Selling Tips for Property Owners

Peter Illingworth Estate Agent Kirkbymoorside, Malton and Pickering

TIPS FOR SELLING
We not only want to sell your home, but to sell it for the best possible price. We have therefore set out the following as a helpful guide to selling your home.

First Impressions count
First impressions are lasting. It is vital to create the right impression as potential buyers form an opinion of your home fast – in fact often within the first 20 seconds of arriving to view.

Exterior - The first sight of your home is when buyers arrive. You must make sure every part of this visual picture looks at its best. If the interior is beautiful they may never see it if the exterior is shabby. The pavement in front of your home should be swept clean if necessary, any weeds that are growing should be removed, unsightly bins hidden and any litter picked up.

Garden - Well maintained borders and a recently mown lawn can give the impression of a low maintenance garden which is an encouraging factor to prospective buyers. They want to see themselves relaxing in the garden and their children playing safely, so help create that impression for them.

Driveway - Make sure they are clean and free from weeds; if sections are cracked then have them repaired. If you think your car spoils the look of your house then park it away from the home.

Repair and Decoration - Nobody wants to inherit a leaking roof. It is important to ensure that your roof and rainwater goods are in good condition. Consider replacing any missing or broken tiles. Attend to any obvious repairs otherwise prospective purchasers may not even make the viewing. The front door is often what a buyer will focus on whilst they are waiting to be let in. Therefore, it is essential to clean and repaint the front door if necessary, and polish any brassware or hardware. A fresh coat of paint can be one of the best investments you can make to increase the value and, most importantly the saleability of your home. This one improvement can transform the look of your home. Replace any cracked or broken glass and ensure that the windows are cleaned inside and out. Again it is important to apply any touch-up paint where necessary. It is important that your house name or number is clearly visible. If they cannot find it they will not buy it!

Appeal to the senses…… An appealing and saleable interior can be created for surprisingly little cost. You could watch one of the many home improvement T.V programmes for tips.

Four main sensory tools which can have an enormous impact are:

Colour - Colours should be light and neutral when selling your home. Suggested colours for the exterior are white and cream. For internal walls, shades of white, off-white and very light pastels give rooms a light airy atmosphere. Bright colours should be used sparingly and only for accents such as flowers, curtains and other accessories if appropriate.

Light - Studies prove that people react more positively to properties with good lighting. The following steps should help lighten your buyers’ spirits. Mirrors can be used to magnify the feeling of space and light. Curtains opened to create a light cheerful atmosphere. Prior to viewings ensure all the lights in the house are on to help achieve a light cheerful setting.

Sound - Try to create a quiet, peaceful atmosphere in your house. Make sure there are no sounds from mechanical problems such as banging pipes and avoid the use of dishwashers and washing machines when buyers are around. Try to keep children amused and get teenagers to turn down music to help create a peaceful atmosphere.

Smell - Smell has more impact than you may think. It can work for or against you. A clean smell is important, particularly in Kitchens and Bathrooms, the use of furniture polish can also create the right atmosphere. Fresh flowers, pot-pourri and fresh coffee can help. Avoid unpleasant smells such as damp, cigarettes, pet odours and cooking oil

Presenting your interior……

Clutter - Remove it! Without doubt this is the best course of action. You can dispose of it, but if that is too painful why not put it in temporary storage.

Hall - Your Hallway is where a buyer’s first impression of the interior is formed. Here you have the chance to make a large statement in what is usually a small area. My advice here is to make sure your hall is well lit, clean, fresh smelling and has fresh flowers.

Living and Lounge Areas - Most people like to have an impressive and elegant room to live and entertain in. Hanging a mirror over your fireplace or opposite the window will make the room appear larger and bright. The use of up-lighters can also create dramatic visual effects behind furniture or large plants. If there is a fireplace then show it off with a warm inviting fire. In the spring and summer months it may be appropriate to decorate the fireplace with dried flowers or healthy plants. Make sure all carpets and rugs are clean, and any plaster cracks are repaired. This also applies to all other rooms in the house. Finally, it always helps to fill the room with fresh flowers and plants.

Kitchen - The Kitchen can be the most important room in the house when it comes to selling. Its condition has a direct effect on the value of your property. If it is in bad repair it may be worth making extensive improvements. The following ideas can increase your kitchens’ appeal without spending a fortune. First and foremost, ensure the room is spotlessly clean and smells fresh. Banish small appliances and clutter from the work surfaces. Out dated light features can be replaced by new spotlights for maximum impact, it may be appropriate to give the kitchen cabinets a face lift by installing new door furniture, hardware or even painting old doors and cupboards. Most potential purchasers like to check the cupboards, be sensible and organise your cupboards to show how much space there is. Finally, consider replacing badly worn flooring with a neutral vinyl floor covering or scatter floor mats.

Bathroom - Bathrooms are a major selling point, there are many ways you can improve an old bathroom sufficiently to add interest. Again it is important to freshen the air and hide all personal clutter. Remove any mould from showers and baths, consider replacing old towel racks and fixtures with new brass or chrome ones to match your décor.

Bedrooms - The bedroom is just as important. As before make sure all bedrooms are spotless. Rugs should be clean; the air filled with fresh smells, and remove any excess furniture. Consider the use of co-ordinating bedspreads and curtains, and cupboard organisers to utilise every inch of space effectively. Bedside lamps can brighten a room and add atmosphere, your bedroom can seem larger with mirrored wardrobe doors and carefully placed wall mirrors.

Showtime - When showing your home avoid having too many people present as your potential purchasers may feel like intruders and hurry through the house without seeing its best features. Never apologise for the appearance of your home, after all it has to be lived in. Make sure pets are not at home as not everyone likes them. From a security point of view make sure all valuables are kept from view. Allow buyers to enter the rooms first, especially if they are compact, as this increases the sense of spaciousness. Do not forget to mention the best features, as they may not see everything the first time. Remember not to overpower them. Some things that are important to you will not matter to them. It is best not to talk money during viewings. Refer them to us as we are there to negotiate on your behalf.

Summary… You can dramatically increase your property’s market potential by paying attention to detail. Potential purchasers need to be able to visualise themselves living in your house. You are selling a lifestyle as well as a home. We hope some of the ideas presented in this brochure will help you prepare your home for the market. Between us we will be successful in selling your property ensuring you can move on to your new home.