They say that first impressions count... You want a potential buyer to get the right feeling from the start. If your house looks unloved, it’s unlikely that even those with imagination will see past the clutter and the grime. After all, you’re trying to sell your property in the Sittingbourne area and move on, so of course you want people to like your house and put an offer in.

This handy guide from the team at Quealy & Co Estate Agents will help you generate more interest in your home and hopefully secure more offers too!  

Here are our top tips for preparing for a viewing on your house...  

Clutter

There is nothing worse than going to show people around a house we are marketing, only to open the front door and find the property is full of clutter. Okay, it might be family favourite toys and pictures and mementoes, or it might be piles of rubbish, but you must realise that prospective buyers want to see the house. They’re not interested in your knick-knacks! Seeing piles of bits and bobs will simply put them in the wrong frame of mind.

Top tip: As you will be moving anyway, take the opportunity to box things up and store them away, or get rid of unwanted items. If you’re downsizing, it’s a perfect time to get rid of the clutter.  

Pet Hates

You love your cat or your dog but prospective buyers coming to look around your house may not like pets or could even be allergic to them. It sounds harsh, but it is best if you can get a friend or a neighbour to look after your pet for an hour or two.

Top tip: Give your house a good clean and light a scented candle before a visit by a prospective buyer. It’ll help get rid of the smell of a cat or dog.  

Garden

If you’ve got a front garden, tidy it up and make sure the grass is cut or the hedge has been given a trim. First impressions matter so take the time and effort to get it right. If you have children, tidy away all their toys and really show your garden off.

Top tip: Set the scene; if it’s nice and sunny, put a table and chairs outside so that the garden looks inviting.  

Nose blind

Because you’re in your home day in day out, you may be blind to the smells of your house. Using diffusers and scented candles sensibly will help make it smell nice for a potential buyer.

Top tip: Think about the seasons. If it’s winter, choose a fragrance that ties in with the time of year. Try spiced fruits or cinnamon in Winter perhaps and floral fragrances during the Spring .

Bathroom

Your bathroom is key to making a good impression. There’s nothing worse than a dirty, smelly bathroom for making people think that a house is unloved.

Top tip: Present your bathroom with folded towels and some flowers placed on the windowsill in a nice vase. Store all the soaps, gels and toiletries away in cupboards.  

Space

Space is often at a premium, so help the potential buyer realise just how much they will be getting if they purchase your property.

Is your furniture making a room look small? Are there too many toys or books lying around?

Top tip: Take a moment to look at a room and put yourself in the shoes of the buyer. If you think a room looks too busy, it might be time to rearrange the chairs or bookshelves.  

Home staging

Staging isn’t just for theatre. Make a lasting impression by making your house look good. Put fruit in a bowl, flowers in vases, place a home decor magazine on a side table. Understand that you have to give your home a chance, so make it look great.

Top tip: If you need inspiration, go and have a look at a homeware, furniture or home decoration shop as they are experts when it comes to staging room scenes.    

Quealy & Co Estate Agents are here to help with every aspect of your move

At Quealy & Co, our team have years of experience in selling properties in the Sittingbourne area. So, if you need some advice, get in touch with our friendly team.

Call us on 01795 429836 or email hello@quealy.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced team.

 

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