Now your house is on the market you have to stop thinking of it as your home and start thinking of it as a house and an asset. Fond memories of time spent in the property are irrelevant to prospective buyers. Think how each area is defined, does each room have a purpose and is it the purpose which it was designed for. You are selling a lifestyle to the buyer, they have to be able to imagine themselves living in your house.
THE DOCTOR IS IN
How to present your house to the best advantage
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Here are a few tips to help you present the property to its best advantage:
LOUNGE
- Hide all the family photos, golfing trophies and souvenirs, they only distract buyers attention and prevent them from seeing themselves living there.
- Pay attention to the windows, clean them, take away clutter that’s obstructing the view and make sure they are well framed with curtains or blinds.
- Make a focal point of a fireplace or a special piece of furniture.
- Tidy up the bookshelves and create space with well-placed ornaments.
- Arrange the furniture so that there is easy passage through the room.
- Having all the furniture lined up around the walls only makes the room look smaller and unwelcoming.
- Good lighting can enhance the space and show off the room to its best.
- Remove all evidence of pets and children.
- Add finishing touches, colour and life can be bought into the room by use of cushions, pictures, rugs and flowers – be careful not to overdo it though.
DINNING ROOM
- If you are fortunate enough to have a separate dining room (however small it may be) don’t let it double as an office or play room.
- Avoid clutter, especially on the table, your buyer needs to picture themselves sitting down to eat.
- If you need to freshen the walls use a neutral colour.
- Don’t crowd the room, you should be able to walk around the table.
- Freshen up old dining chairs with new seat covers or small cushions.
- Cover a tatty table with a new tablecloth or runner.
- If there is no separate dining room find a space which can be used as a dining area and define it with a table and chairs.
- Fresh flowers in a beautiful vase can give the centre of the table a focus.
KITCHEN
- Clean thoroughly, your kitchen needs to look hygienic and functional.
- Clear away any clutter, including last night’s washing up and the bread maker you’ve never used.
- Make sure the room is light and bright with neutral walls and accents of colour.
- If the units are dated consider painting them or replacing the doors or handles.
- If the floor is worn put down a new covering.
- Finish off all minor repairs, don’t give the impression that an expensive new kitchen is needed.
- Get rid of evidence where pets eat or sleep, buyers might find it offensive.
- Put on a jug of coffee, homely smells such as baking and cinnamon can really give the house a feel of home.
BATHROOM
- No bathroom can be too clean so get everything fresh and sparkling
- De-clutter all surfaces – no-one needs to see what brand of shampoo you use.
- If the tiles are looking tatty re-grout them or even add a coat of tile paint.
- Ensure your privacy with a new blind on the window or a frosted glass effect
- Finish off all those DIY jobs, install extra lighting or storage if needed.
- Purchase a new shower curtain and coordinating towels to make the bathroom feel clean and fresh
BEDROOM
- Walls should be painted in soft neutral colours.
- If the floors look worn cover them with neutral rugs
- Clear all clutter, this is however the one room where it is alright to display a few well chosen personal photos.
- Arrange the furniture so that it appears spacious and bright.
- Make a feature of a window with a view framing it with a pair of attractive colour coordinated curtains.
- Make sure the bed linen is clean, ironed and coordinated
- Make sure all rooms designated as bedrooms have a bed in them and a place to put clothes
- Remove pets from bedrooms
- Check the lighting, make sure the shades are clean and the bulbs are working so that the best features are highlighted.
OUTSIDE
- Make sure the house has “curb appeal” so the buyer doesn’t walk away before even entering
- Ensure the garden is clean and tidy, weeded and buy some brightly coloured plants in pots to give it some life
- Create an area for a garden table and chairs to show the buyer that they can sit and enjoy the sun – this is why they are buying in Spain