Have you decided to sell your property? Make sure you give yourself the best possible chance of selling it as quickly as possible and at a fair price. Here are 5 tips to help you sell your home within a reasonable timeframe and, above all, ensure a successful sale.
1. Help potential buyers to picture themselves living there
First impressions are the most important, particularly when it comes to buying a property. It is essential that potential buyers are able to visualise themselves living there. That is why we advise you to clear the rooms of clutter to show the spaces off to their best advantage.
How can you declutter?
- Remove any extra furniture that can sometimes make a room feel cluttered
- Change the position of the sofa if it is placed across the room
- Tidy up the utility room or the study, which are often rooms where we store things
- …
But there’s no question of just shoving everything into the garage or the loft, as these are often assets and need to look presentable.
If your property requires major renovation work, do not hesitate to consult an architect who can draw up plans and provide them to potential buyers.
2. Let in the light and bring in nature
A bright, nature-focused property will attract more visitors. Open your curtains and blinds wide and let the sunshine into your home.
If you don’t have an outdoor area, that’s all the more reason to highlight the brightness inside the property.
On the contrary, if you have a lovely garden, clear your windowsills to unobstruct the view.
3. Invest in minor repairs
A broken door handle, a tap that needs replacing, a spotlight that needs changing… All these minor repairs can give potential buyers the impression that you’ve been neglecting the property. Have a look round the house and fix anything that can be easily repaired so as not to put off visitors.
And for rooms that feel stuck in the past, a quick lick of paint and a few more modern pieces of furniture will be enough to breathe new life into them and help them sell.
If more extensive work is required, do not hide this under any circumstances; be transparent. Otherwise, it could come back to haunt you later, and may even be considered a hidden defect. You can also obtain quotes from tradespeople to help potential buyers get a sense of the budget involved.
4. Bring your outdoor spaces to life
Your garden is a real asset to your property. If it’s in need of some attention, roll up your sleeves and breathe new life into your garden, as it can increase the value of your property and – who knows – perhaps make it love at first sight for visitors.
On the other hand, if the garden is too cluttered with furniture or garden decorations, have a clear-out. Once again, potential buyers need to be able to picture themselves living there.
5. Highlight your property’s strengths
If visitors are going to fall in love with your property, it’s likely to be because of one of its key features or unique characteristics. So make sure you highlight these and mention them during viewings: original wooden flooring, high ceilings, two or more bathrooms…
But please feel free to mention the surrounding area as well: near a school, a bus stop, a bakery…
A successful property sale starts, above all, with an accurate valuation
It is not easy to determine the value of a property, as it depends largely on a number of factors (location, energy performance certificate, floor area, etc.). Accurately valuing it is a crucial step in ensuring the sale proceeds smoothly. If you overvalue your house, the sale may take a very long time. Nor, of course, is the aim to sell your house at a knock-down price.
That is why it is often recommended to consult a property expert who will be able to value your home accurately and thus help you successfully sell your property.