The dos and don'ts of selling your home

Top 10 Dos and Don’ts of Property Selling

Property viewing is an important part of both the buying and renting experience. Viewers want to assess the condition of a potential home and picturing yourself in situ is one of the key motivators when thinking about signing on the dotted line.

A report from property portal Sell House Fast found that first impressions really do count and here is a list of would-be buyers top no-nos...

1. Sort those interiors

Of the 1,266 Brits surveyed, a whopping 76% said they would be put off by extensive cracks/marks/stains on walls, ceiling or floors.

2. Bathroom blunders

Seventy-one per cent said they felt “dissatisfied” when they found bathroom fixtures - such as sink, toilet, show etc - not functioning properly as this meant potential plumbing problems further down the line.

3. Go wireless

Plenty of property viewers – 66% - said they disliked the sight of exposed wire. Not only is this not very attractive, but it may also be a safety risk. So make sure you get your electrics sorted before putting the property on the market.

4. Ground force

Uneven, damaged or broken flooring was of concern for 63% of respondents. While a couple of creaky floorboards may add character to an older property, cracks can mean something worse lies beneath such as damp, or even worse possible subsidence.

5. Food for thought

For the past decade, kitchens have been a major selling point as families and singletons have opted for a larger area combining cooking, dining and a social area. It’s no surprise then to find that 54% of respondents said heavily damaged/broken/worn out kitchen cabinets/cupboards would be a hindrance to any sale.

6. Keep it clean

And finally – make sure everything that needs a good scrub gets a good scrub. Of those people surveyed, 49% said they were unimpressed when they see extensive mould in the bathroom.

What can sellers do to reel in those prospective purchasers?

7. Scrub up

Nearly three quarters (73%) of estate agents suggest thoroughly cleaning household appliances such as the fridge, microwave and oven before opening up your home to potential buyers.

London-based agent Mayur Shah said: “Those viewing properties can be extremely judgemental. If they see multiple household appliances in a less than a satisfactory state, they will then conclude that the current occupiers have not looked after or adequately maintained other parts of the property.

So, my advice is to pay equal attention to cleaning the small as well as big features - as they together form an overall picture of the property.”

8. Curb appeal

Outdoor areas should also take priority with 68% of estate agents strongly recommending making the garden as presentable as possible – which can be as simple as just mowing the lawn.

9. Depersonalise

Over half of the professionals surveyed advised taking down family photos, putting trinkets/ornaments away, therefore, allowing prospective buyers/renters the chance to better imagine themselves in the property – it will also save on packing time later!

10. Declutter

According to 51% of agents questioned, removing bulky furniture (such as sofa, dining table etc) in the main rooms of a property will not only create the impression of extra space but give those viewing the property a better idea of how they could utilise the space to best meet their living needs.

For more tips, visit sellhousefast.uk

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