It’s a more challenging market at the moment, but people still want to move. Following these tips could well make the difference between buyers choosing your home and someone else’s, says Simon Dunand
1 Make sure your property has kerb appeal by sprucing up your outside space in the front. Tidy beds and put some pretty plants outside the front door, make sure the paintwork is clean and tidy and polish front door furniture.
2 First impressions count when people enter your home. Make sure your home smells appealing, don’t leave cat litter around and air the house before viewings by opening windows.
3 Remove all personal photographs and neutralise decoration. People want to imagine themselves living there, so don’t make it personal.
4 De-clutter any lobby areas overflowing with coats and boots – put them in a cupboard temporarily. Make beds and tidy the floor area, so people are not stepping over your belongings.
5 Improve lighting to enhance ambience and invest a little money in soft furnishings. They can greatly improve the look of your rooms for little outlay.
6 Clean and tidy surfaces in the kitchen and make sure it doesn’t smell of last night’s dinner and don’t leave washing up in the sink! Bathrooms should be de-steamed and all personal belongings removed. People do not want to see evidence of your shaving or showering.
7 If you have a fire, light it to add that warm and welcome feeling.
8 Place some flowers in a vase to make the hallway welcoming.
9 Vacuum before viewings so the carpets look clean and free of debris.
10 Most importantly, be out for viewings if you can. Prospective buyers want to talk about your house with the agent and be relaxed while view the property. Your presence may make them feel uncomfortable and put them off.
Simon Dunand is managing partner at estate agent Gascoigne-Billinghurst.