Preparing Your Home For Selling

Those of us that already own a property will at some want to sell up and move on. There can be many reasons that will prompt this decision like a new job, living closer to a relative, a relationship break up or even that we simply just fancy a change.

Making the decision to move is the easy part, the preparation, stress and worry which goes with the whole selling and buying process is the hard bit. All of which starts now!

When most people come to sell their home, they always consider the real \ estate agent to be the quickest and easiest route to selling their home. Before you even think about appointing an agent it is essential you present your home in its best light to prepare for all those viewings. Today’s buyers want their new home to be in perfect condition. They don’t want to spend time decorating or refurbishing a property. So here’s what to do before inviting the agents round:

1. It’s time to get all those cleaning products out from under the kitchen sink and give your home a thorough clean from top to bottom. Don’t forget to clean the windows (inside and out), the floors, walls, paint work, light switches etc, etc.

2. Your home must be de-cluttered to create as much space as possible. It takes a lot of effort, but you must put away the kids toys, tidy up shoes and put away all laundry. Your home must stay clutter free ready for all those viewings.

3. Put away as many personal belongings as possible, such as family pictures or trophies as it helps the potential buyer to imagine themselves living there.

4. Ensure all the décor is in good condition and if necessary paint all your rooms a neutral colour. Neutral colours have been proven to statistically increase the chances of a sale as these appeal to the majority of home buyers.

5. The flooring is also very important in a home as buyers like wood, laminate or a lighter colour carpet like beige. These will also increase the chances of a sale, although they may not be practical for everyone, especially if there are children or pets in the house.

6. A lot of buyers will be put off by the smell of any pet odours. It is best if all your pets are kept out of the house while viewings are taking place. If you have a dog, give it a regular shampoo and make sure there are no pet hairs on the carpets and sofa. This alone can be very off putting to potential buyers.

7. The garden is a space where buyers love to entertain during summer with barbecues and parties. Make sure your garden is presentable and practical at all times, even if the weather is bad. Keep the lawns mown and free from leaves and weeds. Jet wash the patio, clip back overgrown plants and bushes. Setting up some garden furniture will help your potential buyers imagine themselves sitting in the garden on a hot summer’s day with a glass of wine.

8. Finish off any of those DIY projects you have started but not completed as buyers are put off when they see unfinished jobs. They start to worry that there may be many other unfinished jobs around your home which they cannot see. Those uncompleted DIY jobs all give the potential buyer cause for concern and can cost you money.

9. Your kitchen and bathroom are two rooms which can make or break the deal. It is important to repair or replace any broken floor or wall tiles. If your bathroom suite is any other colour than white, it’s time to call a plumber! Coloured suites are now considered out dated and buyers will knock the cost of replacing them of the purchase price of your home.

10. Keep your bathroom looking clean and fresh at all times, which can be difficult with a family. Remove limescale around taps and the showerhead. To give your bathroom the luxury hotel feel, buy some fluffy towels

Once you’ve completed these tasks, you will have a home to be proud of and one which stands a far greater chance of selling, especially at a great price!!!