The “property ladder” is so named because there are a number of ways in which a homeowner can invest in their property in order to sell it for a profit. This then enables them to climb to the next “rung” of property ownership by purchasing a house of greater value. For some, constant engagement with this system – sometimes known as “flipping houses” – becomes a major part of their ongoing income. For others, it’s just nice to know that they can walk away with a little extra money in their pockets upon moving. This is why a quick way to sell your home is important.
So – how can you improve the value of your home and come away with a profit? Here are a few handy tips on how to sell your house quickly and efficiently.
Sell your Home – First Impressions
Consider your home through the eyes of a viewer. What is the first thing they’ll see? Take time to upgrade the exterior of your property and make it as attractive and inviting as possible. This can be done for next to nothing and makes a huge difference to its perceived worth.
Give your doors and windows a scrub down and a lick of paint if required. You should also get a window cleaner regularly while your home is on the market.
Gates and fences, too, should look well taken care of. Fix any damage and repaint or stain anything that looks shabby. Small improvements can really add value to the outside of a home.
If you have a garden or yard, keep on top of the weeds and pruning. Clear away litter and debris and regularly mow any grass – front and back. You can do a great deal of gardening and landscaping by yourself and for free, so make the most of it. Try and really get outdoor spaces looking their best.
Scrub Up
Sometimes, a simple deep clean can be all it takes to completely transform the look – and therefore the perceived worth – of your home. Get your hands on some mold and mildew remover, purchase deep-cleaning substances for carpets, find some furniture polish and glass cleaner and get to work!
Grubby fingerprints and scuffs on white walls can often be carefully and gently sponged off. Just use a paste of warm water and baking soda, along with diluted detergent. Get right into the corners with a narrow vacuum attachment and really blast those areas that haven’t seen the light of day for a few years.
If a surface looks really worse for wear, see what a new coat of paint or a quick rub with wax will do to improve it. You should also seek out the causes of more deep-rooted issues like damp and try to get them rectified as soon as possible.
Practical Adaptations
Try to make your house desirable for a wide range of audiences. For example, multiple toilets will always add value to a property. If you have space and the budget, why not transform that cluttered cupboard under the stairs into a second WC?
Do you have a little office space that could be transformed into a nursery or bedroom? This is another area in which you might be able to really increase the value of your property, particularly for families.
There are certain types of major change that – if you have the funds – will pay back dividends. For example, taking out that back window and inserting French doors as a direct route to the garden is a sure-fire way of adding value. Knocking down stud walls between two claustrophobic spaces to make one bigger room can be a great help too.
You should invest time in your garage or shed. Clear out the clutter and ensure that the space is as clean and neutral as possible. This helps viewers to envisage it as a workshop, a Wendy house or anything else they can think of.
Image is Everything When you Sell your Home
So many people are put off by poor presentation on estate agents’ websites and in property brochures. If you want to sell your home quickly, without having a few thousand pounds knocked off the price, it’s a good idea to make it look pretty for both the photographers and your potential viewers.
Put out vases of flowers and invest in a few attractive soft furnishings. Wash your curtains and generally do what you can to get your home looking its best. Many people find that repainting rooms in a neutral color can assist the imagination of a viewer. This is often better than allowing your own tastes to influence their impression of your property.
If your home has any characterful features, like oak beams or a fun, quirky positioned window, try to make the most of them – as they may make a memorable selling point.
The photography involved in your property’s profile online or in an estate agent’s window can heavily influence its perceived value. Some estate agents allow sellers to submit professional photographs to be used. It’s a good idea to check whether yours will be happy for you to arrange this, as it means that you can select the images you like best. Try to arrange for your photographer to visit on a sunny day, at the perfect time to get the best light flooding the house. On the day, make sure that windows and blinds are open, and have everything looking as bright and cheery as possible.
To Sum Up…
The best way to ensure that your home sells quickly and for the best possible price is to put yourself in the shoes of a buyer. Spruce up or remove anything that looks dirty or damaged. Work hard to imagine the practical changes that will appeal to the majority of viewers. Don’t be afraid to spend a little money on the adjustments you make; a tiny investment can go a very long way!