Tips for selling

LOOK SMART!

How to get the best sale price for your property.

Here’s a piece of obvious, but often overlooked, advice. Getting your home ready to sell takes time. It may take a bit of work to get your property up to scratch — but once you get those offers coming in; you will know that it has been time well spent.

Think back. When you first saw your property what made you want to live there? What did you like best about it? Were there things that concerned you? When you’re selling your home, you need to take a long hard look at it. Walk around, visit each room and be ultra critical. Make a list of the things that need fixing, painting, sorting out or mending. Small repairs can make a big difference and can add significant value and appeal to your property.

Then get to work with the cleaning. Do not be tempted to open your doors to potential buyers until your house is spotlessly clean and in perfect order.

First Impressions

However good the house looks on the inside — it’s the outside that people see first. Most people have made a judgement before they even enter the front door. Stand in front of the property and look at the entrance carefully.

• Is your front door up to scratch, could it do with a lick of paint?

• Clean the windows and the window frames

• Cut the lawn, tidy the flowerbeds

• Clear the garden and patio

• Tidy the shed, clean out the greenhouse

• Clean up the garage

• In winter, add a couple of flower pots for instant colour

On Display

When you open your front door, what does it reveal? Clear away any clutter and take a closer look. Is there anything you can do to make visitors more welcome? Here’s a checklist.

• Clean up the hallway

• Keep pets out of sight

• Get rid of junk

• Don’t leave shoes and coats on display

• Add a vase of flowers for instant effect

Sitting Comfortably?

When it comes to the sitting room and living areas, the Look should be comfortable, relaxed and stylish. These areas should always be ready to welcome the unexpected viewer.

• Neutral tones work best

• Clean carpets, rugs and soft furnishings

• Replace worn carpets

• Remove all clutter and knick-knacks

• Check the lighting

• Don’t make the TV the focal point

• Add fresh flowers

Cooking up a Sale

The kitchen is the heart of the home — and it is the place where buyers will be extra critical about cleanliness. They will be looking in the drawers, opening the cupboards, checking out the cooker. Now is the time for a sort out.

• Clean the oven and hob thoroughly

• Make sure all work surfaces are spotless and clutter free

• Keep the floor perfectly clean

• Keep pets out of the way

• Fresh flowers make a real difference

• There’s nothing like the smell of freshly brewed coffee to make the place feel like home. It’s an old trick, but a good one!

Clean up your Act

The bathroom should look clean, fresh, and neutral. Think hotel style with fluffy towels, minimal décor and luxurious soaps and potions.

• Clean and clear all surfaces

• Pay extra attention to the suite

• Clean the tiles and the grouting until they are spotless

• If necessary replace grout and bath sealant

• Add new towels and replace the bath mat

• Put all your shampoos, soaps and clutter away

Upstairs Downstairs

The bedrooms should look comfortable, stylish and super clean. They should look impersonal and attractive rather than cosy and homely. That means no clutter and everything put neatly away.

• Change bright paint for neutral tones

• Add extra lights for effect

• Clean all cupboards and wardrobes

• Keep the air clean and fresh — open the windows

• Fresh linen and clean bedspreads make all the difference

• Clean the children’s’ rooms and tidy away toys

• Remember to make the spare room look loved and lived in

You get the picture — people don’t actually want to see your home as it is, they want to be able to imagine themselves there. The more you can do to help create the image, the easier it will be to sell your home.