Selling a home can be a stressful process in itself, and one of the main reasons a house may stay on the market is that there are a few things putting people off. Being organised and spending a little bit of money to make your home look its best can considerably reduce the time it takes to sell your home and thus reducing this stress.
We have put together a list of 9 tips for selling a house because making the best impression to potential buyers is key for a quick sell.
First impressions matter
The exterior of your property is the first thing potential buyers see when they look at your property and is a chance to get them interested in seeing the rest of the property. First impressions matter and even small things can make a huge difference. Cut lawns, well-kept paths and maintained trees and bushes are some simple tasks that can make the property shine.
Try adding a pop of colour by adding hanging baskets and using colourful bedding flowers; these types of plants provide a central point for the exterior of the property and are great for creating a homely vibe. It is also good practice to clean any patio areas and move any bins out of view to create a clean look.
Freshen up and repair any tired or outdated exterior fittings such as fences or garden sheds by giving them a lick of paint, and make sure that your windows and doors are clean and well maintained.
Repair and clean
Many home buyers are looking for properties that they can move into straight away without making a lot of changes, so it is a good idea to make sure that fixtures and fittings such as internal doors, kitchen cabinets and cupboards are in good working order and fit correctly. Replacing any worn carpets is also a good and relatively inexpensive idea to do as it will freshen up the whole appearance of the house.
When showing potential buyers around your home it is important that the property is clean and neat. You don’t need it to be so clean that it looks like no one lives there, but a well maintained and clean house creates a good impression.
Smells are key
One of the biggest turn offs for property buyers is bad smells, so make sure all bins are clean and disinfected, the sinks and drains are clean and your house is aired out, it makes a huge difference to how the property is perceived by potential buyers.
Estate agents have been utilising pleasant smells to sell properties for decades; the smell of freshly baked bread, cakes and muffins are shown to have a positive effect on potential home buyers but are unfeasible for most home sellers. However, brewing a fresh pot of coffee or lighting a scented candle can help create a homely atmosphere during viewings.
Declutter
Potential buyers need to be able to see themselves living in a property for them to be interested. It can be difficult for people to envisage their belonging in certain rooms especially if there is clutter in the property.
Try to declutter as much as possible, storing bulk furniture and any possessions that you will not need in the short term. Open spaces often make room’s look and feel bigger, and makes it easier for viewers to imagine their possessions in the property. Try not to depersonalise too much, leaving some of your personality to shire through.
A fresh lick of paint
The majority of home buyers are looking for something they can customise to their own taste, and using neutral colours is a great way of achieving this. Using light blues, pale greys and pastel shades can help make a room feel lighter and bigger, as well as provide a blank canvas in which to customise.
Finishing touches
The little touches can make a property stand out from the rest, so make sure that all of the windows are dressed appropriately with blinds and curtains, as bare windows can make a room look unfinished.
Adding mirrors not only makes a room feel bigger, but also provides a light and airy feel to darker rooms.
Finishing touches like colourful throws and cushions are great little focal points, while fruit bowls are a good option to add colour and a wonderful smell to a kitchen or dining room.
Updating and conversions
Spend money to make money, this may sound counterintuitive, but if you have any tired looking rooms such as a kitchen or a bathroom spending a little time and money updating these rooms can add value and make a big difference to the saleability of a property.
Estate agents can advise you on what types of renovations can add the most value and give you information on what prospective buyers are looking for in a property.
Turning a loft space into an extra room or building a conservatory can make a big difference to the value of your house and makes it more tempting for potential buyers.
Finding the right estate agent
Finding the right estate agent is really important to sell your home quickly and for the right price. Estate agents will value your home based on the local area, advertise the property to buyers, set up viewings and liaise with both parties solicitors, so finding the right one is key for a hassle-free sale.
Doing some research and comparing local estate agents is a good way of gauging how much they will cost, however, recommendations from friends and family who have sold their homes is a good indicator of how good an estate agent is.
For those who do not have the time to do their own research, using an estate agent comparison website is a hassle-free way of finding out information about the local estate agent sector. These websites will give you contact details of estate agents, and current information about the local housing market and can put you in contact with your chosen agent.
Use a professional photographer
We’ve all heard the saying, a picture tells a thousand words and this is especially true when selling a property. Whether you’re hiring an estate agent or selling your home yourself through an online estate agent, getting the pictures right is key to attracting potential buyers.
Taking pictures of properties for sale usually fall on the estate agent themselves, and while many will have the experience to make the pictures look good, a professional photographer can take your property listing to the next level.
For a small fee, a professional photographer will stage your home, create the right lighting and edit the pictures to attract potential home buyers.
