Our Tips to selling your home
First impressions are what matters, so make your home look as appealing as possible. It should look light, attractive and welcoming. Be friendly and relaxed, even if you’re desperate to sell; do not be negative about the house, room sizes or area. Promote the location including local schools, transport links, recreational and shopping facilities. If you have made improvements to the property it is a good idea to have certificates and receipts available to show to prospective buyers. Also have utility bills available to show prospective buyers to give them an idea of running costs and if selling a leasehold property ensure you have all the management charges and lease information to hand.
General
- Give your home a basic spring clean prior to showing people round, ensuring windows are washed
- Remove unwashed clothing from rooms and remove clothing from radiators and racks
- If you have animals remove litter trays or ensure they are clean, if possible remove pets from the house, or at least, keep them outside (Some people do not like animals).
- Remove papers and clutter from floors, table tops etc.
- Put belongings into storage to ensure that your home appears as large as possible
- If carpets are stained arrange for them to be cleaned or hire a carpet cleaner
- Illuminate dark rooms even during daytime viewings
- Use side lighting to give a cosy appearance or to illuminate a dark room
- Make sure your home smells good, use a subtle approach such as fresh flowers or pop a vanilla pod in a low temperature oven
- All curtains and blinds should be open to let in maximum light
- Check thermostat to ensure that the house is at a comfortable temperature
- Fresh flowers and plants look good whatever the season
Living room
- Switch off the TV and use gentle background music instead as it is far more relaxing
Kitchen
- Clear all clutter from worktops – it will give the appearance of being more streamlined and spacious
- Ensure that units, worktops, sinks and appliances are given a thorough clean
- Avoid using appliances when showing people round
Bedrooms
- Ensure all beds are made
- Conceal clothing in wardrobes
- Tidy children’s rooms as much as possible but remember it’s still a family home
Bathrooms, Cloakrooms and en-suites
- Towels should be fresh and clean
- Sinks, Baths and floors freshly cleaned
- Replace any worn or discoloured items such as bathmats or shower curtains
Exterior
- Ensure all windows are clean and exterior paint is not peeling
- Any exterior lights should be working and if dark switched on
- Clear debris from outside drains
- Make sure that your house number is visible
- Remove cobwebs from door and windowframes
Gardens
- Make sure grass is freshly cut and that edges are neat
- Tidy up and remove any rubbish lying in the garden regularly
- Remove all weeds particularly from paths/driveways
- Repair any damage to fences or walls and ensure they have been recently painted or treated
- Cut back any overgrown trees, hedges or shrubs, particularly any covering doors or windows
- Tidy up the garage and maximise shelving or roof space for storage
- Use pots and containers to add a splash of seasonal colour and interest
Bond Residential Estate Agents covering the following areas: Chelmsford, Town Centre, Old Moulsham, Old Springfield, Springfield, North Springfield, Beaulieu Park, Chelmer Village, Chancellor Park, Great Baddow, Galleywood, Galleywood Common, Moulsham Lodge, Tile Kiln, Beechenlea, Writtle, Roxwell, Mashbury, Chignal Smealy, Chignall St James, Margaret Roding, Willingale, Cooksmill Green, Radley Green, Boyton Cross, Loves Green, Highwood, Edney Common, Margaretting, Stock, Ramsden Heath, Howe Green, East Hanningfield, West Hanningfield, Rettendon Common, Danbury, Sandon, Lt Baddow, Bicknacre, Boreham, Hatfield Peverel, Terling, Nounsley, Ulting, Newlands Spring, Broomfield, Lt Waltham, Gt Waltham, Howe Street, Gt Leighs, Lt Leighs, Willows Green, Chatham Green, Littley Green, Hartford End, Ford End, North End, Felsted, Pleshey, High Easter, Good Easter, Great Notley, South Chelmsford, West Chelmsford, Newney Green