There are several things you can do to entice buyers, but on the flip-side, there are also aspects of your property that can be addressed to make sure you aren’t putting buyers off either.
If you’re selling your home, it’s important that it appeals to as many buyers as possible and that you minimise any reasons for buyers to negotiate on the sale price.
Plumbing
Patched up pipes, squeaky cisterns and leaks will be picked up when people view your home. The kitchen is the room that buyers viewing your home spend the longest amount of time in – often using this space to discuss the property, ask the viewing agent questions and to picture themselves in your home so make sure everything is in working order.
Lack of parking
A lack of parking can push up the price of insurance premiums. In addition for families with young children, being able to park close to the house is essential. According to a recent survey from the Porcelain Superstore, 84% of buyers wouldn’t consider a home without a driveway. If you have a front garden that isn’t utilised you may want to convert an area into a driveway, so talk to the council about dropping your kerb to allow parking outside your home.
Garden
Outside space is essential for many buyers and an unkempt, messy garden that looks like it needs a lot of work initially and then maintenance thereafter can be a huge turn off for buyers. It’s worth tidying up a garden and making it low maintenance by adding paving, decking or artificial grass. If the outside space is small there are plenty of ideas online to help you make the most of this space and make it appear more useable.
Kerb appeal
Maximising your kerb appeal is essential because first impressions last. It will also generate more interest when people see the For Sale board outside a well presented home. Make sure your door furniture is clean and in good order, your path is clean and clear from debris and your front garden or driveway is well presented.
Interior condition
According to the survey by Porcelain Superstore, most respondents expected that they would need to undertake some decorating but 86% drew the line at installing a new bathroom or kitchen. However, 56% of buyers would refuse to purchase a house if they disliked the existing décor – so it’s important to try to sell your home in a ‘neutral’ condition inside. The top colour for the desired living room was white, followed by grey and blue. A white bathroom and kitchen was also the top in-demand colour. Finally, 64% of respondents said they wouldn’t buy a home that was dirty as it’s a sign of poor maintenance, so make sure your property is sparkling clean before you put it on the market.
Price
Over valuations were a huge turn off for buyers as no one wants to pay over the odds. It’s better to have a realistic valuation, which will in turn lead to more viewings and more competition for our home, driving up the price.