How to prepare your property for the market
Recently, despite the various social and economical restrictions and lockdowns, the property market in this area has been particularly busy with some estate agents even complaining of a ‘lack of stock’. Whilst this may seem extreme, it is always worth investing time in preparing your property to sell and making sure it is presented at its best for when it is listed.
Stoughton Pages spoke to Lucy Moulton, Owner & Branch Director of EweMove Guildford Sales & Lettings, to get her advice on how to prepare your property for the market.
“Have you been thinking of putting your property on the market, but waiting until your children are heading back to school? If so, now is your time to get into action. To help, we have put together a list of tips on how to prepare your property to sell or let.”
Tips for the Exterior
Neat, well maintained gardens will appeal to buyers and tenants. When they see that little work is required, your outside space becomes all the more attractive.
- Weed the garden and sweep up leaves
- Jet wash pathways and driveways
- Repair broken fences and gates
- Paint exterior woodwork and metalwork (e.g. gates, fences and doors)
- Clean windows inside and out
- Plant seasonal flowers and/or hanging baskets to lift your property’s street appeal
Tips for the Interior
Your home should feel happily lived in and look neat, clean and clutter free.
- A full de-clutter is essential to increase the sense of space. (Anything you do not wish to take with you, clear it out beforehand)
- Clean and vacuum, paying particular attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Clean all kitchen appliances and keep bench tops clutter free
- In bathrooms, clean the shower screen, remove personal hygiene items and minimise the hanging of towels/dressing gowns
- Re-grout and re-whiten all tiles in the kitchen and bathroom(s)
- Touch up paint work on the walls and skirting boards
- Wash down all window frames, clean blinds and wash around light fittings
- Add pops of colour for neutral tones (e.g. a throw and cushions on the sofa and bed, a vase of fresh flowers in the kitchen)
Our final tip – Talk to your agent to make sure you can check your listing before it goes live. If you’re not happy with the quality of the listing (photographs, floor-plan and marketing description), ask for changes to be made until you are. After all, for many, your property is your biggest asset. Therefore, it is important that it is marketed to the highest standard to seize the attention of buyers, so that you can achieve the best price you can.