Regular monthly Blackmore Vale property commentary column in the Blackmore Vale from Susie and Brad the North Dorset Team at Meyers
How to present your home
Ensuring that your property is well presented is the key to achieving the maximum amount of interest and therefore the best possible price. We have summarised what we believe are the quickest and most cost-effective ways of adding value to your home:
- Declutter
Decluttering will help buyers envisage what the property could look like if they were living there. Consider getting rid of or putting into storage unnecessary bulky furniture that makes the room look smaller. Also remember that serious buyers may well want to take a peek inside your cupboards and storage spaces so give them a tidy and consider only having them 75% full rather than bursting at the seams, if it doesn’t look like there is enough storage for you, they will worry there isn’t enough for them!
- Go neutral
Bold colours are very personal. Consider giving the walls a fresh lick of paint in a neutral colour. This creates a blank canvas and will enable viewers to more easily envisage it as their home. This will also make your home feel much lighter and bigger. “Timeless” from Dulux is a great one.
- Clean, tidy and fix
Remember that each time a buyer sees something that needs fixing they could mentally reduce the maximum offer they would make on your house. Don’t let a small fix be the reason you don’t achieve your full asking price. Consider fixing holes in walls, broken doorknobs, replacing old grout and removing any stains on the carpets.
We also advise cleaning thoroughly throughout to ensure your property looks well cared for.
- Light and airy
Wall mirrors can help a room look bigger and lighter. Clean your windows inside and out, replace any broken light bulbs and consider putting a lamp in any dark corners. Add a few green house plants to help create an airy fresh look. A light and airy room feels bigger and therefore makes your property more attractive to buyers.
- Odours
Bad smells are the single biggest turn off for prospective buyers. Fix the source of the smell, clear drains, wash bins, open windows, watch out for that “wet dog” smell and air the kitchen from cooking smells.
You may also want to consider spritzing the house prior to a viewing with a fresh smelling room spray.
- First impression count
Buyers will be judging your home before they even walk through the door. If you look at your property from the road, does it look well maintained and tidy? Consider giving the front door a deep clean or a fresh lick of paint and buying a bright outdoor plant or hanging basket.
If you would like a copy of our “Seller’s Guide” which gives these tips in full detail, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team!
Brad Hansford – Shaftesbury branch on 07814 962 161
Susie Palin – Blandford Forum branch on 07570 357 553
