Here is the next Instalment of our Top Tips on Selling your home...
Keep it clean
“Kitchens sell houses” is a favourite saying, but it’s only true if the kitchen is spotlessly clean. And the same applies to every room in your home. So make sure your property sparkles from top to bottom. Because it not only looks more attractive, an immaculate home also reassures potential buyers that it’s been well maintained in all respects.
So it’s important that your property looks clean, but it should smell clean too, because aromas can produce strong emotional responses. That’s why many people recommend that you brew fresh coffee or warm some bread in the oven before your viewers arrive. That’s a far more appealing option that wet dog or vintage cat litter.
If you have a dog, it’s a good idea to arrange for someone to take it for a walk during viewings - not everyone is an animal lover. It’s also worth checking that your pooch’s odour can’t be detected around your home. So always ask your agent if they can detect any unpleasant smells - they’re sure to be more honest than a neighbour or a friend!
Kitchens & bathrooms sell
We’ll say it again - kitchens sell houses. It’s a lifestyle thing. People want to walk into a kitchen and be blown away by the lighting, the worktops, and the units. They want to be able to picture themselves pan-frying the sea bass and chopping shitake mushrooms while the champagne chills in the fridge. It’s simple psychology, but it works. So if your kitchen is dated, maybe a little tired, then do what you have to do to turn it around.
You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve on a limited budget. New cabinet doors, new worktops, or even just new handles can make a huge difference. Or maybe some contemporary tiling can shift the tone from drab to fab. And if it’s all too far gone, why not consider a whole new kitchen? It’s possible to buy a really nice quality kitchen without breaking the bank. And it’s all money well spent because whatever you do, it’s going to add to the value of your property. Think of it as an investment.
The same applies to bathrooms, and the key thing to remember here is to ignore personal taste. When it comes to suites, you can have any colour you like so long as it’s white. It doesn’t matter if you’re not a fan - you’re not going to be living with it for long. So treat it as a business decision. And please resist the urge to save money and go DIY. Get the job done professionally, spend the cash, and you should see a healthy return on your investment when the offers start coming in.