Blog

Choose the right estate agent

Selling a house can be a stressful business, but it doesn’t have to be and choosing the right Estate Agent who is going to minimise worry and maximise results, is a vital first step. You’ll want an agent who provides you with a realistic valuation to ensure you get a sale, along with up-to-date marketing techniques.  You'll want your agent to pull in maximum viewings – all the while remaining excellent value for money and completely customer focused.

Increase your property’s ‘kerb appeal’

The first impression is vital – you want a potential buyer to walk up the drive or path and already feel impressed and excited to see more.  Create a lasting first impression.  Make sure the exterior of your home is neat and tidy, eg if your front door or fence has seen better days, then brighten them up with a lick of paint.  Put up hanging baskets to add colour and if you have a garden, plant some bedding flowers.  Move bins out of view and clear away anything unsightly.

Spruce up and de-clutter

Making your home attractive to a buyer doesn’t mean an expensive overhaul, chances are buyers will want to put their own stamp on the decor once they move in, but you should freshen up rooms with a neutral lick of paint in warm tones.

Make sure your rooms are clutter-free and as light and airy as possible.  A mirror hung in the hall can give the illusion of space and a few vases of flowers or some plants can freshen up the house.  The kitchen is a big selling point, so make sure all the worktops are clear and that it smells fresh and clean.  If you have pets, ask family or friends to look after them while viewings are taking place.  While you love your furry friend, your buyer might not – or worse still, they may be allergic.

Little things count

Don’t forget the detail either, potential buyers could be looking at several properties and weighing everything up.  Its best to get any small maintenance jobs done now before you get some viewings.

Define each room

Potential buyers like to be able to picture themselves living in the house.  It is important to define each room for the rightful purpose, perhaps your dining room is currently used as a study - return it to a dining room where possible.  As long as it doesn’t damage the wallpaper or paint, then take down posters etc in the children’s bedrooms – this then lets buyers see the potential for the house and where they would put their own items.

Stay out of the way!

When potential buyers come on an accompanied viewing, let them wander freely around the house with the Agent.  You want them to feel comfortable, so let them spend time looking at each room carefully.  Buyers often have questions during or after the viewing, in which case we will contact you for the answers if needed.

Make the most of outdoor space

Gardens or any type of outdoor space can be another great selling point – but can also put off potential buyers if it is overgrown or unkempt, not only that, the space will also look smaller.