Adding Value

Rob Hann from Seddons takes a look at what home sellers can do during the lockdown period to attract the highest sale price for their property once restrictions are lifted.

Kerb appeal

So, you have spruced up the front of your property – having the exterior looking at its best is vital, as it persuades people to look at the interior. But now you want to impress viewers when they choose to look inside.

We understand that most sellers have busy lives and as such don’t have much time to prepare their homes for the market. In this unique period of lockdown, we have been given the perfect opportunity to put this right!

Pre-market preparation is so important

It can make thousands of pounds’ worth of difference to the achieved sale price, and can sometimes even be the deciding factor between securing a buyer or not. So now is the time to get things ship-shape. This doesn’t always mean painting and decorating, but it does mean attention to some important details.

Prepare for viewers

That first impression is important. You need your viewer to want to see more of your home – not say “good-bye” to your home. Here are some things to remember when prepping a property in readiness for viewers: 

• Make sure the hall is inviting and clear of clutter – hats, coats, shoes, children’s school bags, etc. 
• Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses. Make sure yours are sparking clean and clear of clutter – in fact getting rid of clutter is key advice in preparing your home for sale.
• Is the living space inviting? For instance, will someone want to eat at the dining room table? Can you actually see the dining room table!
• Have the beds been made? Are the cupboards neat? Overflowing cupboards send the message that a property is short on storage space.

Remember that luxury hotel room that made you feel like a million dollars? Your property should make viewers feel like that. It is not that difficult. But it does take discipline, and it does take time, time that you might well have now.

Maximise the value of your asset

The TV home “experts” say that you should take the personality out of your home and neutralise it to sell it well. You really don’t need to go that far – a good estate agent will help the property sell well, but it is up to you to maximise the value of your asset.

Making your house or apartment ready for the market is an art. Start with the basics – clean, dust and shine. Then take a good look at the stuff you have left and de-clutter as though your sale depends on it – because it does.

We are here

If you need advice, then Seddons are masters in the art of preparing your property for sale, we will be happy to run though some dos and don’ts so that you are ready for the market once the pandemic has safely passed, please get in touch with your local Seddons branch.