Spring is the perfect time to think about putting your house on the market. Gardens are in bloom, there’s plenty of good light and the good weather tends to encourage people to get out and about and in the mood to go house hunting. At this time of year, properties look their best and the market is full of buyers, with many families looking to match their purchase with the end of the school year.
Here are our top 10 tips to sell your house like a pro…
First impressions count – give your house some curb appeal
Most buyers make a decision within seconds of walking through the door. So don’t underestimate the importance of first impressions.
Give your house some curb appeal to help create an impact. Does your door, gate or fence need a lick of paint? What about investing in a new house number and a nice clean doormat?
Make sure your entrance is clear of clutter and debris. Bay trees, window boxes and pots of seasonal flowers will help create a wow factor and make your house stand out from the neighbours – not to be viewed as a waste of money as you can take them with you when you move.
Declutter, declutter
Eliminate that clutter! Clutter-free homes generally sell quicker and for a higher price than those full of family junk and memorabilia.
Look at your house and each room through a fresh pair of eyes. Declutter noticeboards, file that pile of bills and put shoes and coats away.
Get the kids involved to sort out their old toys to donate, recycle or sell – you’ll need to do this before you move anyway.
If you just don’t have the space to store everything and you don’t want to get rid, our short-term storage solutions mean that you can store everything until you’re ready to move into your new place.
Fix it
Broken handles, cat flap or chipped paint in the hallway? Take the time to repair things, you may have become blasé to the jobs that need doing around the house but you don’t want it to be the first thing that the buyer notices.
Spring clean
Cleanliness and tidiness should never be underestimated when you’re trying to sell your home. Make sure that before having your photos taken and before every viewing, each room has been cleaned from top to bottom.
Pay attention to your windows. Clean windows will make the house look light and airy and will show off other aspects of the house such as the garden.
Remove mould and mildew from the bathrooms to really make them shine. This can make all the difference between potential buyers thinking the bathroom needs a lot of work, to them thinking they can move straight in!
Create a lifestyle
Fresh flowers, the dining table set ready for a meal to be enjoyed, coffee table books, nicely made beds – create a lifestyle that potential buyers will be drawn to. Little things really do make a difference.
Showcase your home as a place people can imagine living. Create a lifestyle and define your rooms, make your dining room look like you actually eat dinner in there rather than using your table as a dumping ground. If you’ve got a spare room which you tend to use as an office, put your computer away and make the bed (a few extra cushions and a neat bedspread always look good).
Keep it neutral
If you’re planning on repainting a room or getting a new carpet to help sell your house, make sure it’s neutral. You may like colour but it’s not what you like that’s important. Think about how you can showcase the potential of the space and the blank canvas your house is providing.
Home aromas
Lighting candles, adding fresh flowers or brewing a pot of coffee ahead of viewing will add a nice aroma to your home and make it feel inviting.
Got pets? Think about removing the dog or cat bed from the kitchen ahead of viewings. And get that candle lit!
Don’t forget the garden
Think of your garden as an extension of the house, an additional room. For some buyers, the garden may be the deal-breaker. Again think about creating a lifestyle. Tidy away broken toys, cut the grass and weed the borders. If the weather allows, set your table for al fresco dining or buy new cushions for your garden furniture. Create the impression of luxurious outdoor living.
Garage & shed love
Don’t forget to show off your tidy garage, shed or outhouse. Take the time to declutter this area of your home too. Show how much extra space these areas provide and make them look as spacious as possible. Move items that are taking up all the room into storage so you can show off the space.
A potential buyer who is coming from a house without a drive or a garage will be excited about the prospect of having a garage to store their car, bike or tools.
Show it off like a pro
If you’ve taken the time to do all of the above, you should feel confident and proud to show off your house. Why not arrange viewings for when the children are at school so that you can professionally show off your house without the kids under your feet.
In order to help you sell your house like a pro, we’re offering eight weeks half-price storage. So get decluttering and put the house on the market.
Whether it’s short or long-term self-storage you need, our two state-of-the-art storage facilities in Hull and Beverley offer convenient and safe solutions tailored to your individual needs.
We’ve made storing your items simple and easy. With 24-hour access, we’re unique in that every single room at Store More is individually alarmed and can only be accessed by inputting your unique pin code.
A family-run, SSA approved business, we will not only match but better any comparable quote by 10%. To celebrate the start of spring we’re offering your first eight weeks storage half-price. Pop in to have a look around, drop us an email or give us a call.
