When it comes to selling your property, you will obviously want to receive as high a price for it as possible. Who wouldn’t?
In order to make sure you do it’s worth paying a little attention to all those little sore points you’ve been ignoring over the past few years. This could range from the dripping tap in the bathroom to the piece of wallpaper that falls down slightly at the top of the hallway. Yes, these are cosmetic changes but they do alter the way your property looks and it’s these little things that can put buyers off slightly, meaning they won’t be willing to offer top dollar for your house.
So, apart from the above, what other cosmetic and little alterations can you make that will increase the value of your property? Here are some of our ideas right here:
Top tips for selling your home
- Redecorate. That means giving the hallway, kitchen, sitting room (and, in fact, the entire house) a lick of paint – if you have the time and inclination. Just think how much more value it’s going to add to your house. At the same time, make sure there are no cracks or holes that need filled with a little putty etc.
- Kerb appeal. While you’re at it, paint and varnish the front door too. Fix a new knocker and letterbox if the old ones are looking a little worn out or tarnished. Get a house name plate or door number display too.
- Neat garden. Kerb appeal extends to a front garden too, of course. If you don’t have the time to weed it then at least cut the grass and pull out any overgrown clumps on the pathway or beside the front door steps. Ideally, have some decking out the back so that it feels like an extension to the house and if it’s at the other side of some French doors then it’s like having another room (one for entertaining in during the hot summer weather when everyone wants to be outdoors).
- Double glazing. These days most homes are double glazed and if yours aren’t then it may be worth considering getting it done before you move. You’ll recoup the investment as it will almost certainly put the value of your home up. In fact, not having it done could put some buyers off. That’s because double glazing doesn’t just mean energy savings (no heat will be escaping out the gaps in windows) but it’s also great for keeping noise out if your house is beside a road.
- Tidy up. No-one likes clutter. It feels ‘tiring’ to look at and it will make a room appear smaller. Even too much furniture can spoil the look of a room if there’s not enough space to move round in.
- Pets. If you have a dog then take him or her round to a friend’s while you’re expecting viewers. Dogs can leave a smell while both cats and dogs can be prone to leaving hair everywhere if they’re casting. Also, your viewers may be allergic to cats or terrified of dogs.
- Heating. If you’re selling in the winter then make sure you set up the heating to come on while your viewers are around. Who doesn’t love a cosy home, after all – especially if it’s freezing outside? And, if it’s on a winter’s afternoon that your viewers are turning up then make sure you make the most of ambient side lamps too – use them to light up dark corners to make a room feel larger.
- Kitchen makeover. We don’t mean getting a while new kitchen, but even replacing the cupboard doors for a more contemporary style could make a huge difference to the overall look of the kitchen. Replacing cupboard handles works too.
Meanwhile, it you are thinking of making larger alterations then take heed from the words of Mark Hayward, who is chief executive of the estate agent’s trade body NAEA Propertymark.
He said: “It’s important not to over-personalise the décor so it appeals to future buyers, and will allow them to adapt the property to fit their own needs.
“In one of our member surveys, half of estate agents think that adding a bedroom (usually a loft conversion) adds the most value, while a third of agents thought a new kitchen was the best choice.”