Top 10 tips for selling your home

 

Selling a home is never easy. It is often imbued with some level of emotion. It may also present a physical hardship, packing up one’s entire life into a container full of boxes! Given the difficulties that are already part of the equation, we thought we would make at least some of this process a little easier with 10 tips for selling your house:
1.   Get your timing right

There are specific times in the year to avoid listing your property. One of these may be Chinese New Year; another may be during school holidays, when a large portion of the population is enjoying a vacation. Be sure that you select an optimum time to arrange for the sale of your property.
2.   Choose the right estate agent
Selling a house is a stressful business. Choosing the right estate agent who is going to minimise worry and maximise results is therefore a vital first step. Do your research thoroughly and select an agent with a proven track record in the area. Remember to negotiate your commission, which could be a flat fee or a percentage of the sales price. Make sure you read the contract carefully before signing and committing.
3.   Boost kerb appeal
Remember that first impressions count! People usually form an impression within the first 30 seconds so make sure that the front of the house is as inviting as possible as most buyers will begin their examination of your home from the outside. Prospective purchasers will not only look for an attractive exterior, they will also be seeking evidence that the property has been well maintained. Arrange for any repairs to be done and ensure that your front garden and kerb are neat and tidy.
4.   Light and bright
Now that the potential buyers are inside, you need to ensure that you maintain this positive impression. Keep decoration simple, using light, neutral colours to make your home appear more spacious.
Touch up any chipped or scuffed paintwork. Consider painting over patterned wallpaper. Your aim is to create a blank canvas against which people can imagine their own belongings. With a few cans of emulsion, you can achieve maximum effect for minimum expenditure. Buyers need to be able to picture themselves living in the house so it’s essential that each room is shown off to highlight its purpose. If your dining room is full of work paper or exercise equipment for example, return it to its original purpose.
5.   Cut the clutter
Your aim must be to enable potential purchasers to visualise themselves living in the property. Make sure that each room is decorated according to its original purpose.
Whilst the rooms must be free of clutter, they must also not be barren and stark, as this creates a cold and uninviting feel that may deter buyers. Make sure all bedrooms have beds!

6.   Keep it clean 

This may seem obvious but make sure your home is sparkling clean from top to bottom. Not only will this make it more immediately attractive, but it will also reassure prospective buyers that it has been well maintained in other, more fundamental, respects. This is especially true of windows. There is nothing worse than walking up to a dirty window and not being able to see out into the garden, or observe the view.
7.   Kitchen matters
Research appears to indicate that most people would rather buy a home that already has a reasonably stylish kitchen. If your kitchen is a little tired, consider replacing some tiles or the cabinets. There are many reasonably priced options that you can choose, that will more than make up for the cost when you are able to use this room as a feature selling point.
8. Bathroom basics
As with kitchens, bathrooms can prove to be a real selling point, or the reason people choose another home over yours. It is most critical that these rooms are clean. If yours is simply past its first youth, have it professionally cleaned. In this room, keep it simple, fresh, and clean.
9. The outdoor life
Perhaps you are not the world’s greatest gardener, but you can make the outside space look inviting. A few colourful pots and planters can work wonders. If you have a patio, demonstrate its potential for al fresco eating and entertaining with some strategically placed garden furniture.
Ensure that, at the very least, your garden looks neat. Your driveway should be well maintained and its contents tidy. Move bins out of view and clear away anything unsightly.
If you do have pets, ask a relative or friend to look after them while viewings are taking place. While you love your furry friend, chances are your buyer won’t – or worse still, they may be allergic.
10. Stay out of the way!
When potential buyers come to view your property, let them wander freely around the house with the agent. You want them to feel comfortable and as though they can spend time looking at each room freely. Be ready also to answer any questions after the viewing.
And last but not least – put the kettle on! When you have a visitor at your house, it sounds corny but really do brew a fresh pot of coffee. The smell of it just gives the best impression and makes your home seem friendly and inviting.