Spring has always been a good time to sell your home. Peak buying season tends to fall between April and July in the run-up to the school summer holidays. With longer, brighter days, outside spaces get an injection of life which helps create kerb appeal for that all-important first impression. The weather is warming up and there tend to be more potential buyers in the market. We caught up with Joanne McElevey to compile a list of some top tips for you to consider when selling your home this spring.
Remember: First impressions count
First impressions can make or break the sale. Within the first few seconds of arriving at your home, potential buyers will usually have formed an opinion so you must make sure that your home is looking its best. A clean and tidy home gives the right impression to buyers and shows them that you care about your house.
Kerb appeal is everything, from the images used online to when they first arrive at your front door. It may seem small but pay attention to your front door! Does it give the impression that the home is well looked after? You may consider giving it a fresh lick of paint or buying a new doorknob or letterbox, these small touches immediately make your home feel more inviting. Make sure your front garden is tidy, if you have a lawn make sure it is cut and spend some time tidying up flower beds.
Don’t put off the chores around the house any longer. There may be a dodgy garden gate or a sticking back door to fix, or something as simple as a few dirty windows, but these things make a big difference. Devote a long weekend to getting all these tasks finished, even before the agents come around, they will probably be more positive about pricing the property if they think the house and gardens are well maintained.
Have a spring clean
There’s a reason it’s called spring cleaning! Spring cleaning is an age-old tradition that has us all reaching for our cleaning products in an attempt to freshen up our homes ahead of the summer months. This spring clean is the first step in preparing your home for sale. Those who are looking to purchase a new property are often looking for a fresh beginning or a new start so make sure your house is offering just that. Give any old carpets or flooring a deep clean and wash your curtains or any parts of the home that you may have neglected. You’ll be surprised at how these small differences can make a house feel create clean and fresh.
Let the natural light do the work for you
A dark room is an immediate turn-off. In rooms with access to windows, open your curtains and blinds to let as much natural light in as possible. This natural light will brighten up your whole house and show potential buyers how beautiful your home is. You can also use mirrors and rearrange the furniture to help bring more light into a room.
Temperature
Heating homes is an expensive business right now. However, taking someone into a cold house with no heating on is going to put them off instantly. Your home needs to feel cosy and inviting so turn up the heating and pop on the log burner, you’ll be surprised by the difference it makes.
Keep decoration minimal
Interior design is such a personal thing, no two people have identical tastes and by keeping your decoration minimal you are less likely to distract buyers. It becomes difficult for potential buyers to imagine your property as their own if you have your personality loudly stamped on the house, you must remember they want to imagine living there. Keep your home neat and clutter-free and focus on clean lines and open spaces to sell your home.
Don’t forget about the garden
Likely, over the winter months you haven’t been paying much attention to your garden, so make it your priority to do some gardening before any viewings take place. Find a dry day to cut the hedges and trim the bushes, even just painting the fence and mowing the lawn will instantly make your property more appealing - a quick fix can make all the difference.
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