Selling your home can be a stressful experience especially if you are not getting much interest, but with a few little steps you can make your property more attractive to potential buyers, add value and even sell it quicker.
Here, estate agent comparison website www.getagent.co.uk lists their top 9 tips for selling a house. From making a good first impression to hiring a professional photographer, these handy tips will give your property the best chance of selling quickly.
First impressions count
First impression really do count, so it is important not to ignore the exterior of your property when putting it up for sale. Little things make a huge difference such as having clean and well maintained windows and doors, but other small touches can also take your property to the next level.
Maintaining your garden is a good way of making the property look loved and shows prospective buyers that you care. Cutting the lawn, sweeping the paths and cleaning patio areas may seem like a chore but makes the exterior of the property look so much better.
Updating and painting worn or outdates fixtures like garden sheds and fences is also a cost effective way to make the exterior of the property shine.
Repairing and cleaning
Potential home buyers usually want a property that they can move into and not have to make a lot of changes straight away, so making sure that fixtures and fittings are well maintained is important.
Ensure that things like cupboard handles, door hinges and bathroom tiles are in good condition and that any holes in the walls are repaired. Thread bare carpets should also be replaced as this could potentially put off prospective buyers too.
Keeping the property clean and tidy is imperative for a quick sale. It does not have to be show home quality as this can look unlived in, but ensuring that all the dishes are washed and put away, the floors and cupboards are clean and the bathroom is clean all adds to a good impression.
Smells make big a difference
Bad smells are commonly rated as one of the biggest put offs for home buyers, so making sure your property smells nice can make all the difference. Clean all your sinks and drains, take out the bins and make sure that your property is aired out before any viewings.
On the other hand, pleasant smells can make your property more appealing to potential buyers. Estate agents have been using pleasing smells for decades to sell houses, some of the popular smells include freshly baked bread, flowers and fruit, but other things work too. Brewing a fresh pot of coffee or lighting a citrus scented candle can create a homely vibe for people viewing your property.
Decluttering makes the property look bigger
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Prospective buyers like to imagine themselves living in a house, which can be hard when there is a lot of clutter and bulky furniture. A good idea is to think about selling or storing any big furniture pieces and declutter as much as possible, you don’t want to make it look bare or impersonal, just simple and clean. More open spaces creates the illusion of the room looking bigger and allows potential buyers to imagine their possessions in the space.
A fresh coat of paint
A fresh coat of paint in a neutral colour does wonders for any room, and presents potential buyers with a blank canvas that they can customise to their taste. Neutral colours such as pastel greys and pale yellows have the added bonus that they will make the room look lighter and provide a relaxing and warm feel.
Don’t ignore the finishing touches
When staging your property for a viewing the finishing touches are important as it shows that you care about the property. Making sure that the windows are dressed with blinds or curtains makes the property look lived in and provides a personal touch.
In smaller rooms try adding a wall mounted mirror, it will make the room look bigger and will provide more light to darker rooms. Add pops of colour by placing plants and flowers around the home; fruit bowls are a good way of adding colour and a wonderful smell to kitchens and dining rooms.
Spending money to make money
There are some things a home owner can do to maximise the value of their home, this includes updating tired looking rooms, adding new cabinet doors to the kitchen or converting a loft space into another room. Spending more in the short term can add more value to the property and make it more enticing to potential buyers.
Estate agents can advise you on the types of updates and renovations that can add the most value to your property, based on the local market and what buyers are looking for.
Find the right estate agent
Finding an estate agent that is experienced in the local housing market is key to selling your property quickly and for the right price. Endorsements from friends and family is a good place to start, but doing your research is also key to choosing the right estate agent for you.
Comparing local estate agents can be a bit daunting, but there are a number of comparison websites that can help you save time and hassle when searching for an estate agent. Comparison websites allow home owners to search local estate agents in one place, providing up to date information about the local housing market.
Hire a professional photographer
Pictures are key when it comes to selling a house, and although many estate agents have their own in-house photographers, many take the pictures themselves which can lead to lacklustre or dull pictures.
By hiring a professional photographer, you can take your property listing to the next level and attract many more potential buyers. For a fee, these photographers will stage your property, make sure the lighting is correct and show your property off in the best possible way.
Sometimes a little extra help is needed to sell your house if you have a short amount of time. To apply to sell your house quickly with Ask Susan.