Top tips to help sell your home.
From the front gate to the smallest room, your property is on view and being critically inspected by each and every viewer for faults and problems that they may have to correct. Buyers are often put off by sometimes the smallest things like a badly tended garden or untidy interiors, and definitely by essential repairs or imminent expensive upgrades. Those who are not put off may certainly be seeking a substantial discount so they can pay to put things right.
There are plenty of TV programs showing how to get the best out of your property before selling, and these are well worth watching. In the mean time, here are our top tips to get you going.
First Impressions
What is the first thing people see when they view the property? If it is the front garden, make sure the lawn is mowed, borders weed-free and generally tidy all round. Sort out any defects like rotten facia boards and broken gutters, then go the extra mile and put in some colour with flowers and hanging baskets. Bet it looks better already!
Dodgy Décor
Flaking paintwork and bold wacky colours are a definite put off. Badly painted or neglected paintwork will put many people off straight away. Soft pastel shades are acceptable to most people, and even a strong accent colour here and there such as on a feature fireplace is acceptable. Avoid painting a whole room on bold colours as it can make it look smaller and will appeal to only a few potential buyers. A few hours with a paintbrush can make all the difference.
Keep it neat
Get rid of all the clutter and let the buyer see your home. It's amazing what people will focus on instead of the property. Piles of washing, dirty dishes, paperwork and that straw donkey from Fuengirola are just going to cause distraction. Get rid of the junk, have the carpets cleaned and present the house with a few tasteful features such as a bunch of flowers.
Pesky Pets
We are a nation of animal lovers, but not everyone will appreciate Fido jumping up or putting their muddy paws all over their new shoes! Doggy smells are also a big turn off when it comes to your potential buyer, so make sure the house smells sweet.
Show your assets
It's all well and good having a nice fireplace or expensive wood flooring, but it's not going to impress anyone if it's piled high with junk. Make sure each room has a focus, and present it to your best advantage.
Finally, we accept that not every house will be a show home. But every house can be presented to show it off at it's best with little or no expense. We hope this helps you get the best out of your house sale.
