Published: 26/03/2018 By Jessica Chalmers
With most property searches starting online, it is paramount that your home is presented in the best possible light. First impressions count and the images displayed may determine whether a viewing is booked or not. Follow our tips to ensure your property captures potential buyer’s interest and once they are in your home results in the most positive outcome.
First Impressions
You’ll never get a second chance to make a first impression..make it count! A lick of paint on your front door works wonders. Tidy up your front garden, sweep the path and if necessary hire a pressure washer. Clean your windows and ledges and plant some flowers in your window boxes. Don’t forget the back garden either! If you live in a flat ensure communal areas are tidy.
Clean, clean, clean
Dust, polish, wash, repeat! If carpets are stained get them professionally cleaned or replace them, if your wooden floors have seen better days re varnish them. A really easy and affordable trick to make your bathroom gleam and look brand new is to re-grout and re-silicone. If the kitchen is looking tired new taps, cabinet and cupboard handles can make all the difference.
Declutter
Potential buyers want to see the space available, so make your house look spacious. Box up toys and books along with excess furniture and put it in storage, leaving the garage/loft clear for viewings, (it’ll be a few less things to box up on removal day). We can all be guilty of the shoe and coat accumulation in the hallway and the piles of paperwork on the kitchen worktop but banish them and anything else that will be a distraction.
Fresh eyes
Detach yourself from the property and change what fresh eyes would change. Maybe the bright red dining room might not be to everyone’s taste. Often painting walls a neutral colour allows the potential buyer to see your property as a blank canvas and it will also make your home seem lighter and brighter. In the same vein keep décor simple to help buyers visualise themselves in your space.
Eliminate odour!
Bad smells are one of the single biggest turn off for prospective buyers. Throw the windows open and air the rooms. Save cooking the bacon for after the viewing and instead brew some fresh coffee!
Be guided by these simple steps and your property will be primed for viewings. Good Luck!
For all your property enquiries please call 020 8747 8800 and we will be very happy to help.