In my experience over the last 30 years, in my opinion, you have only seconds to impress a potential buyer or quality tenant with your property.
Your ‘street scene’ is often forgotten but is the first thing I look at when I get asked to look at a property that just isn’t selling.
Spend some time looking at your property from the other side of the street – does it look inviting? Walk down the road and have a thoroughly good look. It might be the first time you have ever seen your property from this perspective? Often we drive home and never even think about it? But your potential buyer or tenant will!
Do you need to move your recycling bins out of sight for example? Could you add a splash of colour with some bedding plants? You can still go to your local garden centre and buy some winter pansies, for example. In the past I have politely asked the owners of a neighbouring property whether I could cut their grass too. On one occasion I even arranged for the disposal of an old unsightly caravan! Sometimes you just have to ask.
Just cleaning the window frames, fascias, soffits and guttering of a property can make a huge difference – my contractors use a bit of car wax on the frames and fascias which not only polishes but keeps them cleaner for longer while you are selling, as the rain just runs off. It only takes a second to do before your final polish but the effect lasts for ages.
Inside the property, look at de-cluttering each room. Why not consider that you are moving now – if there’s something lying around ask yourself whether you intend on keeping that item? If not, throw it away or recycle it now. If you will be taking it with you but don’t intend on using it now then place it in the loft or the garage – just move it out of the way.
There are always those little jobs that you never got round to doing. A buyer will spot these straight away, the same way you would if you were looking at buying a property. Create a ‘snagging list’ and satisfyingly tick them off one at a time. Don’t let this list become the reason why a buyer will try to knock you down on price or even decide not to buy the property at all.
Just a few small changes can make all the difference but be careful not to fall in love with your property again and then decide not to move. It’s been known to happen!
I could carry on with lots of little tips but just get these done for now – the hardest part is getting started.
If you still can’t attract the right interest then you best get in touch with me and I’ll talk it through or pop in and see you.
Paul
