Room to improve

When selling your home, first impressions can heavily impact how a potential buyer sees and feels about it. Many will make a judgement within just a few minutes of arriving at a viewing. Although it can be hard to influence buyers into thinking that they’ve found ‘the one’, there are a few things that can be done to make your home look more appealing.

Here are a few tips to spark inspiration and to help you present your space in the best possible light, enabling you to get moving…

Although most people choose not to be present during a viewing, allowing an estate agent to do the selling, it can be useful for buyers to know more about the surrounding area. Consider leaving a note, informing the buyer of the best transport links, local schools, shops and amenities as well as local walks and recreational facilities. Being responsive to questions from buyers can also place you good stead.

A reputable agent will look at comparable sales in your area and take the time to thoroughly inspect your property before giving you a valuation. Be wary of those setting a sky-high asking price. It might be tempting to go with the highest valuation, but going with an unrealistic price can jeopardize a quick sale.

Enhancing your home’s kerb appeal can boost the amount of interest your property receives, increase its saleability and, ultimately, result in a better price. In short, kerb appeal matters. Look at making those necessary repairs to the broken gate or replace the rotting outdoor furniture. Once you’re happy with your exterior, take a look inside and consider fixing those creaking hinges and broken cupboards to score a few quick wins.

Declutter as much as possible using smart storage systems, hang mirrors to give the illusion of a bigger, brighter space and aim for creating a clean, spacious environment.

Viewers need to be able to imagine how the property would work for them. Delineate the rooms into clear dining and living areas. If you’re currently using a room for storage, but it could be used as a home office – something that is highly desirable as more people work from home – it might be worth showing off its potential by turning it into a working space.

For the vast majority of us, the internet is our first ‘go-to’ for property searches, so make sure your home has an attractive online presence. Great photography is a must and can show your property at its best. Floorplans are also useful for buyers that are looking for specific features to suit their lifestyles.

You may have already maximised your home’s potential with an extension, loft or garage conversion or through the addition of a conservatory or garden room. If not, and there’s scope to do so, be sure to point out the potential of your property. Attaining planning permission in advance can also sway people’s decisions.