Spring/ early summer is one of the most popular times of year to move house. Here OnTheMarket.com reveals top tips on getting your home in order and ready to sell this season.
Spring/ early summer can be a great time of year for sellers to put their home on the market because when the schools break-up for summer people are often occupied with holidays and in the winter, the majority of people are busy with family and celebrations in the run-up to Christmas.
It’s also the perfect time of year to make changes to your home before putting it on the market. Naturally it’s the time of year for a good spring clean and to organise the household.
So if you’re thinking of moving home this spring/ early summer, OnTheMarket.com agent Kivells suggests it would be good to consider the following points:
- First impressions are important – buyers will be judging your home before they even get through the front door. If the front of your home has a scruffy appearance this may put buyers off from even booking a viewing at the property. As well as cleaning you should consider painting the building, front door and garage door. Keep the guttering, drive and windows clean, tidy and in good working order.
- A spring clean is crucial – it’s key to make sure your home has that fresh feel because it will make it more appealing to buyers. Clean behind all your furniture, get rid of any dirt in tiles and in grout and dust away any cobwebs. When cleaning up your home don’t forget about the garden, have a good tidy-up of any furniture, toys or the BBQ and make sure the front and rear gardens are free from weeds, ready for viewings. You want your garden to be as appealing as your home, put in some colourful bedding plants, keep the grass cut and lay out garden furniture to show its potential.
- Take care of minor repairs in your home – when it comes to selling your home, it really is the little things that count. Minor repairs tend to take a back seat in the home – this could include broken switches, holes in walls, broken handles or damaged kitchen cupboards. These need to be sorted before any pictures are taken or before any viewings take place. You want your home to be in tip-top condition for any potential buyers.
- Unclutter your home – it’s important to give the illusion of a clear space because clutter can distract the attention away from the features your home has to offer and give the impression your home is untidy. Keep surfaces clear and store your bits and bobs neatly away in cupboards and draws.
- Storage space is key – many buyers want to buy a property with plenty of storage and space so make sure you make use of the storage you have available. Potential buyers viewing your home are likely to snoop, so keep cupboards organised and tidy to ensure you give the impression of more space. Make your home feel roomy, remove any bulky furniture and put it into storage – consider rearranging your rooms to show maximum space and keep walkways clear. Wall mirrors can make a room feel bigger, consider putting some up especially in small rooms and hallways.
- Let there be light – As the days start getting longer again, it’s the perfect time for you to show off any natural light in your home so keep your windows clean and clutter-free and the blinds/ curtains drawn so your visitors can see each room at its full potential. For those darker rooms or spaces, ensure you increase the wattage in your bulbs and change any light bulbs that are no longer working.
- Don’t forget the finishing touches – dressing your home will make it more appealing to viewers. Decorating with neutral colours can make your property feel fresh and create the impression of a blank canvas, so the potential buyer can picture living there. It also helps to ensure windows are properly dressed with curtains or blinds.
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