1. Kerb Appeal:

The outside of your property will set the tone for the rest of the house, many buyers will make a drive-by visit to your property before they decide to make a viewing, so first impressions mean everything.

Tidy up the outside of your home – mow the lawn, trim any hedges and remove any weeds. If you have any extra time, consider giving the front door and the window frames a lick of paint, it will give your property a fresh look from the get-go. If your property is on the market during the summer months, putting some plant pots or baskets outside your home will add to its kerb appeal.

2. Declutter, clean and clear:

Potential buyers want to envision themselves living in the property, so try to see your home with neutral eyes – the way they would see it. If the home is cluttered and takes up most of the space it could be a major deterrent and put potential buyers off. Look to remove a few items and rearrange the furniture to make the most of the living area – it will make the rooms appear larger!

Thoroughly clean your home – it gives the prospective buyer the impression that the property is well looked after and it will smell nice!

3. Lighting:

Lighting is key! Natural light will make the rooms look brighter, bigger and more inviting. Before a viewing, make sure that all of the curtains are pulled back and the blinds are raised to bring the maximum amount of light inside. Also ensure that your windows are clean and that all of the light bulbs are in full working order.

4. Scent:

How your property smells can affect the prospective buyer’s opinion within seconds. Offensive odours can give an immediate negative reaction and can indicate a problem that might not be an easy fix – such as damp and mould.

Using an essential oil diffuser, a fresh scented candle or a wax melt could be a great way to invite pleasant smells into your home. Try not to over-do it though, strong and artificial scents could have the opposite affect you would want. Stick to fresh, natural and clean aromas.

Take out the bins! Any lingering scent of food and waste could put off a potential buyer. If you smoke or have any pets, opening a window to allow some ventilation of your home will help massively.

5. Resolve & repair:

Potential buyers will have their eyes peeled for any broken or damaged areas in your home. Resolve any issues before the viewings start to avoid buyers being put off and potentially offering a lower price than you would like.

6. Temperature:

Viewers will often notice if the property is too cold or too hot, so ensuring your property is a comfortable temperature for the season is always a good idea. It will make it a more welcoming environment and will give the buyer more of a reason to linger! If it’s winter, make use of the heating to show that it’s in full working order –turn on all radiators, even in the spare room. In summer, open the windows to let the fresh air in and even the back doors to display the indoor-outdoor living. 

7. Pets:

Although you love your pets, potential viewers may not. Consider asking a friend or family member to take care of them during a viewing to ensure it doesn’t scare or put viewers off. Make sure all pet related accessories are out of the way and be sure to give your home a thorough clean to get rid of any stray pet hair and lingering scents.

8. The garden:

For many people the garden is one of the biggest selling points. Definitely tidy away any rubbish, remove the weeds and cut the grass. To make the garden more attractive you could add some flower pots and cut back any overgrown bushes or hedges. A well-kept garden can be very desirable for buyers as it gives them less work to do when moving in!

9. Give the viewers space:

Allowing prospective buyers space when viewing your property is vital. It will make them feel more comfortable when discussing their opinion on the property. They will need time to take in each room, so allowing enough time for each viewing is important. Consider giving your estate agent a key to your property to allow them to carry out viewings when you aren’t home – if you feel comfortable with this.

1. Be prepared:

Be prepared for last-minute viewings if possible. One of the agents at Homer Estates will always work around you and your schedule, but having a lot of availability for viewings will work in your favour.