Selling a home is often a time-sensitive process, whether you’re part of a property chain, moving to a new build or involved with a probate dwelling. If you’ve time to prepare, home improvements can increase the potential being completely ‘market ready’. It’s well known that buyers often make a purchase decision within the first few minutes of a viewing, so it pays to create the best possible impression.
Taking the correct steps
Whether you choose an independent, high street branch or online company, approach an estate agent to understand the costs involved, including commission rates and fees. Once a valuation has been carried out, home improvements may be required to achieve the upper end of your desired selling price.
Fail to plan – plan to fail! Note down what you’d like to accomplish with a leisurely walk around. To entice a potential buyer, improve key areas inside and outside to add appeal and value. Initial reactions are normally taken from your home frontage so if finances allow, ensure high standards for your external windows, doors and guttering. With an integral garage, just a fresh coat of paint could make a difference and influence ‘kerbside appeal’.
With energy efficiency often a priority, ensure you’ve considered improvements to insulation. Once you appoint an estate agent, an EPC Energy Performance Certificate will usually be organised. Find any relevant documents relating to the upkeep of your home. For instance, if you’ve had a gas boiler service recently, you may want to retrieve this certificate for reference. A structural survey is normally carried out on your property once you accept an offer, which provides a detailed summary of your home’s condition and whether it’s sound for the buyer.
Cleaning & clutter
Carry out a deep clean in your home from top to bottom and try to declutter. If space is short to store away excess items, it can be worthwhile to rent a self storage unit as a temporary solution. Most likely a garage space, loft or outbuilding are the largest spaces to clear out. Having an idea of what you can do to reduce clutter and emphasise space, will assist prior to viewings and when you eventually move house.
Try to de-personalise your home, by temporarily removing possessions such as unique ornaments or a family photo gallery. After all, you’ll want buyers to imagine their own homely pieces and personal touches.
By sorting out and positioning garden furniture carefully, you can create focal points to draw attention to the best aspects. Check for any hazards and access issues in your outdoor space, ensuring safe use for young children, elderly or disabled people.
“Home is where we should feel secure and comfortable” Catherine Pulsifer
Knowledge is power!
Knowing the best time of year to put your house on the market is useful. If you’ve sufficient time, targeting spring is ideal. Brush up on your local area, amenities, schooling and latest travel connections, to pass on if you’re meeting potential buyers at the viewings. Be aware of your competition, by comparing similar properties on the market.
Décor
If you’re carrying out a cosmetic lift, consider soft colours such as beige or white and avoid any bold tones. Attempt to keep it relaxed and neutral where possible. Using lighter colours can also naturally accentuate brightness. Kitchens and bathrooms are important, so you’ll want them looking ultra clean and practical.
Replacing worn and shabby carpets may seem an expensive option, as potential buyers can be deterred when faced with additional expenditure. In period properties, exposing original flooring boards before sanding and sealing, helps to achieve a classic feel.
Best foot forward!
Contemplate different furniture positions and arrange rooms to show their full potential. Take care to emphasise daylight and space, using lifestyle magazines or the internet for inspiration.
With the right photos, you can really help to demonstrate the potential of a home, so consider arranging a professional photographer to capture quality images. Nowadays drone photography is being used effectively.
Working order
Tasks connected with building structure or utilities should be completed by professionals. If you’re keen on adding some external security lighting to give peace of mind, consult an electrician. Although if you’re comfortable with DIY, decorating or doing odd jobs yourself (such as fixing a leaky tap by simply replacing a washer) would save employing a decorator or plumber.
Lining it all up
Planning ahead and organising timely completion of home improvements, ensures a property is as inviting as possible and achieves maximum value in the sale of your home.
