Preparing your home for sale

The right preparation can ensure your home looks its best when marketed for sale. Maximising buyer interest and making those photos look even more appealing.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS 

First impressions count! ​​​The front door is important - as is a new doormat to improve the look. Make sure your garden beds are weeded and your lawns are mown. Consider adding extra potted coloured annuals to your garden as they can do wonders - as can a house wash - ridding the property of cobwebs and mould. 

CLEANING

Windows should be cleaned and sparkling.  Give your home the loved look! Clear your kitchen bench spaces and make sure there are no dirty dishes in the sink. Usually second inspections from buyers include examining the pantry cupboard and saucepan drawers so it is best if these are all neatly organised and fresh with nothing able to fall out. Ensure your oven is cleaned. Clean your paintwork, especially finger marks on walls and doorways and consider having your carpets cleaned if needed.  Wash your curtains and make sure your blinds are cleaned and operational. Take away dirty laundry (some people take the washing basket in the boot of their car!) Should you have pets, keep pet beds, bowls and kitty litter out of sight.

REDUCING CLUTTER

Make your home look spacious. Too much furniture in a room can make it look tiny and also make it harder to stroll through. Put away all precious items – especially small pieces children may pick up out of curiosity.

MAINTENANCE

Fix small items like –leaking taps, broken locks, ill fitting gates, loose knobs, sticking doors etc. These can come up in a later building inspection – so why make the list any longer! Also, ensure all of your lights are working, in case of an overcast day or an evening inspection. 

AMBIANCE

Fresh Flowers can be a nice touch. Some people even like to bake bread, cakes or have the coffee brewing! Weather dependent – open the windows and let in the fresh air. Consider putting on air conditioning if needed. It is always great to walk into a cool home on a very hot day and vice versa into a warm home on a cold day. Should you have an open fire or gas fire, lighting it in the colder months will really add character to your home. Bedside lamps and living room lamps always give a soft ambience.

If you have pets, definitely take them out of the home at inspection time and do your best to rid your home of any odours. Some buyers will love animals, however some will not and some will be frightened of them. 

STYLISTS

These are known as professional de–clutterers! They can be employed to add feature pieces to a room or garden or to totally transform a property. Vacant properties really benefit from this treatment.  Some buyers struggle with imagining how a space will work so stylists can help in this way maximising the appeal and use of a space. 

OUTDOOR AREAS

Set up your outdoor table with a market umbrella and ideally a BBQ nearby. Ensure all of your hard surfaces have been cleaned and if you have a pool that it is crystal clear and inviting!