Preparing your home for sale

When you have lived in a property for a long period of time it is sometimes difficult to see that whilst every property has good points, some areas can always benefit from maintenance or improvement.  When presenting your property for sale, it is important to ensure that the detail is looked after in order to ensure you attract the best possible price.  Don't forget - first impressions count for a lot!

Here are some pointers to think about when preparing your property for sale:

Less is more!

Removing excess furniture and ornaments can make spaces feel bigger and allow potential buyers the opportunity to 'see' themselves in your home with their own belongings. Clean out wardrobes and cupboards and ensure kitchen and bathroom surfaces are clear and clean.  If necessary, start to pack some items in boxes (you are going to have to pack anyway!) and store them at a friend's house, or rent a short term storage unit.

Be critical

Look around your home with a critical eye and decide what small odd jobs can be done to polish the presentation of your home.  Look out for things like:

Inside

• Chipped or cracked paint - fill and touch up with paint
• Blown light bulbs - replace
• Leaking taps and toilets - check washers and cisterns
• Doors and draws that don't open and close easily - these may just need some oil or wax to slide more smoothly
• Holes and dents in walls - fill and touch up with paint
• Consider repainting interior walls with neutral colours if they are currently strong colours

Outside

• Overgrown trees, and garden beds that have become overgrown with weeds
• Tired garden beds - consider mulching with pine bark or similar to freshen and tidy
• Peeling paint on fences - sand and give a quick coat of paint
• Dirty windows - clean inside and out
• Sweep paths and outdoor paved areas
• Mow lawn areas
• Clean away cobwebs

Open For Inspection Day

• Polish taps and mirrors
• Put fresh towels in the bathroom
• Ensure the air in the home is clean and fresh - open windows
• Vacuum
• Mop hard floor surfaces
• Open curtains or blinds
• Empty rubbish bins
• Straighten rugs
• Put fresh flowers in living and dining spaces
• Turn on the lights
• Dust in every room
• Wipe down sinks and appliances