How to prepare your home for sale.
Anne Boyd, Raeburn Christie Clark and Wallace
During the pandemic we’ve all been spending a lot more time in our homes. For many of us that has prompted a rethink of where and how we live. This, coupled with the Scottish Government’s raising of the LBTT to £250,000 until 31st March 2021 has meant that many of us have thought about moving house. The start of a New Year is also often a prompt to start afresh and move home. If you’re thinking about putting your house on the market here are a few tips from our experienced property consultants to help you present your home in the best light possible.
Outside:
First appearances count, as does kerb appeal. It’s likely any prospective buyer will drive or walk by your home prior to arranging a viewing. Tidy your garden and ensure any paths are clear of leaves, weeds and any children’s toys or other garden equipment - this includes mowing the lawn and tidying around the edges. Freshen up any outside paintwork that may be looking weathered and see that the windows, curtains and blinds are looking neat and tidy. If you live in a flat with shared access space try to ensure it looks clean and tidy.
Inside:
Clear the clutter, this will help to ensure that your home looks as spacious and inviting as possible. Consider removing extra items of furniture temporarily, perhaps to the garage of friends or family. ‘Curate’ what you display, ideally pack away most personal items such as family photographs, holiday souvenirs, but do ensure that it still looks like a home rather than a show home. In the kitchen keep your worktops as clear as possible and try to keep bathrooms clear from too many toiletries, think ‘hotel or spa bathroom’ rather than family bathroom. If time and budget permits we’d recommend freshening up any paintwork and decoration, particularly in high traffic areas such as the hallway and front door – again first appearances count. If you don’t have the time to do this ensure everywhere looks and smells clean and fresh (no cat litter trays or pet bowls).
Dressing your home:
This can really help. Don’t underestimate the power of some strategically placed fresh flowers, attractively made beds with matching bed linen and clean, nicely arranged towels and minimal toiletries in bathrooms . All these elements help improve the ambience, helping potential purchasers to see your home as their idea home. Walk around your home with a critical eye, as if you were a viewer and check for anything you may have missed.
Show how adaptable your home is:
Showing how flexible and adaptable your home can be to meet the needs of ‘lockdown living’ may help attract potential buyers.
Porches and vestibules:
Does your home have a porch or vestibule? Many people like a place where they can deposit their outer clothes and shoes/boots before they enter the main part of a home. Even a hallway/under-stairs cupboard for this purpose is a valid feature. Highlight the convenience, ensure it looks neat and tidy.
Outside space:
What outside space do you have? However small it may be it’s worth highlighting – outside space has become increasingly important during lockdown and is a potential additional entertaining space (within Covid guidelines of course). Even if you only have a balcony, it’s worth making it look as attractive as possible, position it as a small oasis.
Downstairs cloakroom/handwashing facilities:
As we are now all encouraged to wash our hands regularly especially when returning from outside/contact with others, having a downstairs toilet/cloakroom is extremely useful. The closer it is to the entrance of your home the better, as it provides easy access to handwashing facilities. Alternatively is there easy access to such facilities from the garden? For example if you have guests outside/people entering your garden (subject to lockdown restrictions and advice).
Home working/home schooling:
Your home doesn’t need to have a dedicated home office or study, but if you can demonstrate how working from home could be achieved this could also be a strong selling point. Do the bedrooms have space for a desk? Do you have a wide hallway area, a nook under the stairs that could have space for a desk for home working or studying? Do you have good internet connectivity and are there sufficient sockets around the home for technology. A dining room can become a home school or home office, a second sitting room/family room may have space for a small desk or table.
Home exercise and the outdoors:
Whilst most of us don’t have the space for a home gym, many of us have taken up exercising at home. Highlight where these spaces may be in your home. Are you near good cycle or running routes, a golf course or tennis courts?
Location and transport links:
Think about your location and transport links, how commutable is your property on foot or by bike? What’s within walking distance of your home, for example how close are essential shops and green space for exercising?
Now you’ve looked at your home through a buyer’s lens, contact us to see how we can help you sell your current home and find a new one. Contact Raeburn Christie Clark and Wallace at 01224 56 46 36, or email property@raeburns.co.uk