SELLER TIPS

Top 10 tips for selling your home 

It is important as a homeowner that you are not complacent about selling your home. Before putting your home on the market give every aspect of the property consideration. Be objective; see it as a potential buyer would. Don’t view it as your home – with a bit of luck, and planning, it won’t be for much longer – view it as a saleable commodity, keeping your target purchaser always in mind.

Here are my top 10 tips to help maximize the sale value of your home and minimize the time it spends on the market. Some of my suggestions may not apply to your particular property, but the general principles will.

1. PREPARE YOURSELF TO MOVE-ON

• Look forward to making memories in your new home and prepare to move on.
• Disassociate yourself from your home; simply see it as a product that needs to be sold.
• Visualize handing over the keys to the new owners.
• Enjoy the process of moving on.

2. BOOST CURB APPEAL

Before potential purchasers make an appointment to view your property, they will most likely examine your home from the road. Therefore first impressions count!

Prospective purchasers will not only be looking for an attractive exterior, they will also be seeking evidence that the property has been well maintained. Any sign that they will need to spend time or money may put them off.

Arrange any necessary repairs:

• Reposition slipped tiles and mend leaking gutters.
• Tidy your front garden and repair damaged fencing.
• If the property is looking tired freshen it up with a coat of paint.
• Window boxes and planters can really enhance a property.
• Weed infested paving.

3. LIGHT AND BRIGHT

Ensure that you impress potential purchasers once they step through your front door.

• Keep decorations simple, using light and neutral colours to make your home appear more spacious.
• Touch up any chipped or scuffed paintwork.
• Consider painting over patterned wallpaper.

Your aim is to create a blank canvas against which people can imagine their own belongings. With a few cans of emulsion, you can achieve maximum effect for minimum expenditure.

4. DE-CLUTTER

• Less is more when it comes to ornaments; steer clear of anything too individual.
• Remove family photographs, potential purchaser need to imagine their photos on the walls.
• Leave kitchen counter tops looking clean and clear.
• Minimalize the number of books on display.
• Charity shops are always glad of donations.
• If you can’t bear to part with some items altogether, ensure they are stored tidily in the loft, basement or consider using a storage unit.

5. DRESS TO IMPRESS!

• Make it easy for prospective buyers to see the primary purpose and potential of each room.
• If a bedroom is a double, make sure it contains a double bed, not a single or, worse still, no bed at all.
• If you’ve converted a fourth bedroom into a study, market your property as only having three bedrooms or, change the study back into a bedroom.
• It really depends on your target market and we can help advise you on the best option at the time.
• Ensure bedding is clean and presents well.
• Consider replacing worn or stained carpet and rugs.
• If you live in an older property, it may be worth reinstating period features, such as fireplaces, cornices and ceiling roses.
• Reclamation yards and antiques centres are good sources.
• Subtle lighting is a must.
• Seasonal (for example, Christmas) decorations are fine, but keep them tasteful and don’t overdo them.
• Replace burnt out light bulbs, both inside and out of the property – Having a well light property is essential.
• Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
• Patch holes in walls.
• Fix leaky faucets.
• Display flowers.

6. MAKE THE HOUSE SPARKLE

It’s obvious, but make sure your home is sparkling clean from top to bottom. Not only will this make it more immediately attractive, but it will also reassure prospective buyers that the property has been well maintained in other more fundamental respects.

• Vacuum daily.
• Polish wooden floors, mirrors and door handles.
• Dust lamp shades, light fixtures and remove cobwebs.
• Wash windows inside and out.
• Pressure wash the exterior of the building, driveways and sidewalks.
• Check for cracks in sealants and re-caulk where necessary.
• Use air fresheners for areas that smell musty.
• If you have pet litter boxes ensure they are clean and odorless.
• Hang up fresh towels.

7. KITCHENS MATTER

The received wisdom used to be that, as purchasers would wish to fit their own choice of kitchen, a vendor was better off dropping the price than spending money on updating. These days, most people would rather buy a home that already has a reasonably stylish kitchen. Improve the look of your kitchen relatively cheaply by:

• Fit new cabinet doors, worktops, handles, tiles and flooring as necessary.
• If it’s totally exhausted, consider replacing it.
• Avoid using highly personal colors and styles and go with something more reserved.
• Resist the urge to save money by indulging in DIY unless you are confident of your skills; you run the risk of devaluing your property if it’s not done correctly.

8. BATHROOM BASICS

As far as bathroom suites go it is recommended that you stick with white; if yours is coloured you may want to consider replacing it.

• Check for cracks in sealants and re-caulk around bath tubs, showers and sinks where necessary.
• Ensure the room is sparkling, hang fresh towels to add a pleasant aroma.

9. THE OUTDOOR LIFE

Even if you’re not the world’s greatest gardener, you can make your outside space look inviting:

Add a few colourful pots and planters.

• If you have a patio, demonstrate its potential for al fresco eating and entertaining with some strategically placed garden furniture. 
• Ensure that, at the very least, your garden looks neat. Your shed should be well maintained and its contents tidy.

10. BE CRITICAL

Take an objective look at the house and ask yourself: Does it look inviting from inside and out? Is the furniture in the best position to show-off the shape of each room? A final point, don’t get carried away and do too much. Avoid spending money unless doing so will help you achieve a higher price or an easier sale. What’s more, never improve a property out of its category or neighbourhood. If you don’t have the time or energy to prepare your house in this way, consider hiring a staging company to help present your home in the best possible light. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me, I’m here to help.