15 January 2024

Five steps for getting your home sale-ready

If you’re looking to move in the new year, then getting your home sale-ready is a vital step to attracting potential buyers.

Preparing your home for sale involves more than mere cleaning; it’s about creating an irresistible allure that captivates potential buyers from the moment they lay eyes on your property.

In this blog, we will give you some tips to make sure your maximising your space to get your home sale-ready.

First impressions matter

It is vital that you make the most of that initial moment when a potential buyer first sees your property. Giving them that ‘wow’ moment when they see your home can significantly influence both the likelihood of them putting in and offer and the price you achieve for your property.

The exterior of your home sets the tone for what’s inside. Focus on these key areas to enhance curb appeal:

  • Driveway and house number – a professionally cleaned driveway and clearly visible house number or name on the front of the property or the gates to the driveway, helps to create an inviting entrance for potential buyers.
  • Landscaping – many properties we sell boast a significant amount of outside space. It is important that you make the most of these areas when it comes to selling your property. Hiring a landscaper to ensure lawns and hedges are well-kept can be fruitful in enticing offers from potential buyers.
  • Cleanliness – from windows and garage doors to entranceways and outdoor lighting, ensure everything sparkles and works seamlessly to really help boost your home’s curb appeal. A fresh lick of paint to exterior woodwork and boundary fencing can be impactful and will aid your cause.

Pristine interiors

Attend to the interior spaces meticulously to appeal to a wide array of buyers:

  • Kitchen – having appliances professionally cleaned can really help boost appeal. Make sure you pay attention to more than just the sides and appliances. Cleaning above eye level is crucial for making sure everything gleams for a potential buyer.
  • Windows and woodburning stoves – clean the internal windows to give a clear look and maintain wood burning stoves as not only will this help with the aesthetic look. It can also help provide a cosy ambiance during winter viewings.

Highlight unique selling points

Shine a spotlight on and accentuate your property’s unique features to entice potential buyers:

  • Showcase best features – take the time to dress up any standout areas like stunning bathrooms or bedrooms with fresh linens or decorative touches. By making it feel special, you can increase their appeal to potential buyers viewing the property.
  • Show off your unique elements – if your property benefits from a feature like a swimming pool, a bar, or a snooker room, then ensure these are primed for visitors. These rooms are perfect for creating that ‘wow’ moment for potential buyers, so make sure they are clean, working and welcoming.
  • Inviting atmosphere – create a welcoming ambiance with fresh scents and a well-lit, inviting space. Making it feel cosy and warm in the winter months will make potential buyers feel at home and like they belong there.

Outdoor spaces

Even though it may be cold, help potential buyers dream of what the outdoor space may be in the warmer months, make your garden and outdoor areas irresistible:

  • Garden appeal – We touched up on maintenance earlier to help create that instant appeal to a potential buyer. But it is important to build on this. Think along the lines of setting up the garden furniture and even getting out the barbeque. Create a vision for how potential buyers could spend the warmer, longer nights in the garden. Also, clean any garden pathways, and spruce up any outbuildings or garden rooms.

Declutter and Depersonalise

Potential buyers need to envision themselves living in your space. To facilitate this mental image:

  • Declutter – remove personal items and excess clutter to create a clean, spacious environment.
  • Pets and personal items – while pets are part of the family, keep them away during viewings. Ensure personal items are out of sight.
  • Appeal to renovation costs – highlight areas that have undergone improvement works and showcase recent updates to entice cost-conscious buyers.

By meticulously attending to these details, you not only elevate the appeal of your home but also increase the likelihood of achieving the price you desire. Remember, buyers seek a property that aligns with their vision, and by presenting your home in its best light, you create the perfect canvas for them to imagine their future within its walls.

Investing time, effort, and a bit of money in preparing your home for sale pays off tremendously in attracting the right buyers and ensuring a successful and rewarding sale experience.

If you’re looking to sell your home, get in touch with our expert team today.