A few handy tips to consider when selling your property.
Most people will see your property for the first time 'driving by' and will not waste their time viewing if it's not what they want from the outside. Keep your front garden/drive well maintained, clean the windows, even changing or re-painting your old front door can make all the difference.
If your property doesn't get people through the door it can be an uphill struggle. Once through the door though, the majority of people can recall getting that 'it just felt right feeling' - If your entrance is warm and welcoming they will get that feeling.
Finish those outstanding DIY jobs! It's common for people who are moving not to bother finishing off all those little (or sometimes large!) DIY jobs. But these can be really off putting to a potential buyer and can give your home a neglected, unloved feeling. It is seldom worth redecorating, as purchasers will have their own preferences. However, if redecorating is long overdue, a quick "freshen up" in neutral colours will probably be worthwhile.
This cannot be stressed enough. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathroom/s, which need to be inviting and hygienic, perhaps consider re-grouting tiles if they are particularly stained, laying fresh lino if the current flooring has seen better days and either remove or replace grubby shower curtains and half used bars of soap.
Watch out for over stuffed wardrobes and toy cupboards too, people do look in them to ascertain how much storage space you have to offer.
Open blinds and draw curtains right back to ensure all windows are letting in as much light as possible. Open all doors to avoid dark passages (they make houses appear smaller). On cold dull days, turn on the central heating and lights, and if there is an open fire, light it, it will help to create a really inviting atmosphere. On hot days, fresh air is equally important. Strategically placed plants and fresh flowers always make a home more cheerful and fresh. Kitchens that are free from clutter give the appearance of being a pleasure to work in. Avoid creating 'lingering' smells in your home if you know you have viewings booked, curries and kippers are not inviting, the same goes for cigarette smoke and even alcohol can linger from the night before.
Although we are reported to be a nation of pet lovers, an over zealous Fido can be extremely off putting to a potential purchaser and even make the difference between a thorough inspection of your home or a rushed whiz around with a hasty retreat! If possible, leave pets with a neighbour then thoroughly clean up any hair, food bowls, rugs, baskets and toys, there is nothing worse than viewing a property with an over powering 'doggy' or 'tom cat' odour. The same applies to smelly fish tanks or hamster cages etc.
Potential buyers need to imagine themselves living in your house, so get rid of unnecessary 'nick nacks', ornaments and photos No one expects your property to look like a show home but they will expect you to have made an effort to show it to its full potential, especially if you are asking top price for it.
Put away things you don't use on a daily basis in the attic or in storage. Large pieces of furniture should also go into storage; this will make rooms feel more spacious. Focus on the hallway - clear away coats, shoes and general clutter; in the bathroom - hide all your products; and in the kitchen - clear surfaces of appliances, jars, tins, etc, and replace any ragged tea towels or smelly bins, but most importantly, do the washing up!
If your agent is doing the viewing it is usual that the property owners are not present. However, if you are showing your property yourself, decide beforehand in what order you will show the rooms, and guide viewers around the property once, saving the best rooms first or last. Be enthusiastic about the features in your home, but avoid being over-zealous and over bearing, don't overload them with detail, such as the size of your boiler or the trouble with the neighbour's cat. Be business-like during the first viewing; if someone is interested, you can always get to know them a little more on the second viewing. Never point out problems or issues, but do feel free to highlight the odd positive point, like a south-facing garden, or very convenient parking. Finally, invite viewers to take another tour round the property on their own, don't hover behind them, just be somewhere nearby, on hand to answer any queries. It is not necessary to offer refreshments, sometimes a lengthy drawn out viewing can lead to differences of opinion and disagreements ��� best avoided when trying to attract and retain an interested viewer.
If you've got parking, leave the space free for the viewers - this will add a positive element to the whole experience before they have even stepped into your home.
Don't forget the garden! Keep the lawn, hedges, shrubs etc neat and trimmed. If the garden is fairly small keep flower borders to the minimum and tie back any shrubs etc that over hang the lawn as this will open it out a little more. Outhouses, sheds, greenhouses need to be kept clutter free so there are no accidents from people tripping over paint pots, deck chairs etc If any of your garden structures are not safe for inspection, do make sure that people are made fully aware of this beforehand.
Email: | Tel: +44 (0)1983 291701 | Mob: +44 (0)7977 005530 | Fax: +44 (0)1983 281667
© Godolphin Property & Financial Services 2006 | Website by Pepper Creative design agency