving
- If you have pets, we’re not suggesting you remove them from the house altogether! But do make sure any pet hair is vacuumed, bedding cleaned and most importantly – any pet smells removed from your home. A scented candle can add a pleasant ambience to your home whilst also getting rid of any offending smells!
- Address the niggly little problems that you’ve been ignoring. That burnt-out light bulb, dead house plant and broken cat flap may not seem like a big deal but they give an overall impression of a house that’s not well cared for
Show the potential
Can the new owner add value to your property by getting planning consent for an extension or loft conversion? If so, it may be worth investing time and a little money to get the necessary consents in place, obtain builders’ quotes and get the architect’s drawings done.
Kerb appeal
Don’t neglect the outside of your home, which should be smart, tidy and attractive. Give your front door a lick of paint if necessary. Mow the lawn, trim the bushes, and get rid of any weeds. A pair of bay trees or couple of pots of bright flowers near the door will make a huge difference to your property’s kerb appeal.
The entrance to your home is also important, so make it more attractive by putting in a hallway mirror to create the illusion of more light and space. Add a vase of fresh flowers and remember to put away those wellies!
Staging
Once you’ve addressed all of the above, it’s time for the finishing touches. Preparing your home for viewers can help your property to sell faster and can even add value to your home.
This is where you sell the lifestyle – it’s your chance to make living in your property seem as desirable as possible.
As we’ve touched on previously, the odd scented candle and vase of fresh flowers will add a touch of luxury, while the smell of freshly baked bread or a warm batch of brownies will whet your viewers’ appetites. A decent bottle of red wine open on the kitchen side will help to complete the picture. Aim for light and airy – open all the curtains and blinds and put lamps on in any dark corners.
Finally – if you’re showing potential buyers round, make sure you look well-groomed and professional. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and with our top tips, you’ll fast-track your way to a successful sale.
