There comes a day when your house just isn’t what it used to be. Maybe your family has outgrown the space. Maybe the children have flown the nest and the house is now too big. Maybe it is just not where you want to be anymore. It doesn’t matter the reason, sometimes we have to go through the painful process that is selling our house. Then what?
The process can be daunting for several reasons, not least because you want to be able to sell your house for the best possible value so you are able to move on – so I prepared a few tips to help in the process of preparing your house for sale (or maybe help you if your house has been on the market for a bit and doesn’t seem to be shifting). I have used all of these tips time and time again – including in my own house when we sold it (and that one did sell quicker than the others at the time so I have faith they work!).
These are quick and easy tips, that don’t demand massive amounts of money or effort, but that will help present your property at its best.
1. Give your walls a lick of paint
If I had to give people only one tip, this would be it. You don’t have to paint everything white/grey/magnolia. You don’t even have to change the colours you already have. But freshly painted walls give an impression that the property has been well cared for. You can concentrate on walls that are dirty or marked and just touch up. Or if you have washable paint, you can just wash the walls – either way, make sure it’s clean. Same goes for carpet, actually: if you can rent one of those carpet cleaning machines or have them professionally cleaned, it will make the house look much fresher.
2. Declutter
Declutter. Declutter. And then declutter some more. I very much disagree with depersonalising your home for photos and viewing – after all, it is still your home and you should be comfortable in it, with whatever makes it home to you. But prospective buyers don’t need to see all your furniture (specially if you have too much!) and all your knick-knacks. Think of it of pre-packing for the move, or as streamlining if you’re downsizing and getting rid of stuff. What do you really love? What can you sell/donate? What can you store away for your new home? If you have a loft or a garage, you can store your things there, but if not, I thoroughly recommend hiring a storage unit. Don’t stuff things in cupboards as buyers will be opening those! If things go well – and they should go well – you will only need the storage unit for a month or two.
3. Put yourself in the buyers’ place
This is not necessarily an easy exercise but it helps you present your property at its best. First, think about the type of property you have: is it a flat? a 3-bed semi in the suburbs? a detached rural property? Then, think about what type of buyer your property is likely to attract: is it a first time, younger buyer? family with young children? retiring couple? Then think about each room, what the room will be likely be used for and dress it like that – even if that’s not how you would use it. You are trying to convince other people that this is the home they are looking for. A long room might suit zoning; a small single bedroom might look better as a study than with a bed and wardrobe squashed in.
I fully believe that everyone can be creative, but not everyone can visualise a space other than how it’s being used – which is why show homes exist. 🙂
Does it all feel overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be. Baby steps: go in the first room. Make a list. Do one thing at a time. And if you need help, book a consultation so I can tell you how I can help make your house the home of your buyers’ dreams 😉
Featured image by Tierra Mallorca @ Unsplash
