Top Tips for Selling Your House
Consider who your prospective buyer is
Think carefully about the type of people likely to buy your property - first time buyer, professional couple, young family - how would your property appeal to this type of person? Are things that you can do or say that will make it more appealing? E.g. painting over cartoon wallpaper in the smallest bedroom so that buyers can imagine it as an office or spare room. Pointing out proximity to local parks, train stations etc.
Tidy up
Have a really thorough tidy up and get rid of anything that you are not intending to take with you when you move.
Pack away anything that you are not going to need in the short term (you are going to have to pack it at some time anyway) and if you can store it out of site even better. If you are someone who loves ornaments and nick-nacks you are going to have to be ruthless! Family photographs and personal items are best packed away; remember that you are trying to help the buyer imagine themselves living there.
Clean Up
Clean the house thoroughly (or pay someone else to). Don't forget to wipe down all the woodwork and tiles surfaces.
Invest a little time and money
It may seem foolish to spend time or money on a home that you're selling but a little investment may bring a big return in terms of a better offer or a quicker sale. Remember that the aim is to present the property in such a way that potential buyers can imagine themselves living there so spend time presenting the property in the best possible light. Replace any broken light bulbs to avoid a gloomy feel to the house. Carry out minor repairs and retouching of decorations. Have a good hard look at the entrance to the property, first impressions are very important so do as much as you can to make it look well kept and welcoming; tidy the flower beds or window boxes, mow the lawn, sweep the step, give the door a new coat of paint. 'Kerb appeal' is a big factor in the saleability of a property.
Help prospective buyers to like the property
If you show prospective buyers round the property do not apologise for any negative aspects of the property or draw attention instead try to highlight aspects of the property which you think will appeal to them e.g. good neighbours, south facing garden, good local pubs and restaurants etc. Think what you have liked best about living there. If you decide that your estate agent will be responsible for viewings, which is generally a good idea, make sure that they are briefed on all the selling points of the property's location.
Make sure that all areas of the property are accessible - even teenage bedrooms cannot be out of bounds!
Brief everyone in the property about the viewing so that they can help out by being charming or by not being there!
When people are viewing your property be conscious of the fact that not everyone is a dog lover, keep the dog away or under control and remove dog evidence - chewed toys etc.
You and your agent may decide to go for a viewing day rather than several separate viewings if this is more convenient.