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Increase Your Property's Value Overnight!
Thinking of selling your home? There are numerous 'odds and sods' jobs you can do that will make it seem much more appealing to would-be buyers. And the more appealing it is, the higher the price and the quicker the sale! Here's your step-by-step guide...
The first impression should be of a well-loved home, one that has been properly cared for and requires few repairs or cosmetic jobs. 'Kerb appeal' is how professionals describe the look that makes potential viewers keen to get out of their cars to see more of your property. Or...start the engine and drive away fast in the opposite direction!
Start by taking a close - and impartial - look at your home from outside. What will those sellers see? Look at the garden, the house, painting, windows, and so on. Ask yourself whether you'd want to look inside or whether it might be best to look elsewhere!
Keep the garden clean and tidy. The garden is one of your biggest selling aids and can well clinch a sale for your property. Mow the lawn and weed regularly. Bedding plants create instant colour and improve the appearance of your garden considerably. Check too for blocked and overflowing drains which not only look bad but can also create a nasty smell.
Next, apply a critical eye indoors. Is your home clean and tidy? Does is smell clean or does the aroma of curry, coffee and baby's nappies permeate the atmosphere? Always keep the house tidy in case of unexpected viewers and have air fresheners close by.
Keep the front door clean and shining with regular polish on paint and accessories. Make sure windows and curtains are clean too. Avoid unusual colours and patterns throughout your home, inside and out. Not everyone likes bright orange striped curtains or shocking pink paint!
Have some flowers and house plants dotted around inside and outside your home. If you don't have much of a garden, think about buying window boxes to add a dash of colour.
In summer, keep the windows open for a nice, cooling breeze. In winter, turn up the heating a notch to create a welcoming environment for viewers.
Don't have furniture crammed everywhere, creating the appearance of tiny rooms and inadequate floor space.
Don't overstock cupboards and shelves. It doesn't look good if a would-be buyer opens them as some people will do! It creates the impression that storage space is limited in your home!
Keep your junk hidden in the attic and not on view to spoil the appearance for viewers.
Incidentally, 'garage space' should not mean that the garage is so full of junk that you can't get the car in. If you have a car, and a garage, make sure they go together.
Wash windows regularly. It's amazing how bird mess and similar can put people off your home.
Replace low watt light bulbs with brighter ones, especially for darker areas such as halls and corridors. Clean lampshades on a regular basis to remove dust and dead insects.
When viewers call, consider leaving pets and children with next-door neighbours or friends. You can get rid of sticky stains, cat litter and so on. There'll also be no chance of children or pets having messy accidents in front of potential buyers. Remember, some people just don't like animals while others are afraid of them.
Do household jobs as and when they arise rather than risk viewers calling uninvited when the washing up needs to be done, the dog's just been sick on the carpet, and the children have spilt custard all over the sofa!
Keep all surfaces, paintwork and walls permanently dirt-free. Pay careful attention to cooking and dining areas. And it goes without saying the toilet and bathroom should always be scrupulously clean!
Attend to minor repairs as they arise, such as peeling wallpaper and paint, cracks in the ceiling, weeds growing through the brickwork, and so on.
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