Top tips for selling your home

After much deliberation and months of planning, the time has finally come and you are ready to put your property on the market. However, as anybody who has sold a home before knows, this is no mean feat.

There is plenty to think about when presenting it to prospective buyers. From creaky floorboards to discoloured carpets, there could be a whole host of factors affecting how people view your home.

To help you better understand how you could maximise your selling potential, we've put together a list of top tips for when putting it on the market.

Increase your kerb appeal

Your home’s exterior will give prospective buyers several hints as to how well the property is cared for and what they should expect inside. Just these 2 factors alone could be what makes a viewer pursue your property, so it pays to make a great first impression!

Before putting your home on the market, spruce up its exterior. For instance, could your front garden do with a tidy? Is your roof moss-free? Would your front door benefit from a lick of paint? Ensuring your home looks great from the outside is a simple yet effective way to get prospective buyers to your door.

Now you’ve made your house picture-perfect, it’s time to hand over to your estate agents who will take some photographs. They will also erect the For Sale sign out front, which will attract any potential buyers who happen to pass by your property.

Money Helper recommends that you ask how the agents intend to market your property online too, as this will be the primary way viewers spot your home.

De-clutter

Potential buyers are interested in more than just the bricks and mortar, they’re looking at how they will make the house their own. Your job is to make it as presentable as possible and this means getting rid of needless clutter.

While it’s still important to infuse your home with character, too much clutter could make it difficult for the viewer to envision themselves living in your space. This could deter them from making an offer.

Create ambience

If you have ever viewed a property before, you will probably remember certain aspects that drew you in. Perhaps it was the pleasant aroma that welcomed you as you entered? Maybe it was the gorgeous natural lighting that poured into each room? Whatever it was, you remember the home not simply for what was inside but also how it made you feel.

Draw comparisons between buying a home and visiting a restaurant. It’s not solely about the noticeable things like food (in a restaurant) or square footage (in a home). It's much more than that and prospective buyers want the full experience.

Sensory aspects such as mood lighting, light music, warm temperatures and inviting smells like brewing coffee and floral aromas can effortlessly invite viewers into your space.

Some more tips

Even if you are a pet-friendly household, there is a chance that your buyer won’t be. When viewings are taking place, politely ask a relative, friend or neighbour to take care of your pet so prospective buyers can roam freely.

If you’re struggling to clean every room in your home, a good starting point is the kitchen. This is the room that is worth the most per square foot. To create a good impression, make sure all countertops are cleaned, cabinets look cared for and pots and pans are tucked out of sight.

While you are de-cluttering, try not to depersonalise your space. Seek inspiration from Pinterest boards and interiors magazines to add your own personal flair. Unimaginative buyers might find inspiration from your décor, which could be a major selling point.

Most importantly, try not to get too stressed. Once you’ve successfully sold your home, the next step is the most exciting – moving into your new abode!