9 ways to prepare your house for sale after lockdown
For those thinking about selling their home, now’s the time to tackle some key tasks to ensure they are ready to welcome buyers when things are back to normal.
Image: Pixabay
The experts at housebuilders Miller Homes share their 9 top tips on how to properly prepare your house for sale after the lockdown has been lifted.
1. Paint over statement walls
Image: Argos
Loved by homeowners but not potential buyers, big splashes of paint on statement walls are a big no-no when it comes to selling up. If you have any of these in your house, be sure to paint over them.
2. Declutter inside
If you’re not using something during the time you’re selling, it needs to go. Find a new home for it by selling online or even donating to a charity shop.
Potential buyers need to visualise their belongings in your house, and if you have too many obstructions it will hinder their imagination.
3. Cut back garden hedges and borders
Cleaning up the garden is just as important as the house and can enhance that all-important kerb appeal. Cut back borders and hedges to reveal more of your garden and maximise space. Wow your buyers with the outdoor space they could have if they sign on the dotted line.
4. Clean your bathroom grout
Image: Miller Homes
Dealing with the bathroom is not a fun job at the best of times, but dirty grout won’t convince anyone to buy your house. By steaming and cleaning your grout, your bathroom will sparkle and immediately feel like it has been given a new lease of life.
5. Give estate agents virtual tours
There is plenty of technology on hand to help you value your house. Through Facetime or Skype, you can show local estate agents round the house virtually while they are at home too, helping them see what they will be selling for you in the future. Follow up with pictures if they need to see anything else before giving you an estimate on its value.
6. Take plenty of pictures on sunny days
While it may not be possible for an estate agent to visit, value the property and take the necessary pictures, you can help out. During moments of sunny weather, have your phone to hand and take as many different photos of the sunniest rooms and places in the house.
7. Jet wash the patio and driveway
Image: Walls and Floors
First impressions count so make sure the entrance to your house gleams – again, it’s all about that kerb appeal! If you can jet wash your driveway and patio, visitors will start thinking positively before they even knock on your door.
8. Fill in any wall cracks
Unsightly wall cracks will draw more attention than flowers or the smell of fresh coffee. You can quickly and easily fill in any cracks around the house with polyfilla. Once dry, paint over with any remaining paint from your re-decorating.
9. Clean the hob and the oven
Savvy potential buyers will explore every nook and cranny, including your oven. This is no time to use it as hidden storage, but it is the time to give it a good clean. Inside and out, hob and grill, they all need cleaning to make a good impression.
Are you planning to sell your home after lockdown? Let us know how you get on on social! Tweet us @goodhomesmag, post a comment on our Facebook page or tag us on Instagram @goodhomesmag!