Prepare your Home for Sale
First impressions really do count when selling your home that is why builders go to so much trouble with a beautifully decorated and furnished show home when selling brand new homes. Not everyone can achieve the same effect but there are ways you can improve the presentation of your home.
Remember, interested parties spend what is only a relatively short period viewing the property and in that time they do not take in an awful lot only the most obvious. They are truly trying to work out whether they would be happy living there. They only see what is obvious to them.
Approach
The drive and front garden are important and should be free of litter and well looked after.
Exterior
The front elevation is important as people often drive by first before deciding to view. A coat of paint will help therefore, if it is necessary.
Interior
There is no doubt that an immaculately decorated and fitted property will sell better and for more money than one that isn’t but its general condition would have been taken into account in the valuation and it may not be worth doing vast works to improve the interior. If one room is redecorated and not the rest of the house this can look odd. Equally if there are obvious faults that can be readily put right it is worth doing that.
Tidiness
It is important to keep the property as clean and tidy as you can and you will create more space by putting unwanted items away. Some clients may bribe their children to keep their rooms tidy but many interested parties will have children themselves. Remember this is your house you are presenting to the general public and you need to be proud of it.
Pets
Take particular care to clean up the areas they inhabit and eliminate any strong smells. In the case of dogs it is usually best to keep them out of site as some people can be frightened by them.
Light
People react more positively to properties they see that are bright and light so during the day keep curtains wide open and windows clean. At night switch all the lights on, replacing any blown bulbs or tubes.
Sounds
The best sounds to have when showing people around your home are the sounds of peace and quiet. Avoid loud noises, barking dogs, vacuum cleaners, washing machines and make sure the TV and stereo are turned off.
Smell
Smell has more impact that you might think. Clean kitchens and bathrooms with lemon bleach and use polish on your furniture. Place flowers and pot-pourri strategically throughout your home. For a delicious homely feel brew some fresh coffee.
And Finally, The Viewing
When actually showing your home to a prospective buyer, avoid having too many people present, friends, family and neighbours may be very well meaning but it will not help their being there. Be polite but do not try to entertain your buyer. He or she wants to inspect your home not have a social call. Never apologise for the appearance of your home, after all it is your home. You will be asked by interested parties why you are selling. You need to think about this before starting a viewing, you must always tell the truth without unnecessarily disclosing private information.