Sellers Guide

A sellers guide... remember first impressions count!

1. Approaching your property, a For Sale sign will aid potential purchasers in finding your house easily, avoiding searching for it in evenings and causing stress.

2. Take care in presenting the frontage to the property.
Driveways should be car-free for viewings. Lighting is a good way of welcoming visitors. Ensure you have an unobstructed walk to the front door.

3. A warm friendly greeting and introduce yourselves. The entrance hall must be completely clear and clutter free (buyers will often decide if they like/dislike the house within those first thirty seconds, so first impressions are vital!).

4. Open all doors and draw curtains back fully. If the room appears dark, do not be afraid to turn lights on.

5. De-personalise all rooms - removing ornaments and excessive decorations in order to make your home appeal to as many viewers as possible. Your house must appear to be light, spacious and airy and as much as possible, a blank canvass, which potential buyers can impose their personal taste on.

6. As all the TV programmes say, neutral wall colours and plain carpets give a feel of lightness and space, making the house feel clean and well kept. Avoid tobacco and pet odour smells. Fresh coffee is a smell that most people enjoy or use fresh smelling air fresheners. Air the house 2/3 hours before viewings.

7. Bedrooms need to appear as spacious as possible. Remove items from any surfaces and windowsills.

8. Often the smallest bedroom can appear overcrowded with a bed and furniture in it. Do not be concerned if you need to present this room as a study instead. It will not decrease the value, in fact, more often than not, people generally use this room as a study/home office anyway.

Outside

9. Keep gardens free of children's play items. Keep lawns and hedges manicured. Lighting can also be a key factor, making your home look as attractive and inviting as possible.

10. Remember that you have decided to move home, so if you need to box up a number of your personal belongings to sell the house, it can only help save time once you have sold and are preparing to move.

And Finally...

Think about where you live carefully.
Are you near a school? If so, avoid viewings around closing time.
Are you near a rail station? If so, avoid viewings as the inter-city flies past.
Do lots of children play in the street? If so, avoid times when there are lots playing outside the house.
If you live on a busy through road, avoid rush hour viewings.