Friday 22 August 2008

Quick fixes for quick sales

Homeowners struggling to sell should gain more kerb appeal by focusing on minor details to make prospective buyers see the potential in their property.

First impressions always count, and is now more true than ever. The basic rules apply wherever you live, and a small amount of time and money can make all the difference. It’s the simple things that make the most impact such as a fresh lick of paint, tidying up, making sure your home is well lit and that your garden isn’t a mess.

It is hard for many sellers to see the problems with their homes as they live with them day to day.

The best way to get a different view point is to ask your agent for some professional advice as to what you can do to improve your living space.

At haart, we always advise sellers to de-clutter and de-personalise for internal work. As ever, neutral colours are a must so that the potential buyers can imagine themselves and their belongings in your home.

Particular attention should be paid to kitchen and bathrooms as these rooms are most used in a home and are the main importance to most buyers.

Many people open kitchen cupboards when they look around a house, making a fantastic excuse to clear out all of the things that you don’t use any more.

In the bathroom, re-grouting the tiles, a new toilet seat, and a good scrub of the bath tub can be the perfect spruce up.

If you have a pet ensure you get rid of their odour and invest in some fresh flowers as scent can determine how buyers perceive a home. Opening windows before a viewing and banishing food smells are also very important.

Externally, mowing the lawn, pruning your hedges and putting colourful flowers in pots are sure to make an impact.

Also making sure the doorbell works and that your front door doesn’t squeak are must.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, a new lick of paint on your front door will make the entrance to your home feel fresh and inviting, and according to the experts blue is always a winner!

Whatever the state of the economic climate, we would always recommend that you invest money in your property so that when the time does come to sell, your home will be in a prime condition and will obtain the maximum price possible.

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