Selling your home? Here’s how to get it ready

 

 

 

Moving on and selling your home might be a significant milestone but it doesn’t have to be too stressful. With average house prices increasing by almost 12% in the year leading up to April 2022 – and continuing to do so – now could be the best time to receive equity.

In the following guide, we’ve outlined some top tips to get your property ready for viewings, and increase your chances of making a sale soon after putting it on the market.

1. Do a deep clean

Potential buyers will look at every detail.

Making sure that you haven’t left any rubbish or clutter around your home and polishing the surfaces will help you to cultivate a better first impression. Starting a deep clean might feel overwhelming, so it’s worth focusing on the following areas:

 - The kitchen: Clean and disinfect drawers, cupboards and corners, sweep the floors, and add shine to surfaces.
 - The bathrooms: Leave a streak-free shine on the mirrors, taps, sinks and shower screens, and make sure that bathrooms are well ventilated.
 - The carpets: Wash or replace any stained or mouldy carpets.
 - The clutter: Move your belongings to storage and leave floors and surfaces clear.

2. Tackle any repairs

While you might not need to start any new major refurbishment projects, you should still complete any repairs in your home. From leaky taps to sticky doors, smaller details can be dealbreakers.

Not only will this ensure that everything will be in working order for the next occupier, but it also means that buyers won’t be put off by the thought of spending even more. If you need to fork out some extra cash to buy tools and equipment for this essential maintenance, it could be worth considering bad-credit loans to help cover the costs.

3. Keep it homely

While you might be tempted to remove your favourite décor and family photos before viewers come round, these items actually help to show that the house has been lived in and cared for. If the property is too clean and eerily empty, potential buyers might consider it clinical and be put off.

4. Spruce up

If you have a garden, patio or any outdoor space on your property, it’s important to make it look inviting before you show potential buyers around. Almost two-thirds of people consider a tidy front garden a key feature of a property, so don’t hold back on the shears.

5. Have all the paperwork to hand

Whether you’re using an agent or hosting the viewings by yourself, it’s a sensible idea to have all the necessary paperwork within easy reach. Along with giving a strong first impression, it should help you to answer any possible questions asked by viewers on the day to help to speed up the process.