DO THIS NOW if your thinking of selling your house in the next 3 months!
READ UNTIL THE END FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT! Thinking about selling your home soon? With the property market in full swing and demand for homes high, now is the perfect time to take action! Here's a guide on what you need to do NOW in preparation.
Prepare your home!
1. Tidy Up Outside
First impressions count and the front of your home is the first thing a buyer will see!
- Remove Debris: Wind and storms may have scattered leaves, branches, or other debris around your garden. Rake, bag, and discard them to present a neat, cared-for appearance.
- Sweep Walkways: A clean path leading to your front door can have a surprisingly large impact on first impressions. Consider power-washing stubborn dirt or stains.
- Maintain Greenery: Neatly trimmed shrubs and mown lawns show a buyer how beautiful your outdoor space can be.
- General Maintenance: Clean window frames, ledges and doors and if you have wooden windows, make sure you rub down and repaint any flaking paintwork.
Why It Matters: Buyers will often do a drive-by viewing before contacting the estate and can make snap judgments based on a property’s exterior. A tidy, well-kept garden shows you’ve cared for your home and will encourage potential buyers to contact your estate agent for a closer look.
2. Welcome in the Light
- Clean Windows: Grimy windows can block out precious daylight, so thoroughly clean them. Sparkling windows let in more sunshine, making your home feel bright and inviting.
- Check for Blown Panes: If you notice any misted window panes, this indicates that their seals have blown. A specialist can repair these or easily and relatively cheaply replaced in modern double glazing.
- Strategic Lighting: A few well-placed floor or table lamps can transform a dark corner or hallway into a cosy reading nook.
Why It Matters: Good lighting is a subtle but powerful tool in real estate. When buyers walk into a bright, naturally lit space, they’re more likely to have a positive first impression.
3. Declutter Common Spaces
- Sort & Store: Start with the busiest areas—living room, kitchen, and main hallway. Donate or store items you don’t frequently use to reduce visual clutter.
- Cupboard Check: Buyers often peek into cupboards to gauge storage. Keep them neat and avoid overstuffing so they appear more spacious.
4. Minor Revamps
- Paint Touch-Ups: Assess walls, woodwork and doors for scuffs or chips. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral tone can make rooms look renewed.
- Updated Fixtures: Replacing dated cabinet hardware or light switch plates can modernise a room with minimal effort and cost.
Why It Matters: Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home. Clean, clutter-free interiors with tasteful updates create an open canvas that helps them picture their own decor and lifestyle.
5. Get a Valuation & Look at Your Finances!
A valuation helps you to understand what you can achieve for the sale of your home, and then looking at your finances or speaking with a mortgage advisor can help you to understand how much you can spend on your next home.
If you need a mortgage, having a mortgage agreement in principle in hand shows estate agents you're looking to purchase through that you're serious and in a position to move forward once you've agreed a sale on your property.
We can help you with both; getting a valuation and a mortgage agreement in principle with Nicholsons is free and easy! An hour's visit from our valuer and a 10-minute call with our mortgage advisor can get both of these items sorted for you free of charge. All you need to do is click on the banners below to book a day and time that works for you for each - all without calling the office and you can do it from the comfort of your own home or whilst your out on the go! 👇
