In the first post on this subject we looked at the need to prepare your property for sale and the initial steps to take to make a good first impression. We considered the issue of kerb appeal and some external sprucing up that could stand you in good stead to attract buyers and generate attractive offers. In this post we will move inside the home to review some of the things you should look at internally to get the best offer as quickly as possible. The aim of the game here is to allow the viewer to picture himself or herself in the property and to see its potential.
With that in mind the following are some points to consider in maximising the appeal of your property:
- Make sure that all rooms are well lit and well ventilated. During the daytime ensure that curtains and blinds are fully drawn back and that, weather permitting, you have aired the room by opening the windows for a while in advance of the viewing. If using air fresheners be judicious in their use – an overwhelming smell of lavender can cause concerns that it is covering up something more unpleasant.
- If you have a pet then try to ensure that it (and its basket/bowls/brushes, etc) is not around when the property is being shown. All areas of your home should be pet hair free – you are unlikely to get an offer from somebody who spends the entire visit sneezing with an allergic reaction.
- Avoid displaying too many personal photographs and items – remember the aim is to get the viewers to see themselves living here.
- Look at each of your rooms critically – are they shown off to best advantage. Buyers want space so de-cluttering is essential. A room full of too much furniture, books, toys or other personal items will give the impression that the room is small. Tidy things away or consider moving some of your belongings out of your property temporarily – a garage is a useful storage option here or you could consider renting some temporary storage.
- Look critically at your cupboards and drawers. Whilst they probably should not do so, many buyers cannot resist looking in these. Some areas, such as under stair cupboards, are fair game and should have particular attention paid to ensuring they are well organised.
- Clean, clean, clean. You will be surprised how much a good clean can lift a property. Look critically at things like carpets – hiring a carpet cleaner can give new life to floor coverings and remove off-putting stains. Clean your windows both inside and out. Once having got your property clean, keep it that way whilst viewings are being undertaken.
- If there are small repairs needed – dripping taps, loose tiles, etc then sort these out before viewings begin. Failure to do so can give the impression that the property has not been looked after. You should, however, have a discussion with an estate agent before undertaking more major works – you want to ensure you will at least get your money back on more substantial outlays or that the works are really necessary to stand the best chance of selling the property or maximising value.
- If there are certain fixtures or fittings that you will be taking with you, consider replacing them before the viewings start (if a buyer hasn’t seen them he or she won’t miss them) or, at the very least, make it clear to your agent that they are not included in the sale.
- Having created space and cleaned from top to bottom, make your property feel like a home. Bowls of fruit, vases of flowers and nice toiletries in the bathroom are cheap items to consider incorporating. If the weather is cold and you have a fire, make sure it is lit when viewers are expected.
- In bathrooms and toilets make sure that everything is particularly sparkling. Clean and/or replace any discoloured sealants. Check that the toilet seat is in good condition. Make sure there are no toothpaste stains on the mirror. Repair any leaks. Consider replacing any old shower curtains and ensure the toilet flushes well. Your bathroom should be stocked with clean towels and other linens and some well chosen toiletries. If there is an extractor fan it should be clean and in working order.
- In the bedroom, tidy the wardrobes and make sure the bed is made up with fresh linen. If you have spare bedrooms that are not furnished, make sure that they are not presented as junk rooms, consider putting some furniture in to show the potential.
- In the kitchen, remove as many items from the work surfaces as possible. Do not leave any unwashed dishes visible and depersonalise it as much as possible by removing things like fridge magnets and childrens’ drawings in advance of viewings commencing.
- If you have a loft or cellar then people will want to see it. If it is being used for storage then ensure that it is neatly arranged to maximise the storage potential for buyers. Ensure any stairs or ladders used to access lofts or cellars are in good repair and that there is adequate lighting in these areas.
Whilst the above is not an exhaustive list, if you prepare your home along the above lines your selling experience should proceed more smoothly as a result. If you would like a more personalised view of what preparation your property needs before putting it on the market then we would be happy to visit you to give you our view. Contact us at info@no-flies.co.uk to arrange a visit.