If you are thinking of buying a property and selling your existing home, it pays to make sure you get the best price possible and without your property languishing on the market. Therefore it’s important to present your home in the best light possible in today’s competitive market. This could mean more than a quick dust, hoover and tidy-up before viewers come round. Here are some other proactive steps to take when preparing your property for sale.
Online listings
Take a bit of time to choose an agent who markets their properties well online, as these days, this is where most buyers start their property search. Good, representative photos are crucial and you can make the most of this process by making sure your home is clean, tidy and dressed in a way that helps people imagine living in the space. This might mean removing pieces that are overly personal, such as photographs or artworks that are to your personal taste, and considering steps like dressing a dining room table or bedroom. Again, a good estate agent will be able to advise on this and the process should be shaped by who they advise your target market should be, whether you’re in popular area with young families or sitting in the ideal first home of a young professional couple. Property descriptions and floor-plans also need to be accurate so viewers aren’t left disappointed when it comes to visiting.
Kerb appeal
Following on from the first impressions given online, kerb appeal is very important when potential buyers make it for a viewing. Practical steps you can take to boost your property’s kerb appeal are basic things like making sure the outdoor areas are tidy and gardens are well-kept. Depending on the season, you can consider doing a bit of planting to brighten things up. Cleaning windows and doors and making sure paintwork is fresh can all make a huge difference. Making access to your property as easy as possible is also a good idea – ensure there’s a parking space, keeping pathways clear and communal closes clutter-free too.
Property presentation
The same rule of thumb applies as when taking your marketing photos in terms of making your property as appealing as possible, keeping it tidy and clutter free. Think about the atmosphere of your home when someone walks in and consider how lighting, smells and temperature all affect this. This might mean replacing or cleaning overhead light bulbs, airing out unused rooms or asking friends and family to look after noisy pets or children! Give rooms the right purpose, so if you are marketing your property as three bedrooms, but one is currently a dining room or storage space, it might pay off to set it up as a bedroom for viewings. Don’t put off those repairs needing done any longer, but get things fixed up in advance of viewings, otherwise you are leaving opportunities for viewers to pick fault with your property. Any refresh to painting or decorating should be kept as simple and neutral as possible too. It’s all about creating an inviting space; somewhere people can imagine living and putting their own personal stamp on to.
Get advice
Talk to us at The Mortgage Hub about the best mortgage product for your circumstances. We can look at the whole of the market and talk you through the process, whether you’re upsizing or downsizing.