Use fresh flowers, get rid of clutter and spring clean: Seven simple tips to sell your home quickly and benefit from the property market upturn
- Property market showing green shoots of growth across the country
- A clean, clutter-free, pet-free home full of flowers can help secure a sale
- We take a look at other simple ways you can hook buyers in
There are green shoots of life springing up across the country’s property market, with mortgage approvals on the up and economists bumping up house price growth forecasts.
Every region in the country saw house prices rise for the first time since February 2018, according to figures from Office for National Statistics last month.
With the market seemingly turning a corner, now could be the perfect time to sell your home.
Here are seven steps from experts at NAEA Propertymark, a professional body for estate agencies, to ensure your home appeals to as many buyers as possible and is potentially snapped up quickly…
First impressions count: Buyers often make their decision on a property within seconds of arriving
1. First impressions are everything
Buyers often make their decision on a property within seconds of arriving NAEA warn, so make sure your home is looking its best – this includes your front door.
If it is looking a little shabby, buy a new doorknob, a brass letterbox or a stainless-steel house number; these small touches can instantly make your home feel more welcoming.
2. Spring cleaning
It goes without saying that a spring clean is essential before a seasonal sale.
Buyers are put off by anything that looks grubby, especially during the season of fresh beginnings.
Deep clean: It goes without saying that a spring clean is essential before a seasonal sale
Make sure any old winter grime is removed from the property.
Give old carpets a deep clean, and thoroughly clean all curtains, or upholstery that attracts extra dust.
According to NAEA, it’s a good idea to deep clean all carpets before putting your house on the market as well to ensure the whole house feels clean and fresh.
Looking good: Bathrooms and kitchens are key rooms in any home
3. Freshen up your kitchen and bathroom
Kitchens and bathrooms can often make or break a sale, so make sure yours look their best.
Give tired-looking bathrooms a makeover by hiding any unappealing pipework and fixing up any worn tiling.
Tidy away bathroom clutter such as body wash, cleaning products and toilet rolls etc. In the kitchen, replace any worn work surfaces and doors as this will totally transform the space without having to fork out on replacing the cabinets.
4. Let there be light
A dark room is an immediate turn-off to buyers NAEA say.
The easiest first step is to let the sun pour in and maximise natural light as much as possible by opening curtains and blinds and giving any dirty windows a scrub before putting your property on the market.
5. Keep decoration minimal
No two people have identical taste in interior decoration.
Potential buyers must be able to picture themselves living in the space, and not feel like an intruder in someone else’s home.
Anything showing too much personality can be a turn off during a house viewing so it’s best to keep your decoration simple and colours neutral to offer buyers a blank slate to build their own home on.
6. Flowers
Keeping fresh flowers on display is a welcoming touch that will make your home appear well kept.
Flowers can play a vital role in giving rooms a lift and create a clean fragrance to greet a buyer.
No matter how well your home is presented, a few simple touches with some neutral flowers will enhance the property’s appeal.
Gorgeous: Keeping fresh flowers on display will give your home the finishing touch it needs
7. Remove pets
Furry friends leave an odour that pet owners can become immune to over time, but it’s likely the buyer will pick up on this.
Air out the property in advance of any viewings, light a freshly scented candle to mask any lingering smells, and consider leaving your pet with a friend or family member for the duration.
