Superficial faults will not directly affect the value of your property but may deter potential buyers and prevent your property from selling at its desired price. Below we discuss some quick and easy ways to avoid this and instead help to get the best offer on your home.
Exterior
Let’s begin outside. The term ‘kerb appeal’ refers to the attractiveness of a property and its surroundings when viewed from the street. It is important to ensure your home is appealing to buyers from the get-go as a recent survey by the Homeowners Association found 68% of home buyers believe kerb appeal is a key consideration when viewing a house. Simple maintenance can have a huge impact on potential buyers and small jobs such as cleaning dirty windows, repainting old fences and clearing out gutters could push you one step closer to an offer.
You should also consider the appearance of your front door. This feature sets the tone for your property and is the perfect way to begin influencing a buyer’s opinion on your home. Pick fun, bold colours to show character, or choose rich, royal hues to give more of an elegant feel. Grey and other neutral tones work to create a modern look, or you could always opt for the UK’s favourite front door colour with a crisp and clean white. Top it off by framing your entrance with some potted plants for a fresh and inviting look.
It is also a good idea to carry out a general tidy-up of any outdoor areas to further boost your property’s kerb appeal. This may include cutting the grass, clearing your garden path or trimming those unruly hedges. Remember to tuck your bins out of plain sight, or you may feel it’s worth investing in a bin shed if you struggle to find any convenient hiding spots.
Which? recommends buyers interested in a property to visit the area at different times during the day to get an accurate feel for the neighbourhood, so get prepared for a late-night drive-by with some stylish external lighting. These are also useful tips even for those not considering to sell, as research by the Homeowners Association found a well-maintained outside space has a clear positive impact on our mental health. So, happy gardening!
Interior
Onto the inside of the property. It is useful to fix any obvious imperfections in your home before inviting potential buyers inside to avoid the property seeming uncared for. This includes issues such as lifting flooring, mouldy sealants, dripping taps and peeling paint. Try to stick with a neutral colour scheme throughout your home to act as a blank canvas and make it easier for potential buyers to picture how they would decorate.
It is also beneficial to declutter your house before a viewing to showcase the space available. This has become extra important in the current climate as research by Rightmove has revealed that having to stay home during lockdown has meant buyers are now prioritising property size and space. Finally, don’t forget to deep clean your home prior to any viewings, as further research by Rightmove shows the biggest buyer turn-off is a dirty bathroom!
Are you thinking of selling your house? We can help! Get in touch with one of our friendly team members today on 01638 560 221.
