Kerb Appeal

Are you thinking of selling or letting but don’t know where to start?

Here are our top tips for preparing your house for marketing to appeal to the widest range of buyers.

First impressions matter

Any exterior work needing attention should be taken care of before the house goes on the market. This could include repainting exterior joinery, fences, repairing broken gutters, keeping the drive weed-free, powerwashing the patio, making sure the front door is clean and that all windows are cleaned regularly inside and out.

A tidy, well-kept garden is also important and you should consider planting some new flowers to provide colour and cutting the lawn to put the viewers in the right frame of mind. Treat the viewing like your house is having a job interview with the prospective buyer.

De-clutter

It’s a balancing act to have your home presented in a way that is de-cluttered but not clinical. Those looking to buy and let can sometimes find it difficult to visualise how they would use a room when it is completely empty but equally can’t visualise it as their own when it’s cluttered. Create as much floor space as possible but ensure each room has a purpose. It is still your home to enjoy so there is no need to remove too many personal items. Buyers like to see it has been a muchloved and happy home for the current owners.

Freshen up

Particularly from a tenant’s perspective, new or professionally cleaned carpets, unmarked and newly painted walls together with modern and clean kitchen and bathroom fittings are one of the most important elements. Colours and fixtures should be neutral, including clean and unmarked window dressings and light fittings. Newly painted walls will make the room feel bigger and brighter.

Keep it clean

Get rid of all dirt. There is nothing worse than seeing someone else’s grime. Clean all lime scale from taps, make sure all grouting is clean and mould-free and keep everywhere clean, tidy and odourfree. Not everyone likes pets, so they should be kept away during viewings and any smells should be de-odorised. Our advice would be not to use plug-in fresheners, they can be a sign you are trying to mask a damp smell. If there is a problem with mould or damp, tackle the cause of it rather than hiding it. Strong odours from cooking, smoking, bins or pets are an absolute no-no.

Create more space

Small rooms can be made to feel bigger through careful presentation. By using mirrors, making sure the window dressings don’t cover the pane of glass and by not having furniture that is too big for the room you can create the illusion of more space.

Clear garden boundaries

Make sure you have clearly defined garden boundaries and these are obvious to prospective buyers; nothing worries buyers more than an unclear boundary.

Money well-spent

In every house sale or letting, sellers and landlords have a small window of opportunity to impress prospective buyers and tenants, so it’s important to commit time and money to the presentation of the property before it’s launched. This should be viewed as an investment in order to achieve the best price and it certainly will pay dividends. n

Polly Cregan

07867 977 633