We move for many reasons, understanding your market is always a good start and can help inform any preparatory work you carry out to your property. You may question any outlay on preparing your house for sale however it can be really worthwhile. When assisting with preparing her house for sale, I had resistance from my mother-in-law whose house benefited from beautiful but obscured views and had a tired and dated interior. However, the time and effort in clearing overgrown hedges and painting walls and the cost involved in fitting a new, neutral carpet paid off and was recouped when it went to bids and sold for over asking price. It is important to think about who will buy your home, for example will it be a family with young children or an older couple? Then think about what they will be looking for in your property and make sure that you provide that space for them.
Kitchen
This is one of the most important areas in any house. If people look at your kitchen and think it needs replacing, they will be considering the cost of this when looking at your asking price. Spending time painting units and even replacing the worktop can totally transform your kitchen and thereby make your property more sellable.
Bathroom
Bathrooms can also be updated with new tiles or a fresh coat of paint and accessories; look at the lighting and add mirrors to make the most of the space. Keep it light bright, clean and uncluttered.
Flooring
Flooring this is another area where buyers will be looking at costs they would rather not incur or inconvenience on moving in they would rather avoid. It can be worth putting in a nice neutral carpet throughout or even install a wooden floor if your existing flooring is worn or mismatched. Consistent and complementary flooring throughout your property will also create the feeling of flow and space.
Lighting
A dim interior will not be inviting so look at your lighting. This might be ditching old lamp shades, or adding some lamps which can be taken with you when you leave. It will make the space look more inspiring and homely.
Hallway
The hallway or lobby is the first space your buyer will see when they open the front door. So make sure your hall has good lighting, space to hang your coat and store your shoes without being cluttered. Consider adding a nice mirror to create extra space and a plant for instant appeal and homeliness. Look at the condition of your doormats and maybe get some nice fresh ones, perhaps add a runner if you have room in your hallway and once again look at the space through the eyes of a buyer.
De-clutter
If your home is cluttered, not only is this visually unattractive, it gets in the way of people visualising your space as their own and it will make people think that there’s not enough space or storage. Decluttering will give a sense of calm and space. It is always good to spend time doing a clear out and moving is the ideal time to avoid moving stuff you no longer need so really think this through perhaps even engage a professional to help you.
Styling
I find a really useful process is to take photos of each room, then look at them as if you were a buyer looking at details. What catches your eye? Can you imagine living there? Would the photo make you want to go and view it. You should now be clear of clutter, so add some nice pieces and lots of plants. I love plants as they make a home look loved and are also very on trend so give an instant update. Candles, vases of flowers, nice mirrors and cushions can all be taken with you, so buy accessories with your new property in mind and then it is a double win.
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