Selling your house
If you are like us, then when you decide to move, you want to get going right away. And that is where we can help. We know that selling a home involves more than just listing it for sale. Of course you may be lucky, but when the market is “difficult”, then you need to market your property effectively.
We can ensure that your home is marketed effectively. We have the skills and resources to help you find the right buyer for your property. And to negotiate the right price too. We actively use the internet as a key tool in selling your home - we know it works.
Remember that there are many things that you can do to help sell your home. The most important is to make sure that the all important first impressions are good. The guide below gives you specific things that can help you sell your home and get the best price for it. Most of them require little or no money, but will repay themselves in the perceived value you add to your home.
So, when you are ready to sell your house, call us, and we will help you assess what we can do to achieve that sale.
How to increase the appeal of your home
When you’re preparing your house for sale, remember the importance of first impressions. The market isn’t the only factor that influences whether you get your asking price. Appearance and overall condition play a major role.
Outside:
The exterior of your house and garden are the first things that the potential buyer sees. Many sales are lost before the buyer even gets out of their vehicle - first impressions are that important.
- Clear the front entrance of all debris. The path from the road to your front door should be clear and inviting.
- Sweep the path and steps up to the front door.
- Watch out for newspapers left in the drive or yard.
- Clear away any children’s toys, skateboards, bikes, etc.
- Keep vehicles in your garage or well away from the property.
- Tidy up the garden.
- Keep the lawn well trimmed.
- Use colourful plants to brighten up the garden.
- Hanging baskets or planters add colour and interest, and you can take them with you.
- Clean all the windows and window coverings.
- A fresh coat of paint will work wonders.
- Address any maintenance tasks, such as leaking pipes or gutters. These will raise concerns with buyers.
- If you have pets, make sure their areas are cleaned up.
Inside: 
The interior of the house should be as neutral as possible. The aim is to make it easy for the buyer to imagine themselves living in the property. Often this means removing traces of your own personal taste. Think of this as letting go of your home and making room for you to move on.
- Clean everything.
- The kitchen and bathrooms in particular should be spotless. These are major selling points.
- Make sure the carpets and floors are clean. Have carpets professionally cleaned if necessary.
- Clear away as much as possible. Consider putting things away in storage. The aim is to have an uncluttered appearance. It makes the home seem larger and leaves room in the buyer’s imagination for their stuff.
- Add fresh flowers in the main rooms.
- Either clear the dining table or set up a formal display to showcase the possibilities for entertaining.
- In the bedrooms, clear clothes away and make the beds.
- Use natural light to enhance your home by opening the drapes.
- Turn on accent lights so as to brighten the home and set the mood.
- Remember to keep closets tidy. Buyers will likely open them as they will be assessing the storage available.
- Tidy children’s rooms. Make sure toys are put away.
- Softly playing music can be a subtle way of creating a restful mood.
- Any pets should be out of the way. Take them for a walk or leave them with friends during viewings.
- You may not be able to remove all traces of your pets, but do clean their areas and get rid of their odors.
- Put any valuables, such as money, jewelry, or other precious items in a secure place.
- Also lock away any medication or dangerous items.
Important Reminders:
- Buyers usually prefer not to meet the owners. Arrange to be out during viewings or open houses.
- As buyers may want to see the property at any time, it pays to keep it presentable at all times.
- Ensure that buyers make appointments through your agent. The agent will accompany them on any viewings.
- Expect to get offers! So make sure your REALTOR® can get in touch with you. If going away, even for a short time, leave your contact details with your REALTOR®.
