Preparing Your Home for a Viewing

It has been said that a buyer will make up their mind 30 seconds after walking thorough your front door. But do not panic not all is lost if you follow a few simple rules you can present your house in the best possible light and achieve a quick sale. There are four main areas that you should focus on when preparing your home for a viewing:

Cleaning
Painting
De-cluttering
Repairs

You should walk round your house and go into each room and ask yourself; does it need painted? Is there anyway I can de-clutter and de-personalise this space? If there are any repairs that need doing no matter how small do them! Of course, you should make sure that your home is as clean as it can be and sparklingly fresh, have a last minute wipe down of all surfaces, window condensation or steamy mirrors before your viewers arrive.

Here are some top tips on presenting your kitchen. There is no doubt about it a good kitchen helps your house sell. If your kitchen needs replacing and you have the time and funds available then it is most definitely worth doing, but if you do not then a few strategic alterations could make all the difference. For instance what about replacing the handles on all your cupboard doors or drawers, some nice new modern designs will instantly lift dull and dreary cabinets. Or perhaps you could replace the taps or sink if it is a bit tired looking, if you have some new small appliances put them out and show them off. One key rule when preparing your kitchen or indeed your home is to get rid of all evidence of pets, this includes, food/water bowls, baskets, blankets and most importantly smells! It is paramount throughout your house that it smells fresh so refrain from cooking anything strong smelling that lingers before you have a viewing.

It is a common misconception that the aromas of fresh coffee and bread baking helps viewers fall in love with your property. Wrong, bread makes viewers hungry and the smell of coffee ties you into offering them a cup do you want them stayimg around for a chat afterwords. Maybe leave that till the second or third visit.

When presenting your bedroom it is very important to have the temperature right, people do not like to sleep in over hot stuffy bedrooms. Maybe open the window for a while beforehand to let some fresh air in. As with the rest of your property it is helpful to try and remove the personal touches, viewers do not want to invision you in their potential new home, they want to see themselves. It is worthwhile sprucing up your bed, with some new linen, maybe a throw and some new scatter cushions. Neutral colors are always best in a property that is for sale so think, creams, taupes, light coffee colors etc... When you are preparing your bedroom think sophisticated hotel room and you are almost there.

It is a good idea to have all the measurements of your house to hand as this will no doubt help your viewers imagine their furniture etc...in the property. You should be relaxed about your property it is a good idea to have other information handy like utility bills and plus points of the area. It is imperative that you present rooms in the best possible way or rather the most financially lucrative way. For example a single room is more valuable than a box room as is a study or office.

Last of all kerb appeal, this is extremely important because first impressions count, potential buyers will have to have a good feel of the area and like the outside before they shall want to look inside. Things to look out for are; make sure the front of your house is well lit and that the door bell is working. Keep your garden or front entrance nice and tidy, grass cut, paths swept, front door painted, make sure that guttering and facias are well maintained. It is popular today to have lots of trees or shrubs, bird feeders or baths in a garden as viewers like to see nature in their own garden, also, try to keep it as low maintenance as possible.

In this day and age it is very important for your home to be as energy efficient as possible, make sure you have had your house insulated, windows sealed and weather stripping on your doors.

Here are some final tips to maximize your chance of selling quickly; when you have a viewing make sure you do not have any appliances running. Pay attention to the finer details e.g. your curtains being neatly drawn, plants in the bathroom and always show your best rooms first and last. With property prices being as turbulent as they are following these steps will help you greatly in selling your home.