Preparing your property to go on the market can be quite a challenge in itself. You are living in your property and see it as your home – it is where you are comfortable and your place to relax. But now you are looking to sell, and now your property has to appeal to outsiders, and be seen as a blank canvas in which a new household or family can make it their own.
For this reason, its important to look at your property from the road. Does it need painting? Does the garden look tidy? Does it have that “kerb appeal”? Try to notice things about your property that someone who is looking at it for the first time would notice. Here are some tips to help get you started:
- De-clutter – this is the single most important thing to do when you are going to be having people view your property. Nobody wants to see your clutter – so pack away anything that is cumbersome and pack up posters on walls, knick-knacks, ornaments, books, children’s toys etc. I know that you have to live but you will sell your home a lot quicker if you have a feeling of space rather than lots of clutter. Consider having a garage sale to get rid of things that are no longer needed and get some extra cash for it. The more you can depersonalise the property the better as viewers will then be able to visualise their belongings in your home.
- Spring Clean – It is vitally important that the property looks clean and tidy and is free from any odours. If you have pets, pay particular attention to this. Nobody wants to come and view a home that stinks of wet dog! Also if you are a smoker make sure that the smell of tobacco is free from the property and the walls are painted. If you need to smoke do this outside until you sell your property. A smoker will not smell the awful stale tobacco but a non smoker will and this could ruin your chances of selling.
- Make it as light as possible – whatever you can do to increase the amount of light in your property – do it! Most buyers will prefer the feeling of bright, airy space. Think about spending a small amount of money by restoring and repairing as this will pay dividends in the long run.
- First impressions always count. Make sure that you have all your legal paperwork up to date so that when you have a buyer there are no delays or complications and your sale can proceed quickly. If you are not prepared in this way, potential buyers may be put off due to the worry that something is being concealed or hidden from them about the property.
- Enlist the help of a professional. If you are looking to sell your property, one of the best things you can do is enlist the help of a professional to help you prepare your property for the market. They will be able to help you evaluate your property, maximise on the potential by giving you tips on improving the look and feel of the property and of course, help to market and sell your property.
Contact us today to discuss your property and we will help you prepare it for the market, list it and sell it, for the right price.
