If you’re thinking of putting your property on the market, you’ll want to make it stand out from the crowd and generate as much interest as possible to ensure you achieve the full asking price.
The team at Properly is highly experienced in property and will always make sure we give our utmost attention when accompanying viewings on your property, but there are always little tweaks you can make to your home to make sure it’s in outstanding condition and ready for the most discerning viewer.
The Properly team have put our heads together and want to share with you the top nine things you can do to get your property ready for sale.
1. NEUTRALISE YOUR HOME
There’s nothing wrong with injecting your personality into your home, but if you’re selling, then garish paint and leopard print feature walls won’t be to everyone’s taste. If this sounds anything like your property then give some serious consideration to some light redecorating, ideally using neutral colours such as off-white, magnolia, greys or pastels.
It’s far more appealing to potential buyers and it will also allow them to visualise their own ideas better if they have a blank canvas to work with.
2. LIGHTEN UP
Following on from our first point, there are some simple lighting tricks you can do to make your home feel brighter, which in turn will make it feel more spacious and appealing to potential buyers.
It can be as simple as putting up a mirror opposite a window to reflect the light or ensuring you have high-voltage light bulbs fitted. If you have blackout blinds or curtains in your bedrooms then make sure these are open before any viewings, to avoid rooms appearing dark or gloomy.
3. DECLUTTER
We all tend to throw empty boxes in cupboards (just in case) and gather ‘stuff’ as the years pass. If you’ve been hoarding items, then selling your property is the perfect time to eliminate unwanted items and declutter. It’ll help your home appear more spacious and there’s potentially the added benefit of making a few pounds selling some of your old belongings.
4. DEODOURISE
Did you know that your home has its own distinctive smell? Obviously, not all houses have strong smells but if you regularly smoke or vape indoors or you have a cat or dog causing a whiff, then no matter how beautiful your house may be, this is likely to be the first thing a visitor notices when they walk through the front door – and it can be very off-putting. If your property has a strong smell to it then give it a good deep clean before any viewings or get professionals in if you need to.
5. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHING
It’s rare that you’ll make a sale at first glance, but you can definitely lose one! If you have an overgrown garden, a grubby front door and a broken gate then it’s time to get your gardening gloves on and tidy it all up.
Kerb appeal is important not only because many potential viewers will do a ‘drive by’ to check out the property before booking a viewing, but first impressions are what always form the basis of someone’s opinion of your property. Things that can damage your home’s kerb appeal include having dirty wheelie bins on display, smeared windows and chipped paintwork, so spend a little time maintaining your outdoor areas and be sure everything is up to scratch before the viewings start.
Adding little extras like a potted plant or a lamp to light up your entrance can make a big difference too. You don’t need to do anything extravagant, just remember, it’s all in the details!
6. SHOW OFF YOUR HOME ASSETS
Step room to room in your home and check for little things that may detract the attention of a viewer:
- If you have a study or a room you are using as an office, ensure your desk is tidy and your paperwork is filed away so that viewers can see an organised workspace.
- If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s not being blocked by toys or extra bits of furniture that you haven’t stored away so that viewers can imagine themselves cosy by the fire.
- If you have a dining table – a common dumping ground for pretty much everything – make sure it’s clear of any paperwork or household bits that have been piling up so that viewers can see there is a defined place to eat.
- If you have a utility room, remove piles of laundry and tidy away detergents so that viewers can appreciate the extra space catering to the needs of a family.
When it comes to our homes it’s easy to take some of the features we see every day for granted, but to a viewer, they may be just what they’re looking for in a home, so be sure to highlight all the best features of your property.
7. BE PREPARED
Think back to when you bought your property. What questions did you have for the estate agent? If a buyer were to ask how old the windows are and if they have a guarantee would you know the answer? What about the last time you had the boiler serviced? When was the central heating checked? Be prepared and find your paperwork and service history relating to your home before it’s requested to save time.
- Service the boiler
- Check the central heating system
- Find any guarantees and warranties
8. FIX UP, LOOK SHARP
Keeping on top of the maintenance of your home is crucial when you bring your property to market. If you haven’t regularly maintained your home, now is the time to get all those little niggly jobs done. Make sure everything’s as well maintained as possible, whether it’s fixing a damaged fence or just replacing a broken lightbulb, these minor details can make a big difference to potential buyers. It shows that your house is well looked after, and it will give viewers fewer excuses to negotiate. Make your property as flawless as possible – touch up paintwork and don’t forget to check gutters and drainpipes to get rid of leaves and debris.
9. DEPERSONALISE
Buyers want to imagine themselves living in a home, so seeing pictures of strangers all over the house can actually have an off-putting effect, even though it’s your home!
Don’t remove every family photo, you’re still living there of course, but there’s a fine line between making a home look lived in and loved and showcasing it as someone else’s dream home! Think about putting a few photos away before viewings. The space created will allow viewers to get a better idea of what they would do with the space and to imagine it as their own.
For no-obligation advice on buying or selling a home in London please contact our expert property team at Properly on 0207 459 4400.
