DogRipple Boutique

TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts past your nose.   The subtle hint of chamomile from an aromatic candle.  Tempting traces of a home-baked cake.

If just thinking about these has got your senses going – imagine the effect they will have on potential buyers for your home.  A coffee bean or vanilla pod in a gently heated oven is the simplest of tricks, but it’s a proven way of making your home more attractive.  There are many ways of adding instant appeal to your home before putting it on the market – things that add value but don’t have to cost the earth.

And it’s all about instant appeal. It’s quite incredible how many people will make a life-altering decision in an instant.  It actually only takes someone around a tenth of a second to form an initial – and often lasting – first impression.  A little effort can add value to your home, improve its selling price and importantly, it will make those important first impressions count.  

So what can you do?.

First up, look at your home with an objective, critical eye – from the inside and the outside.  Even the smallest of cosmetic improvements can add value.  Your garden beds may be a wonderful sandpit for your kids – but a potential buyer may just see an unloved, sandy mess.  Your pets may be part of the family, but a potential buyer may just see lots of pet hair and grubby paw prints.    Does your home have kerb appeal?  Is your home presentable from the inside and the outside?  Are there any visible signs of damage or wear and tear, such as peeling paint, cracked tiles or cobwebs?.

Professionals in real estate Bentley say that the value of almost every home will increase with a pre-sale makeover.  Here are some points to consider :

·         A fresh coat of paint does wonders.  It’s best to use neutral colours that will have wide appeal.

·         Remove all clutter, both inside and outside the house and tidy up (kerb, garden etc)

·         Clear cobwebs and clean windows well to maximise the inside/out appeal

·         In the garden, mow the lawn, rake leaves, sweep paths and driveways, clear gutters, weed and prune.  Plant flowers that are in bloom so create instant appeal and vibrant colour.  Cover empty flower beds with a layer of bark or wood chips.

·         Your ‘street appeal’ is a key aspect of the first impression.

·         If you have a pool ensure it’s clear of leaves and algae and the water looks inviting and clean.

·         Ensure store rooms and garages are orderly and easy to access.

·         For a fresh update and a warm welcome, replace old door mats.

·         Inside, the golden rule is clean and tidy!.

·         A homely ambience is good, but any excess furniture and personal items should be put into storage.  You may even want to consider renting furniture in neutral tones to create a modern look.

·         Bathrooms must be spotless.  No mould, rust, stains, dirty rings or leaking taps.

·         Floor coverings should be professionally cleaned

·         Give bedrooms an instant update with some new scatter cushions, bed throws etc – look at interior magazines for inspiration.

Here are some tips for making your open day one to remember:

·         Put on some soft, background music to create a welcoming mood.

·         Gently heat the oven before the open day starts and place either some coffee beans, a cake or a vanilla pod into the warm oven.  A tantalizing – yet subtle - aroma will then fill your kitchen.

·         Place a scented candle in the bathrooms.

·         Ask a friend to look after your pets and hide any signs of dogs, cats etc (eg beds, bowls)

·         Put away small items such as clothes, knick-knacks etc – and ensure the laundry doesn’t look like a laundry!

·         Benchtops should be clear

·         Open windows to freshen the atmosphere

·         If the weather is cold, light a fire or put on the heater.

·         Fresh flowers (preferably picked from the garden) should be placed strategically around the home.

·         If necessary, switch on some lights inside the house but take care not to overdo it.  Too many lights on during the day is a clear signal that the house is dark. 

Getting a home ready for sale does take a bit of time, effort and money.  However, making the investment should pay real dividends and you should get far more out of it than you put in, say the Carlisle property experts.  If you’re committed to getting the best price for your property, a little effort will go a long way.   

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