Wendy Browne

Selling Tips

Home Selling Tips

Preparing Your Home for the Market

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

First impressions and the appeal of a house are important when potential buyers are viewing homes. In preparing your home for the market, the aim is to spend as little money as possible to enhance its appeal.

When starting you should try and view your house as any potential buyer would – do this by starting outside and carefully moving through the house, taking note of things as you go. Here are a few tips that may also help you.

Outside:

Have an Exterior House Wash:This isn’t expensive and can really give a lift to the paintwork. Don’t forget the fence, paths and decks as well.

Maximise Sunlight: Sunlight is one of the most universal requirements when viewing homes so ensure you make the most of it. Pruning trees can provide a real bonus as it allows more light into the home.

Tend to the Lawns: This is very easy and inexpensive to do—make sure your lawns are mown weekly and the lawn edging is straight and crisp. Make sure too that any garden paths are clean and swept regularly.

Get Rid of Garden Rubbish: Garden rubbish is unsightly and can detract from the appeal of your home. If you have a pile of ‘stuff’ to get rid of then do it—the same goes for sheds, garages and outbuildings.

Use Pot Plants: The careful placement of pot plants around the entrance to your home can lend a touch of colour and make your house feel more welcoming. Consider also buying a new door mat if your old one is a little worse for wear.

Inside:

Spring Clean: What a difference this can make – there is nothing more appealing that a clean house! Remember to pay particular attention to home entrances, the kitchen area and bathrooms. And if you are not into cleaning yourself then there are many professional services available. The key is to make your home as spotless as possible!

Create Space: Space is another requirement when viewing houses so make the most of it by ‘creating’ a feeling of space. This can be done by removing the clutter, storing things in boxes, putting knick-knacks away and even rearranging the furniture. It is important to make the most of the space in every room.

Touch up the Paint: If needed, touching up the paintwork can be an investment that pays big dividends. Remember though it needs to be done well, as rough edges and paint on the windows can send the wrong message to buyers.