Keys to home preparation

It is amazing what a big difference little things can make! You will need to make your home as presentable as possible, and this does not mean spending a lot of money. For instance, you should not spend money where it will not add value to your home, relatively inexpensive upgrades can have big impact. As part of the WISEBERRY® experience, we can provide you with advice on what will and what will not make a difference to your selling price.

Start by attending to repairs and cleaning. A dirty home in need of repairs can turn buyers away. Whilst both the inside and the outside of your property are important, we suggest that you start with the outside. After all, the outside of your property is the first thing that buyers see and as you know, first impressions count!

Remember that most people buy emotionally, and that creating a good feeling throughout is essential. People also usually move to upgrade, so creating an impression of space is therefore very important. Buyers should be able to picture their furniture inside your home!

Here are some ideas to use before and during buyers’ visits, to ensure your home is as presentable as possible:

Outside the house

• Clean Windows

• Clear gutters

• Remove spider webs

• Wash external doors

In the garden

• Add some pretty flowers to your garden beds; it is always nice to have some colour in the garden.

• Keep the lawn well-maintened.

• Remove rubbish and junk.

• Trim shrubs and trees (if appropriate season to do so).

• Weed garden beds and pathways.

Inside the house

• Remove valuables from sight.

• Add some plants.

• Have fresh flowers in the house.

• Put the pets out and remove their bedding.

• Switch the lights on.

• Retain a homely feeling throughout.

• Keep the kitchen benches clear and clean.

• Hang clean kitchen and bathroom towels.

• If you are going to have a tablecloth on the table, make sure it is clean.

• Remove any clutter. Remember that people usually move so as to have more room.

• Clear your storage cupboards before you sell, space is often an important factor to a buyer.

• Ensure the beds are made before inspections.

• Leave the showing to your agent, after all, this is what he or she is employed to do!

• Attend to minor repairs such as leaking taps, missing knobs, broken windows and holes in the walls.

• Give it a good clean. Pay particular attention to the bathrooms and kitchen.

• It can be nice to give the walls a fresh coat of paint. Try to keep the paint colour neutral.

• Bring some fresh air into the house by opening the windows.

• If it is too cold to open the window, bake a cake, brew some coffee, have the fire going or burn a subtle essence; anything that will make the house welcoming and friendly.