The peak period for homes going up for sale is spring and summer, with March the most popular month globally for putting homes on the market.
If you’ve been planning to sell your home, you will likely face some competition in the sellers’ market, meaning that you need to make sure your home stands out during those viewings and even in the online estate agent pictures.
Luckily, you don’t need a complete overhaul or renovation.
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Safety First
A home with peeling linoleum, exposed wires, or electrical sockets hanging off the wall is not going to sell or even appeal because it looks rough and is dangerous.
Have a look around your home and assess what needs to be fixed or installed to bring it up to code. Working fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are standard, but also check that all of the electrics are safe, as well as the gas.
Externally, you should check that any steps are not cracked or broken, and if you have a pool, you should look into glass pool fence installation. These will highlight to the buyers that the home is ready to move into and that they won’t have to spend a lot of money making it safe.
Declutter and Depersonalize
This is the bit that many homeowners who are looking to sell find hard.
In order to make the space appealing, you have to make it as blank as possible. This means removing all of the clutter around the space, such as books, papers, and pens, and taking down any family photos that you may have. You need to create a space where the potential buyer can see their own furniture and décor style, as this will improve interest.
Paint
Is your bedroom olive green? Paint it white. Or cream. In essence, you are aiming for neutral colors.
Painting the space white or other simple shades can brighten the space and, again, allow potential viewers to visualize how they will change the space when they move in. It is also advised that if you aren’t a dab hand with DIY, you should hire a professional decorator, as even an average paint or wallpapering job can become complicated.
Tend the Yard
Make sure that the front and back yards are free of weeds, and that any bushes or shrubs are trimmed back. If you have a path leading to the front door, make sure it’s clear and level to prevent trips or falls. You need to enhance curb appeal, and this is how you do that without tarmacking the driveway.
Improve Energy Efficiency
Houses with higher energy efficiency ratings sell for an average of 2-8% more, according to Energy Star. Rather than keeping your rickety washer and dryer, or your old fridge, try to upgrade to energy-efficient models. You may be taking them with you when you move, but having them in the space creates a positive look, especially as homebuyers are becoming more energy-conscious.
On a final note, when you have a solicitor or estate agent/realtor come to your house, write down their recommendations. They know what it takes to help your house stand out and can help you make a quick sale.
