
Finish off small DIY jobs – touch-up chipped woodwork and replace washers on dripping taps.
In order to sell your property for the best price possible it is advisable that the house is presented as unblemished as possible. However, before any renovation is undertaken, it is worth calculating the maximum potential value of your property. It is senseless to spend £20,000 on property improvements just to add £10,000 on the sale price. Research through property papers and liaise with estate agents to work out asking prices for similar properties.
Finish off small DIY jobs – touch-up chipped woodwork and replace washers on dripping taps.
A well-kept garden, pathway and fence are immediately appealing.
Water can cause major problems in unwanted places. Check your roof and guttering and replace broken tiles. It’s worth casting an eye over the drains too. A drain cleared before a blockage occurs is easier on the nose and the wallet!
A regular lick of paint will keep a property looking good and keep deterioration at bay. A newly-painted front door with shiny brass fittings always creates a good impression. When selling, a surveyor will be able to spot if attempts at ‘sprucing up’ your property are simply quick fixes – he’ll be much more impressed by ongoing maintenance.
Cutting the lawn can be a last-minute pick-me-up. Feeding it a couple of weeks beforehand will brighten it up and make it look healthy.
If your fitted kitchen units look tired, simply replace or paint and varnish the doors. This will be much cheaper than buying a new kitchen. If the units are in fairly good condition and only look dated, just replace the doorknobs, handles and taps. Another economical trick is to fit good, solid worktops on to existing units.
When selling your property a lot can be achieved by transforming the personal aspects of the house. The potential buyer wants to envisage them and their family living in the property, so create a warm and positive atmosphere to your home to help them along with the process.
Avoid strong food odours – don’t cook food such as fish or curry before a viewing as the smell will linger. The smell of freshly-baked bread or fresh coffee is said to provide a welcoming feel to a home.
Ask friends or family to look after any pets during viewings.
Try and make viewers feel comfortable. Offer them a coffee and ask them if they need any further information about bills or local amenities.