Property Selling Guide

Selling a Home:

First impressions are important

Check the front of the house, cut the grass, weed any flowerbeds, even paint the front door. Put the bin out of sight, empty the garage and park the car outside the garage.

Ensure that when prospective buyers enter your property it smells fresh, try either fresh flowers or a bowl of citrus fruits, or try smells such as coffee, fresh bread and vanilla.

Open windows every day and bring fresh air into the house. Opt for cleaning products with a "natural" smell.

Avoid cooking strong smelling foods such as fish before the prospective buyers arrive.

Tips to make the best of your home

Make your home look it's best. Before selling the house go from room to room deciding on any improvements that are necessary. Ensure that each room in the house has a specific purpose to make it more appealing.

Aim to create a sense of space by tidying up and removing all clutter.

Touch up any areas which may need freshening up, for example chipped woodwork and mending dripping taps. Avoid a complete re-decoration as this may suggest you have something to cover up. As a guide, if repairs need doing it is usually worth getting them done before selling a house as the value of the property may be reduced.

Research shows that buyers prefer natural colours. Pale, plain shades maximize the feeling of space and light.

Dust and cleanthe whole house. Wash down paintwork and clean windows. Don't forget to make the bed! Remove any personal items e.g. photos which may distract potential buyers. Remain as detached as you can when selling a house, potential buyers have to visualise their belongings in your house , so the less of you and your clutter, the better!

Advice on how to sell

It is advisable to have the property available for viewing at all times - you may wish to leave a key with the selling agent.

Ensure that prospsective buyers feel comfortable . Offer them a drink and allow them time to look around the house. Allow your prospective buyers as much time as they need and the opportunity to ask questions.

Don't be put off by an early offer . Decide what price is acceptable to you and invest the time and effort in getting that amount.