Appeal to the Senses
When most sellers are conducting viewings, their sole concern is what their property looks like. However, you need to appeal to all the senses.
Making the house smell great is one of the best things you can do. Whether it’s cat litter, or stale cigarette smoke, many don’t realise the extent to which people are put off by bad odours – so adhere to the old adage of baking bread and brewing coffee.
Don’t Make Buyers Feel Ruff
Bad odours aren’t the only way household pets can cause problems. We’ve had a number of viewers with cat or dog allergies who become quite distracted. So perhaps find someone to look after your pets while you’re taking viewings.
Make it Shine
If you walk into a retailer, all the items on display are at their most pristine condition. Your home should be the same to get the best from buyers.
Cleanliness is far more important than interior décor. Viewing can be a tactile experience, if buyers are walking around touching surfaces, you’ve got to make sure the property is spotless throughout, especially the kitchen.
Know Your Market
Splashing out on extensive refurbishments may not ever brings the return on investment you’d hoped for. Some will market lavishly decorated properties to buyers who have their own idea of what they want – and many don’t want to live in someone else’s home.
Knowing who you’re marketing to is very important. If you’re selling to an established buyer, they’ll be less averse to doing the work themselves. Given the choice between their own design or that of a hurried vendor, they will always rather do it themselves.
Whereas a first-time buyer is far less likely to want the hassle of doing the house up and will prefer an off-the-shelf product. If the buyer walks in and you have chipped work surfaces or cupboard doors hanging off their hinges, then in their eyes, the whole price of a new kitchen could be at stake.
Jodie Harris – Harris & Co
A Splash of Colour
When a house looks like it needs a lot of work, many buyers can be put off doing it themselves. When the bathroom or kitchen is up to date, it really helps to achieve your asking price. But you don’t have to spend big on a complete refit.
Just adding some modern touches, with updated accessories or colours can really help. When units and worktops are of good quality, but a bit old fashioned, painting your kitchen is a great way to freshen up the space. In the bedroom, a quick repaint in natural neutrals, along with some new bedding, a throw and a lovely new rug to go over a worn carpet, can achieve the same results at a fraction of the price.
Jane Thompson – Jane Thompson Interiors
Breathing Space
Giving the idea of space is one of the most important aspects of presenting the ideal interior to a prospective buyer. Simplify the existing decor if your taste is not minimal, putting away any unnecessary pieces that you’ve been meaning to get rid of, but haven’t got around to yet. Remember, your buyer could have much more stuff than you, therefore they need to visualise their stuff in your space and see the potential.
If you have wacky colour ways that worked for you, rest assured this will not work for someone else. Go magnolia or a have a soft hue run throughout – this will make your interiors appear clean and spacious.
First Impressions
Always make each room visitor ready, as you only get one chance to make the perfect impression. Clean all the areas that you think one doesn’t see – because you can guarantee an eagle-eyed buyer will.
The exterior is as important as the interior. Add flowerpots, power clean the drive and hide away any kids stuff. A prospective buyer will pass by the property unannounced and if the outside looks cluttered or a little disheveled, this could be the difference between the buyer making an appointment and giving it a miss.
You may need to invest in revamping your interiors, but ensure what you spend to achieve your perfect ‘home for sale’, isn’t at the expense of making a profit on the sale.