Our suggestions to help you sell your property and useful tips for when you move home.
The Exterior of Your Home
- First impressions count… The exterior of your home is the first thing a prospective buyer will see. The front door is particularly important as it is a focal point and most people who are serious about house hunting tend to drive or walk past a house before making an appointment to view. Keep it neat and clean and make sure it looks welcoming.
- Keep the front garden tidy… be sure that lawns are well trimmed and keep the garden neat. A tidy garden looks great viewed from a window and also looks bigger than an unkept untidy one.
The Interior of Your Home
- Redecorate… if any part of your home needs decoration badly, redecorate. You must not think just because you are selling you should leave it for the new owner as it makes a huge difference with first impressions.
- De-Clutter… and de-personalise. Remove ornaments, photo frames, toys, toy boxes etc. This will make the rooms look larger.
- See to the old jobs… fix squeaky floor boards, dripping taps, creaky doors etc.
- Clear stairways… objects left on stairs are dangerous and present a crowded appearance.
- Sparkling bathroom… ESSENTIAL!
- Fresh flowers and plants… your home is on display, prepare as if you are expecting guests.
- Light is important… bright rooms are cheerful rooms to a prospective buyer. Use curtain ties to pull back the curtains and bring in more light. If a room is dark, use lamps for extra light.
- Neat bedrooms help… Make sure beds are well made and that dresser or table tops are neatly arranged. Put away personal items.
During Viewings
- Too many people are distracting… it is advisable for one person to show the viewer around. Don’t have your whole family trailing inquisitively behind. The buyer will have more chance to concentrate on the house.
- Noise will distract the viewer… it would be best to turn off the Radio and Television.
- Make your home smell inviting… use air fresheners, or if you own a coffee percolator, whip up some coffee and let potential buyers enjoy the aroma. Or even better, bake some biscuits/cakes.
- Sell your house, not what’s in it… do not try to sell the potential buyer any furniture, carpets or fittings. It will confuse them and detract interest from the house.
- Let us do the talking… if you have requested accompanied viewings, then leave it to us. If you are at home while the viewing is taking place, try not to follow us around.
- Keep pets away… dogs and cats are a distraction and a turn off.
- Never apologise for the appearance of your home… it will draw attention to something that most probably would have gone unnoticed.
- Do not get involved in a discussion or debate… if your potential buyer makes a comment, if they object or remark about a room arrangement, let them discuss it between themselves, everybody has their own way of living.
- Clear out the garage… a cluttered garage will give the wrong impression on size.
- Do not enter into negotiations on price… that is what we are here for, to save you from feeling uncomfortable if an offer is spoken of.
