The property ladder is tough to master, and sometimes you can feel stuck at the same level for years at a time. You might have your dream home already in mind, but you won’t be able to make it yours unless you manage to sell your current property – and that can often be a lengthy process.
This month, we’re taking a look at some of the preparations you can make to ensure your home is ripe for the market, so you can sell it faster and spend more of your time planning exactly how to make that dream house feel like home.
Exterior
First impressions are a major factor during any viewing, and the exterior of your property goes a long way towards influencing what a prospective buyer thinks of your home from the outset. The fresh eyes of a homebuyer will be able to spot a number of things that will put them off immediately, from aesthetic aspects like the length of the lawn, overgrown hedges and the presence of weeds, to structural problems such as clogged guttering, damaged window frames and cracks Buyers will be able to tell a lot from the exterior of your property.
Put some time into fixing up the outside. Freshen up window frames, fences and sheds with fresh coats of paint, trim the hedges and mow the lawn to create a clean looking garden and clear up any obvious mess at the front or side of your property to make it look as welcoming as possible. Showing that you have put time into maintaining the exterior of your property sends a positive message to buyers that you have also looked after the interior.
Declutter
Over time you will have collected a large amount of odds and ends that take up unnecessary space, and while you may have gotten used to stacks of magazines and shelves filled with miscellaneous cds and children’s toys, buyers will spot them immediately. Make every room feel as clean and clutter-free as possible by removing any unneeded belongings. From assorted ornaments to excess furniture, decide what is and isn’t necessary to the room; decluttering will open up much more space, and will allow buyers to easily envision how the home might look after they have moved in.
If you have belongings you would like temporarily stored while your home is on the market, a professional storage solution might be the ideal choice. The self storage services on offer at Barnes of Lincoln are ideal for securely storing furniture and an assortment of personal belongings for as long as you need, all at an affordable price.
Fresh clean
You want your home to look its best for its entire stay on the market; whether it’s for estate agent photographer or viewers themselves, an unclean home is its own worst enemy. A deep clean of your home will make sure it is fully prepared for scrutiny, so take the time to clean every nook and cranny. From kitchen cupboards to light shades, blinds, windows, walls and skirting boards – everything should be clean and fresh before any viewing to make sure your potential buyer sees your home in the best possible light.
Repair and replace
If you’re aware of any damage that needs taking care of, it’s best to rectify it in advance so buyers aren’t put off by the daunting idea of future work. From larger jobs like the roof, to smaller ones like replacing or repairing the garden fence, if the buyer sees that the property needs a lot of work, this will influence any offers that might come through – or put them off entirely. It might seem like a hassle spending money on a home you plan to leave, but it could make the difference between a quick sale or severely stalling on the property ladder.
Small touches
There are plenty of smaller touches you can add to enhance the look and feel of your property. Fresh bedclothes, towels, curtains and cushion covers are a good idea, and so is tackling any stale or unpleasant odours. Incense, flavoured candles or air fresheners can create a soothing, relaxing atmosphere – but you will need to eliminate the source of bad odours first, masking the smell isn’t good enough.
Also take advantage of natural light if you can. Thin curtains, new light bulbs or light fixtures, and trimming any tree branches, plants or weeds blocking light from outside will help make your property feel much more light and airy, creating a very positive setting for any viewing.
Once you’ve moved
After you’ve finally sold your old home and are preparing to relocate to your brand new property, make moving day a much more simple affair by hiring a professional removals company to help you out with all the heavy lifting, packing, loading and transportation of all your belongings. The experienced and friendly team at Barnes of Lincoln strive to provide the highest quality service to all our customers, for moves of any size or scale.
For customers throughout Lincoln and Newark looking to relocate across the UK or even overseas, look no further than Barnes of Lincoln to take the stress out of moving day. We ensure an efficient, safe and professional removals service, carried out by our expert team of movers. For more information on our services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today.
