Tips to get your house ready for a sale

1. Start packing
It may seem premature but now is the time to start packing, sort out all your knick-knacks and pack away any unnecessary clutter. On viewings you want the house to look as spacious and clutter free as possible.

2. Consider the colour
Pale and neutral colours are the way to go. You want potential buyers to be able to visualise themselves in the space. Avoid very bright or dark colours that risk dominating a space and could put off some buyers. 

3. Keep the house viewing ready
We always give notice before a viewing, however, sometimes buyers may enquire at the last minute and you may not have long to prep for their arrival. Tidy as you go and you’ll always be ready for a viewing, even if it is at short notice.

4. Consider first impressions - they count!
A little care and consideration goes a long way in setting a welcoming atmosphere for visits and showing your property in its best light. Here are some little things you can do:

• Make sure the hamlet or house name is clearly displayed so you are easy to find.
• Open gates to give a welcoming feel
• A couple of tubs of flowers on the front doorstep will add colour and create a cared-for image. Even in winter, pansies, ivy and heathers will look perky.
• Have all shutters fully open and pinned neatly back
• Clean, sparkling windows will let in the maximum amount of light
• Everyone knows the old tricks of baking bread and brewing coffee to add a homely atmosphere and they might just make it look as if you are trying too
• hard. Instead, If the weather allows, have windows open to let clean, fresh air flow through.
• If certain areas of the property are dark, turn on lights ahead of the viewing.
• Keep pets out of the way if at all possible. Neither cats nor dogs are everyone’s cup of tea. Pick up food bowls and remove beds and litter trays.
• If you have bouncy or noisy dogs it’s often best to take them for a walk during viewings. Discuss this with your agent if in doubt.

5. During and after the viewing
If you feel the need to be present during the viewing, we suggest you answer questions rather than following the party around your home, opening every cupboard, or offering wads of information about the quirks of the plumbing or the local ‘characters’. It is usually better to let your property sell itself.

Don’t assume a short viewing is a sign of disinterested buyers. They may have shortlisted your property for a longer second viewing. The agent takes time to really understand the requirements of the buyer. They may already know what is most important to them, and where they might eventually compromise.

If you’re looking to sell, our local teams would be delighted to help. Either visit one of our local shop to talk to the team about your property in person, or give us a call. See here to find your nearest shop and contact details.