Check you have kerb appeal
Many potential viewers will drive by a property before a viewing to make sure it lives up to their expectations. You can’t do anything about your home’s location, but you can avoid viewing cancellations by making sure the front of your home is looking its absolute best. Mow the lawn, repaint any peeling or chipped paintwork on the exterior, wash the windows, and add inviting touches such as a clean welcome mat and blooming potted plants on each side of your front door.
Declutter the interior
If you’ve been living in the property for some time you’ve probably accumulated a fair amount of clutter – get rid of it before you allow prospective buyers to view your home (and before your estate agent takes any photos for the property listing). Rent a storage unit or borrow a friend’s garage to store seasonal decorations, collections, old children’s toys, and spare furniture, and throw out or sell anything you won’t be taking with you when you move. After you’ve decluttered, give your property a thorough deep clean to ensure that every surface is sparkling – if this seems like a mammoth task you may want to consider hiring professional cleaners to help you out. Don’t overlook stained or mildewed tile grout in the bathroom; this is a relatively small fix that can make a big difference.
Neutralise and depersonalise
Purple walls might be your idea of chic décor but they won’t appeal to everyone. Potential buyers need to be able to visualise themselves living in your property and repainting walls in warm neutral colours is the best way to create a sophisticated but blank canvas for viewers as they walk through your home. Remove any personal items (family photos, children’s artwork, holiday souvenirs, etc.) that might distract prospective buyers from envisaging themselves in your home.
Add some finishing touches
You want to strike a balance between making your home appear clean and uncluttered but lived-in, and paying attention to little details can make a huge difference. A couple of large vases of flowers will add splashes of colour around your living room, and scattering a couple of good quality throws and some high-end magazines will create a sophisticated, homely ambience. Don’t forget the power of smell – viewers will be drawn to homes that smell of fragranced diffusers, fresh flowers, or candles, and turned off by homes with noticeable pet or smoke odours.
Whether you are buying or selling a property, Lillicrap Chilcott offers expert advice and professional service. Contact us today for more information.