A Tidy Profit

Follow these simple money-making guides to show off your home to it’s best……

Our homes are perpetually on the market because we are always on the look for ‘something’ better and if we find that ‘better’ something then we want to be able to swiftly up sticks and move on!

There was a great article in the Daily Mail last week from Rosie Millard exampling viewings from two different style houses – the first being a Queen Anne terraced house, very Dickensian with lots of  clutter and character – the second being an immaculate house with white floors, white walls, white orchids and no flaws – which would sell or rent out quicker – The second one of course, without a shadow of a doubt.  The second should sell in a matter of days – the golden rule is Perfect Presentation – without being too personal.

If your house is going on the market at the high-end, the look you might need to think  to copy is that of  Boutique Hotel.  Think Ian Schrager Hotels  http://bit.ly/1iPm3Tx where by he says “Traditional luxury belongs in the past” and “Be Creative, Create”.

Be careful about the number of personal bits and pieces you have around the house.  If you have something ‘old’ that you feel you can’t leave and want to take with you ie. curtains, lampshades, coffee table….. take them out and replace them with something new and contemporary, this will freshen up the room and make the buyer think they have struck lucky by inheriting them!

At all costs AVOID clutter and mess!!  Unmade beds, dishes in the sink, dirty hob/oven, dirty ring around the bath are complete NO NO’s, clothing being dried on radiators etc….. TIDY UP BEFORE SHOWING YOUR HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If the house looks tidy, it gives the impression that the new owner could move in immediately.

The second biggest HORROR to see when visiting a property is ‘old-fashioned’ effects ie. Dado rails, dark carpets – remove them BEFORE you put your house on the market.  Also coloured bathrooms have a huge negative effect, orange, avocado, dark brown – take them out and replace with WHITE.  It doesn’t have to cost the earth, there are plenty of trade suppliers who can do it very cost effectively and this could add as much as 10% onto the value of your home.  Towels in the bathroom need to look neat and tidy, either fold them up or get rid of them for viewing.  Check all spotlights are working and leave them on ready for when your viewer arrives.  Go through your house beforehand and check all switches to make sure they working, open all curtains and move any piles of clothing.

Another key area to impress is the Kitchen.  Mismatched utensils is not good, unless it has a theme and looks ‘planned’. If an expensive kitchen had all appliances matching and then one was replaced that didn’t match, you have just transformed the appearance from sleek to mishmash.

So to summarise; make your home comfy, but not too personal, cosy, but not cluttered, make sure your bathroom is white and your appliances in the kitchen match.

If you’ve got that…. You should sell your home in days.

If you need help with ideas on home staging your property ready to sell, please call us on 0843 523 6620 for some free advice and we can arrange a free consultation or an Room audit if you send us a picture.