Absolutely! Autumn is one of the busiest times in the property market, so it makes perfect sense to try to make it stand out above the rest. Think show home – clean, minimal, and uncluttered. To do that however, you need to see it through fresh eyes. Try to remove your emotions and follow these essential steps for a speedier sale.
First impressions - Stand outside and look at your home from a buyer’s perspective. Make sure the gardens are neat and tidy - mow the lawn, remove weeds, trim hedges, clean paving, and remove or replace the broken plant pot. Try to hide or neatly order your bins. And maybe plant some yellow flowers – sunny yellow is said to evoke a buying mood!
The small things - Begin inside by decluttering - and start small. Pack away some photos and ornaments to leave a few choice pieces on display. Tidy bathroom bottles into cupboards or baskets. And clear your kitchen worktops. Treat this as a way of getting ahead with packing. Try using the mantra: love it, use it or lose it.
The big things - Buyers should be able to picture their own belongings in each room so think minimal furnishings. Perhaps rent a storage unit to store some pieces short term? Create plenty of room for buyers to move around but leave enough furniture to make the purpose of each room clear, and to retain that homely feel.
Create order – even inside cupboards! - Being meticulous about how objects are arranged in everything from the mantlepiece to the office and kitchen will create a sense of calm. And, as much as we don’t want buyers to see inside our cupboards, they need to see what storage space the property has, so put some order into these places too. The cupboards look bigger, and it reflects a good impression in your general upkeep of the property.
Make minor repairs - Now is the time to do the small jobs you’ve been putting off – like applying new sealant on the bath or repairing a chip in a wall. If your DIY skills are limited, consider hiring a handyman for a few hours to get them done.
Simple colour scheme - You may love colourful walls, but they are not for everyone. Remember, think show home. It’s worth painting rooms in neutral tones, as bright colours can distract buyers from imagining it as their own.
Clean, clean, clean - Make your home sparkle with a thorough clean - wash windows, polish taps, bleach grotty grout and dust everywhere. Keep on top of mess, vacuum every day and open windows for fresh air.
Finally, stand in the doorway of every room and imagine what a buyer would be thinking. Does the property have appeal and impact inside and out? Answer yes, and your work is done!
If you’d like any advice specific to your property, or if you’d like us to pop round and have a look, or just when you feel ready, you can book a consultation via our website and we’ll call you, or you can call us on 01392 204800 and we’ll be happy to help.
