About Selling Your Home

It is amazing how much first impressions do count – many a property has been sold and many not based on the first impressions a prospective purchaser takes away from your property. Have you ever heard someone say: “The property just FELT right?” Maybe you even bought the property you are currently living based upon the “feel” of it when you viewed. We’ve included a few hints and tips gleaned over the years to help you create that all important first impression to prospective purchasers.

Kerb appeal
These days many buyers will drive past your property, having received the details from Booth & Co, to decide whether they want to make an appointment to view your home. So, before a buyer has even stepped inside they have already formed an impression. A well-kept garden, pathway and fence, clean windows and a freshly painted front door are immediately appealing whereas a scruffy outdoor space with a litter bin outside the front door will turn many prospective buyers away.

Maintenance
It pays to keep on top of minor repairs throughout the year. Trying to make up for years of neglect can be very expensive! Nevertheless, if you discover that a major job needs doing when the time comes to sell, it is usually worth paying to put it right as it could otherwise have a disproportionate effect on the value of the property. Finish off small DIY jobs such as touching up chipped woodwork or paintwork and replacing washers on dripping taps.

Colours
Research shows that currently most buyers prefer natural, earthy colours rather than bright, bold shades. From the wide range of paint colours available, magnolia is still the top selling colour. Painting walls a pale plain shade maximises the feeling of light and space and also enables buyers to imagine their possessions in the property. To prevent rooms looking too bland, use strong colours for accent walls or cushions and accessories.

A little light on the subject
Studies have shown that people react positively to properties shown under bright light. The right lighting can significantly improve the mood of a room. Choose a variety of different lights to suit the particular space, from downlighters and lamps in the living room to task lighting in the kitchen. A room, such as a lounge, looks much cosier with a few table lamps rather than bright general lighting.

De-clutter
Never underestimate the appeal of a tidy property. Buyers can quickly be turned off properties simply because they are disorganized! Organise rooms so they each have a specific purpose - this will help make the property more appealing and let buyers see the property at its full potential. Remember when you're selling a home you're also selling a “lifestyle”. • De-personalise – Here, balance is the key. It is your home after all and it is important to convey that feeling of “home” to people. But if your personality shines through too strongly prospective buyers can have difficulty visualizing the property as their new home. So try and limit the number of personal photographs and children's drawings, which may distract potential buyers. Buyers should be looking at your property and not your possessions so hide these items until the property is sold. If you have pets then it's a good idea to take them out during viewings or to ask friends and family if they can look after them temporarily.

Cleanliness
Dust and clean thoroughly from the top to the bottom of the house, from cobwebs on the ceiling to crumbs and stains on carpets and rugs. Remember to wash down paintwork and clean windows.

Scent
Smell has more impact than you think. It can work either for you or against you. Try and avoid strong odours from cooking, tobacco and pets. Most buyers simply like the smell of a freshly cleaned and aired room and if you open the windows every day to bring you’ll bring fresh air into the house. You can also use lemon oil or a fine polish on your furniture to add richness and place flowers strategically around the house. And, no matter how much a cliché, freshly brewed coffee and a dish of vanilla place in a warm oven to create the aroma of freshly baked bread or cakes can work wonders!

So, before your home goes on the market, take the time to assess your property objectively, looking at it first from outside, then moving from room to room making notes on which areas could be improved. Whatever the size and value of your property, there are some basic rules to follow when selling, which can help to maximise its sale potential. Remember though, before investing a large amount of money doing up a property to sell, find out its maximum potential value. It's pointless spending £20,000 improving your home if you'll only add £10,000 to its sale price. If you would like advice on achieving the best possible price for your property, get in touch today!