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Preparing to Show Your Home – A 5 Step Guide Posted: 10th January 2017
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When it comes to showing your property, and taking the sale through to completion, here is a 5 step guide on how to prepare your house for showing and turn it into a home people can’t resist!

Moving home is not complicated but it can be daunting, as your home is one of the largest investments you will ever make. Buying and selling property is a very people oriented business and good communication is essential for a successful move. With over 80 years’ combined experience and a proven track record of success, our talented and knowledgeable sales team of property experts are available 7 days a week for help and advice.

All our staff are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and attention throughout the entire moving and selling process. We offer a bespoke personal service and will always endeavour to achieve the best price for your property.

Repairs
A great first step is to assess any small DIY jobs that might need done. We see time and again what an impact a welcoming home makes on potential buyers, offering them the peace of mind they are buying a move in ready home rather than a project – no matter how small. Going with neutral colours when getting your home ready for sale is generally a good choice, helping to create a blank canvas where viewers can imagine themselves in.

Deep clean

Once the small fix-up jobs are done it’s time to get cleaning. Take the chance to give a really deep clean, including giving all windows a once over and checking that carpets don’t need steam cleaned or even replaced. Shine up chrome in bathrooms and re-caulk around sinks, showers and bathtubs if needed. Make your stainless steel appliances shine by using a tiny drop of olive oil on a clean cloth and air all rooms right before a viewing.

Tidy and declutter

We all like to collect items over time and grow attached to our books, knick knacks and memorabilia. A big part of showing your home is making the transition from the place you comfortably live in to creating a space other people can see themselves living in. A good tip is to pack away any personal items such as family photos, heirlooms and pieces of your own specific personal taste – they may be distracting for viewers, creating a blank canvas to help viewers  imagine their own belongings and personal things in the space.

Exterior and garden

Curb appeal is so important! Potential buyers will form their first impressions of your property from the outside, and we all know that first impressions do count, setting the tone for the rest of the viewing. Research has shown some people make a decision about buying a house in 3 minutes or less, so walking down that driveway should offer a truly inspiring experience. Tidy driveways, pretty flower pots, a neat lawn as well as a well looked after house exterior are known to make a powerful impression.

 Finishing touches

Once the hard work is done, a few finishing touches can help create an inviting atmosphere without it being too personalised. Play around with lighting – in the daytime you’ll want as much natural light let in and evening views will require strategically placed lamps and cosy lighting. Keep lightbulbs in overhead lights clean and in working order in case viewers want to see rooms fully lit too. How does your home smell? Strong fragrances might upset some people but a subtle aromatherapy candle or diffuser can add to a pleasant, inspiring experience. Some people go as far as baking fresh bread in the oven to make sure their home smells inviting enough!

 


Whatever your reason for moving; whether it's for extra space, to downsize or you may simply have found your dream home, Nicol can help. Our knowledge of the local property market helps us develop a marketing plan that's right for you and your property.
We want our clients to be delighted with the service we provide. Listening to your needs and understanding your requirements is our starting point. To find out more about our approach to selling homes, download our comprehensive Guide to Selling your Property here.
If you are planning on selling your home, contact Nicol Estate Agents today for an appraisal of your property. Our Managing Director Douglas Nicol and Sales Manager Daniel Cohen carry out hundreds of market appraisals every year, giving them an intimate and unparalleled knowledge of the property market in Glasgow, from city centre apartments to family homes and building plots. We will talk to you about the property market in your area, compare sales evidence, local demand for similar properties, outline our tailored marketing plan and provide details of our sales support strategy right through to completion.