If you’re thinking of moving home and need to sell up, it’s easy to think you can just get it listed then wait for the right buyer to come along. Unfortunately it’s not that simple. What if the offer never comes? It’s all about what the potential buyer perceives of the house, and whether they can see themselves there. To help you out, we’ve compiled 9 tips for preparing your home when it’s time to sell.
1. Redecorate
This doesn’t mean wasting money on re-doing your entire home (unless it really needs it). Instead, touch up areas that are looking a little worn – using neutral colours is best as it allows potential buyers to focus on the space itself rather than the wall colour. If you’ve got a wooden floor, sand it down and refinish using a wood floor finishing oil to make it look good as new.
2. Keep it clean
We may be starting with the obvious here. But, many people will give their home a once over with a duster and vacuum, and think this is enough. Give your home a real deep clean, and then clean as you go thereafter. It’ll save you so much time in having to re-do the entire house every time someone’s interested in viewing. If you have pets you might need a specialised vacuum cleaner for pet hair to ensure that your carpets are properly clean.
3. Draw attention to focal points
If you’ve got a particular area of the home you’re proud of, do something to highlight it so buyers will see it as well. Use bright cushions to draw their eyes towards an enviable window seat, or keep curtains and blinds fully open to show off the garden.
4. Get organised
This isn’t just about decluttering so the place looks tidy. Buy some boxes and dividers that ease the pressure from overflowing wardrobes and cupboards. After all, storage space is a key factor in many people’s purchase decision, so it’s best to maximise this as much as possible.
5. Don’t make it too personal
Although you want it to feel ‘homely’, you need potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Subconsciously, they might struggle to see past too many personal items. That means putting away those family photos and hand-drawn pictures from the kids. It’s only necessary for viewings though, and it can make a real difference.
6. Bring the light
Make the home seem as light and spacious as possible. Open up all of the blinds and maybe a window or two. Bringing in natural light and airiness helps no end. If you’ve got an area that’s still looking a bit dim and gloomy, find a nice lamp that gives it an extra boost. A bright room is more appealing – and it looks more spacious, too.
7. Make sure each room has a purpose
A room with multiple purposes might be practical, but when it’s an unorganised mess it can be a real put-off. Choose a purpose for that room and change the décor and style to match. That means turning that spare bedroom / office / extra storage hybrid into just a bedroom, office or storage room.
8. Accessorise
To get your home looking its best, you can purchase some cheap accessories to give any space an extra element of style. For next to nothing you can buy new towels for your bathroom, then tie them with ribbon to make it look like a hotel spa. As long as they match the existing theme, they’ll help it feel more homely and inviting.
9. Pay attention to smells
Many people choose to make something when they’ve got guests coming to view a home. The smell of freshly-baked cakes instantly makes the place feel like home. Lighting a few candles can also make a world of difference, just dot them around and let the freshness circulate around your home.
Following these tips will help you to sell your home quicker than you could have imagined. Make sure you’re prepared and don’t be too complacent. Whether you’re giving your wood flooring a revamp or decorating with new accessories, there’s lots you can do to make sure house viewings aren’t wasted. What other points have you found help to sell a home?
