5 ways to make your home more appealing to buy

How can I prepare my house for sale?  

So, you’ve made the exciting decision to move home……but before the photographer takes those all-important brochure shots, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can ensure that your house stands out above the rest.

There’s no need to break the bank; there are plenty of ways you can maximise the look of your home on a small budget.

Here are our top tips: -

• Give every room an identity

You may have seen one of the many property programmes on TV where they seem to always, without fail, tell us to ensure that every room has a purpose or identity.  What this basically means is that rooms must have a ‘clear use’ and must not be confusing, for example, a spare bedroom must be a bedroom and set up as such, not a dumping ground for all the other bits and pieces you own that don’t have a home.  This might mean that you need to store/sell some furniture or move some ‘stuff’ up into the attic, but it will be well worth it as the rooms will then appear more spacious too.

• Declutter and simplify

A cluttered home is one of the main reasons a property might struggle to be sold.  Too much clutter makes it difficult for viewers to see beyond it; they are unable to picture their own belongings in situ which means they struggle to bond with the house.  Shelves should only have the odd picture or ornament on them……and only objects that complement the room……nothing too personal.  Surfaces should be clean and clear of clutter, bookshelves should have books only.  Imagine each room is in a top hotel and try to keep accessories simple and minimal.  As you pack away the clutter, the rooms will also appear larger.

• Finish off any half-completed DIY jobs

Take a walk around your home with a critical eye and make a note of any unfinished jobs or untidy areas that need attention; it you notice them, the chances are that your viewers will too!  It gives them the impression that there could be other underlying issues too, so take the time to perfect all the ‘little jobs’ that we all tend to put off.

• Spring clean (whatever the season)!

Once you have de-cluttered and fixed all the small jobs, we recommend that you give your home a full spring clean from top to bottom.  Wash curtains, bedding, pillow covers, throws and rugs; wipe down windows, sills, skirting boards, blinds, door frames, shelving, kitchen cupboards, floors etc.  Always iron curtains and bedding so they look clean and fresh for your photos and viewers.  If you can push the budget a bit, arrange for a carpet cleaning company to professionally clean all your carpets in your home, particularly if they are light in colour; it’s unbelievable just how much grime can be lifted from carpets even if you think they are clean!  They’ll come up as good as new again and it’s a much cheaper option than buying new ones. 

• Finishing touches

Before the photographer arrives and before each viewing, invest in some beautiful fresh flowers for the living room coffee table, the hallway and anywhere else that may benefit.  Nothing beats a vase of fresh flowers; not only do they look great, they will fill the air with wonderful scents and cover up any pet smells that may linger. 

Natural daylight is underestimated by some, so open all the curtains fully and lift the blinds…..no one wants to see a dark and dingy home, in fact, if it’s summer you could also open any patio doors which will add extra  light and brighten the room. 

Interior lighting is also vital so switch on any lamps, wall lights and down-lights (whether needed or not) as this will add ambience and lift the whole feel of the rooms.

If you follow our 5 tips above, your home will be shown at its best without spending too much of your hard-earned money.

Would you like any advice on how best to show your home?  If you send us a picture a we'll happily give you some suggestions.  We'd also be pleased to welcome you to our private offices in central Wokingham.