The winter months are traditionally a difficult time for sellers trying to impress buyers with their home. Though we’ve had a mild winter this year, it has still been dark and wet, which often means properties are unable to promote some of their best features. By incorporating a few simple tips, sellers can enhance their property’s look and feel and increase their chance of attracting an offer.
Here are some top tips from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA):
First impressions count – winter can often make front gardens and paths look dull and uninviting so ensure these are clean and clear of leaves and dirt. Make sure the doorway, entrance stairs or porch is well lit. Give the front door and front aspect windows a fresh coat of paint. Warm and friendly – If a buyer enters a property that is cold, they’re unlikely to stay long. Ensure the property is adequately heated before viewings. Use the timer to pre-heat your house if you’re not going to be at home. It is also worthwhile highlighting any energy saving features you have in your home such as double glazed windows, insulation or an energy efficient boiler. With the cost of running a home ever increasing, knowing a property is equipped with features that will help save money will increase its attractiveness to buyers. Bright and beautiful – Ensure your home is well lit. This means making sure all of your lights work including the security lights. For daytime viewings, open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Having clean windows will maximize light and allow buyers a clear view into the garden. Clear the garden – Packing any garden furniture away if it is inclement weather and clear leaves and debris from the patio and paths. A messy garden can signal the need for too much work and effort and detract buyers from making an offer. Can you smell the sale? – Our sense of smell is 10,000 times more sensitive than any other senses so it is equally important that the property smells nice. Remove any damp footwear from the entrance-way and open a few windows prior to a viewing to freshen up the property. What’s the weather? – Always try and arrange a viewing on a day that will show your property in the best possible light. If there’s a storm on its way it may be best to re-arrange a viewing once the storm has passed. Allow adequate time to fix any damage such as falling fences.
