Guide To Selling Your Home

1. Start Outside. Boost your curb appeal

All potential buyers start outside the house and walk into the house. So, what it looks like on the outside is vital for first impressions. A lot of buyers will do ‘drive bys’ and if the house doesn’t look appealing from the outside, they won’t even book an appointment to go and view the property.

Start by standing outside your house and think of ways that you can boost its curb appeal. Trim your shrubs, weed your flower beds, mow the lawn, fix any peeling paint and keep the path clear. Just adding a few potted plants by the entrance of the property can make a big difference.

2. Clean, clean, clean!

Potential buyers will scrutinise your house. A deep clean of your home is so important to create a clean and fresh feeling.

Remember to dust those skirting boards and light fixings. Hoover, polish sweep, mop and wipe! Don’t forget about your appliances. An oven and microwave you can’t see into is very off putting. A sticky fridge or hob equally so. Get rid of those can’t reach cobwebs and bleach the back grout in the bathroom.

Let the light through the windows and clean the windows inside and out. Push back the curtains to let as much light in as possible. Add floor or table lamps to areas that are dim. A bright, cheery room looks bigger and more inviting.

3. Declutter

Less is definitely more when it comes to selling your house.

You want to create a feeling of space so remove any unnecessary or oversized pieces of furniture. Keep sides clutter free, tidy up inside cupboards and wardrobes. People will look inside cupboards to see what storage space you have so make sure things are tidy inside and don’t come tumbling down on your potential buyer. If cupboards are filled to the brim people won’t think you have enough storage.

It’s an excuse for a good clear out, have a car boot sale for things you find that aren’t necessary any more or consider putting it temporarily in storage. Once you have de cluttered keep it tidy. Don’t keep a messy stack of papers in the corner or a heap of shoes in the entrance hallway. Not only will the lack of clutter help sell your home faster, but it will also make moving day easier!

4. Home damage and DIY

All those things you have had for months on your to do list, should be completed by the time you go on the market. So, set aside a weekend to tighten that doorknob, change the light bulbs, oil those squeaky doors and replace that slipped tile. If you have any leaks it is very advisable to get them fixed straight away. They could de-value your home and will not impress buyers as the slightest thing can cause buyers to imagine much worse – it is best not to give them the opportunity.

5. Painting

A fresh coat of paint can make room look brand new. Dark rooms are not welcoming so try to make them as light as you can. Many buyers want to see a blank canvas where they can inject their own personality. In order to make your home appeal to the largest possible audience, paint your walls in light neutral colours with a matt finish to make the room feel light and airy and keep décor simple to help buyers imagine themselves in your space.

6. A few last pointers

Don’t have curry the night before viewings nor cook bacon on the day of viewings. Although both taste lovely the smell is strong and lingers for a long time and will be off putting to potential buyers. Instead a lovely bunch of fresh flowers on the table, a cake freshly baked, or a subtle scented candle can all help to create a good first impression.

Close the toilet, remove the tea towels and empty the bins! When it comes to both showing and photographing your home, these little tricks can make a surprising difference.

Give each of your rooms a role – office, nursery, den – even if it’s simply a bonus room. It will help potential buyers’ picture how they can use the space.