Are you a homeowner and are thinking of making a move in 2019? You should start preparing your home for the spring market now, in order to make the best possible impression on buyers who are, generally speaking, somewhat nervous and cash-conscious at the moment.
The London property market is shrouded in Brexit uncertainty and sellers need to go the extra mile in order to make their properties stand out.
A major spring clean, along with feel-good tricks such as baking bread and filling vases with flowers when a viewing’s due, are well-known ways to encourage people to fall in love with your home.
1. Dump your junk
Yes, it’s time to declutter. Nobody wants to look at stacks of old magazines, tacky holiday souvenirs, or dirty clothes heaped upon every available surface. Once everything is as minimal as you can make it, take care that your rooms look as stylish as possible.
2. Go neutral
If your taste runs to tangerine-painted walls or violently coloured floral wallpaper, now might be the time for a once-over with some sensible off-white. You may find it boring, but quiet and inoffensive sells much better than loud and loopy.
3. Let there be light
Doing up property in order to sell it is time-consuming and cash intensive, and you should only undertake serious renovations if you are convinced you will make a profit from them. On gloomy days, high-voltage light bulbs will help make your home look cheery and bright.
4. Set the stage
If you are selling a three-bedroom house but your third bedroom has evolved into a bit of a junk room/man cave, clear it out and stage it properly as a beautiful guest bedroom. Buyers can lack imagination and won’t necessarily see the potential of space if you don’t make it blindingly obvious.
5. The sweet smell of success
Owners can become immune to the sometimes pungent pong of their pets. If you have four-legged friends, ask an (honest) two-legged friend whether your home ever smells like wet dog. If they say it does, you’re going to have to do something about it. Air the place thoroughly, clean carpets, upholstery and curtains.
Then line up a friend or neighbour to babysit your pet(s) during viewings. Hide your fur babies’ toys, too. But don’t go nuts with the air freshener - nobody wants to be choked by the scent of lily of the valley when they view a home.
Smokers face a similar challenge and should think about giving up their habit while indoors, during the sales period at least.
6. First impressions count
Buyers tend to make up their minds about a property within 30 seconds, So make sure the front garden is free of weeds and leaves, keep hedges trimmed and paving and pathways swept. Line up bins tidily or, if you have a bin store, use it.
Consider giving the front door a lick of paint if necessary, and polish door furniture. A couple of plants in pots can really make a home look more loved. If you have off-street parking space, remove your car so that prospective buyers can feel the benefit of it for themselves when they arrive.
7. Finishing touches
Get the windows cleaned, clean surfaces to create fresh-smelling surroundings and take the bins out the day before and it’s an old trick but to create a pleasant general aroma, make some fresh coffee before a viewing.
8. Brief your team
We will always arrange a visit so the seller can meet our sales team who will be conducting the viewings and provide the feedback.
9. Photo fantastic
Buyers scan hundreds of properties on websites before deciding where to view, so really fantastic images are crucial. Have a huge declutter so the rooms look as large as possible, and temporarily remove everything from rugs to photos.
10. Future planning
Owners are increasingly investing in applying for planning permission for a loft or rear extensions to their homes before putting them on the market. The process should take about eight weeks to complete. Planning consents generally have a shelf life of three years and can be passed on to a new owner. Knowing that they could add an extra bedroom or enlarge the kitchen without any council red tape can be a big inducement to buyers.
Sourced from Evening Standard: Homes and Property https://www.homesandproperty.co.uk/property-news/ten-expert-tips-on-getting-your-home-ready-for-a-spring-sale-a126591.html