Advice Topics
First Impressions Count!
Now you’ve made the decision to place your house on the market, at the beginning of what can be a challenging process, it’s a good idea to take every opportunity to present your property to its best advantage for every viewing. Presenting your house correctly, making a few simple changes, really can make the difference in achieving the price you require.
So, what can you do to attract those buyers?
Declutter!
Clutter makes a room look so much smaller and it makes it difficult for potential purchasers to imagine where their own furniture could be placed. Clutter is confusing to the eye and detracts from the main features of the room which are its size and potential for use.
Decluttering helps when you come to move too – you won’t need as many boxes for a start! As a general guide, if you’ve not used something for 12 months or more, you’re probably not in need of it and it can be disposed of.
If you have lots of possessions on display that are very valuable to you or you know you are going to need or use them after you move, then pack as many as possible away in boxes and put them into storage. Try to make your rooms as neutral as possible. Something very personalised that reflects your personality is great when you are staying there – but when you want to appeal to as many people as possible, getting things as neutral as possible is the key so that anyone can visualise themselves in the room and dressing it.
Rectify wear and tear
If there are repair jobs to carry out such as broken hinges, missing handles, torn carpet etc. it is well worth spending a couple of days carrying out the work. Obvious damage can make people think that your house has not been well maintained and they may wonder if there are any expensive jobs that they will have to face if they bought the property. Keeping things in good repair, even if the items are old, shows you care and viewers love to think a property has been loved – it makes a house feel homely and gives it a nice fuzzy feel!!
Redecorate
If the decorating is worn and tired, a coat of fresh emulsion and gloss paint can work wonders! And don’t forget the rule of ‘neutral is best’! Creating a blank canvas on the walls and floors gives a sense of airiness and spaciousness and really does help a viewer to visualise how they can make the place their own!
Spick and span
Key areas for potential purchasers are ALWAYS kitchens and bathrooms! If your kitchen and/or bathroom need refurbishing and you don’t want to carry it out, it needn’t be a disadvantage. Many purchasers like the idea of putting their own stamp on a property. But what IS absolutely essential is that these two rooms gleam!! Clear things from worktops, ensure all surfaces and floors are spotless, use air fresheners and put out a vase of flowers – make it feel homely and cared for!
Touchy feely!
Soft furnishings are a great way to freshen a room and bring it up to date. Again, neutrals and earthy colours work best (especially if you’ve decorated in those all important light and neutral colours!) and fresh modern curtains and a few scatter cushions really can work wonders on the feel and impression of a room.
The outside
Most buyers love the thought of outside space. So if you have a garden or a yard, make sure it is tidy and clutter free. Even if you don’t have the time to carry out any large scale gardening, just making the space tidy makes a big difference and allows viewers to see the potential of the outside space.
Outdoor eating is particularly popular now so consider putting a garden table with chairs outside and dress it with outdoor lights. A few potted plants dotted around creates that Mediterranean feel that is greatly loved.
The next stage:
We’ve tackled the presentation of your home, what happens when the viewers turn up?
First, be positive and point out the advantages of each room. If you have one bedroom in use as an office, for example, point out where a bed would normally fit.
If you have pets, make sure there are no visible signs such as pet hair on carpets or litter trays in view. If possible, arrange for the dogs to be walked at the time of the viewing or ask someone to look after them. Whilst many people love animals there are also a number of people who are perhaps allergic or a little scared – its as well to be aware of this and accommodate this accordingly.
Once you have shown your viewers around the house and pointed out all of its advantages, invite them to have a wander around on their own and tell them you’ll be in the living room should they need you. Viewers don’t mind being shown each room but they do appreciate a little time alone to have a look at their leisure.
So, that’s it! Your job is over! In a short time a potential buyer will be taking the next step and making that all important offer on your house!
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