8 ways to help sell your house
No 1: The first impression is the lasting impression
First impressions are incredibly quick to form and hard to change. Regardless of how impressive the interior of your home looks, buyers have already formed an opinion by the time they’ve reached the front door. Buyers expectation of a property should be high, welcoming and most importantly, positive. Simple maintenance such as a well-kept, tidy lawn can ensure a lasting warm effect. Diminishing paint work on the front door can also guarantee diminishing appeal.
No 2: Always be ready to put on a show
Your house consistently needs to be “show-ready” – Unexpected viewings can often lead to unexpected offers. Unmade beds, mess on the floor, dirty dishes in the sink, all terribly weaken your chances of achieving a sale. It’s a little effort that goes a long way.
No 3: Don’t let a kitchy kitchen be your downfall
A kitchen’s appeal is paramount. 85% of your sale to be exact. The benefits of ensuring an up to date modern kitchen are endless. A few thousand may seem like an extensive amount to spend on new countertops but dated, stained surfaces could reduce up to £10,000 off the asking price. Quick, cosmetic updates are inexpensive and can secure thousands onto your property’s value. A neutral paint colour invites potential buyers to visualise their own style and freely put their stamp on the property.
We are one Oakham estate agent that will advise you on interior design, we also have an interior designer working from our office. So we can offer all types of advice to homeowners selling their house.
No 4: Taking the ‘you’ out of your home
One of the most significant things you can do whilst selling is to de-personalise your home. A clutter of personal photographs, clothes, and children toys can interfere with any potential buyers imagination. Here, at Porter&May, we are happy to advise maximising the full potential of your property’s space and style. Our service includes producing bespoke plans and concepts to ensure your home reaches it’s full selling potential.
No 5: Don’t get carried away
Quick fixes and touch-ups prior to selling are always good. However, too much improvement and restoring leaves no room for the next owner to put their personal touches and ideas into play. Freshly painted neutral walls, clean curtains and blinds, will always guarantee a return for your money. Ensure all handles are in place, no leaks exist, and clean out the grout in your kitchen and bathroom tiles.
Neutral flooring doesn’t have to be boring! As Rutlands premier estate agent, Porter&May provide advice on staging your home to gain more viewings when we give a market appraisal on your home.
No 6: Put the pets away
As loyal and friendly your dog may be, your potential buyers may not agree. Sadly, not everybody is an animal lover and buyers won’t appreciate having to step in-between the various beds, bowls, and litter trays. Keep any pets out in the garden, or secure room, behind an animal proof gate if you have one. Make sure your house is clean, smells fresh and free from any lingering animal hair or smells.
No 7: Let there be light
Show off your home and all it’s glory. Available light during a house viewing is critical. Naked outdoor light streaming through the windows, as well as household lamps and ceiling lights. Ensure window’s are clean with any curtains or blinds (also clean) neatly open and revealing. Even if it’s not the best view outside, the outdoor light will help illuminate your home. If window light isn’t available, or it’s particularly dark outside, increase the wattage of your lightbulbs. An inviting, open house opens itself up to inviting offers!
De-clutter your home, half empty your wardrobes, and make your bedrooms feel like a hotel room… no clutter, matching bedside tables with lamps.
No 8: Save the storage
Storage is a great appeal to any home owner, especially during the colossal task of moving. Empty what you can, ideally half, out of all wardrobes, cellars, and cupboards to maximise appeal to your buyers. Ensure that all space is neatly organised, clean and tidy. You’ll benefit from it as much as the next person will!