Go across the road and take a look at your house. What stands out? If it’s the lovely foliage or the immaculately painted sash windows, you’re probably doing fine. If it’s a broken roof tile and/or a peeling door frame you might want to have a tidy up of your house’s exterior. Buyers will often drive past a property (several times) to get a first impression before they decide to view. They might do the same when they are deciding whether to make an offer. Tidy up the garden, de-clutter the driveway, give the front door a makeover with some fresh paint or door furniture, whatever it takes. Every little helps.
…the ones you might have been putting off for a while, like re-hanging the door that doesn’t close or putting a washer on that dripping tap. Repairs can be easily ignored when you see them every day, but when a buyer comes to view they stand out a mile and can make the place look a bit shabby. You don’t want them wondering what else they might find. Go around every room in your house and make a fix it list then get them sorted.
Take a step back for a moment and try to view your home objectively. Are there any areas that could be tidied up by a quick coat of paint. Are there any door handles coming loose or carpets looking lumpy? There’s no need to go overboard – it’s good to show some personality, but resolving issues before a potential buyer has time to even worry about them is always a good idea.
It is never too early to start decluttering. Getting rid of a little bit each day can make a huge difference to the process, meaning less of a huge task when it comes to moving. It also means you don’t have to hide a multitude of belongings at every viewing. This becomes extremely tiresome after a while.
Also, buyers often struggle to see themselves and all their possessions in your house if it is extremely cluttered. If you clear away particularly distinctive decor/furnishings and arrange your belongings in an attractive fashion, your potential buyers are more likely to envisage themselves and their own belongings in your home. Consider putting non essential, space consuming items into storage until you move.
