How to Improve the Chances of Selling a House
Tips for Getting a Lucrative Offer on a Property
Sep 2, 2008
Think about what potential buyers will see when they first enter the home. Tidy the garden up, making sure that there are no visible signs of neglect. Many people ignore the garden in favour of getting the house ship-shape, but this potentially gives a negative first impression. Pull up weeds, paint the front gate if necessary, and edge paths and lawns to make them look well cared-for.
First impressions count
When considering first impressions, it’s worth investing in a few tins of paint and making the house look as neutral as possible. When viewers look around the house, they are trying to consider the possibility of living there, and need to be able to imagine the property as their own home. Neutral colours make this easier for people to achieve, as it takes less imagination to work with a blank canvas.
Making space
It’s also important to reduce clutter. People are looking for as much floor space as possible. If this means popping some furniture into storage for a while until a sale has been secured, it’s worth doing. The bigger and more airy the rooms look, the more appealing they will be. A mantelpiece full of vases and ornaments, for example, will seem unappealing, whereas a long smooth straight expanse of ledge will assist an impression of space and light.
Developing a pleasant atmosphere
A further point is to consider the way the house smells to a new visitor! While this may seem a strange idea, it’s worth investing in some light air fresheners or room sprays to give everywhere a quick spritz before the potential buyers arrive. While the idea of baking bread just before a viewing is a sensible one, it’s also a little bit clichéd these days. Tailor the scent to your viewer if possible. Younger women may be drawn to vanilla scents, whereas the older generation may prefer rose. Room sprays are an economical way of boosting that positive first impression.
Cut down on residents
It’s much easier to show people around a house if it isn’t already full to the brim with family members. Try and schedule viewings for times of the day when the house is at its quietest. Too many residents will detract from an impression of space. If there are kids lurking in the bedrooms, potential buyers may feel uncomfortable about really looking over the room and imagining themselves living there.
Create an impression of light
Light is one of the most important aspects of creating a positive first impression. Even if the viewing takes place during the day, pop some lamps on to create more ambience and show the house off to best advantage. Open curtains and blinds as wide as possible to let natural light flood in.
Be personable
People don’t just click with a house, they respond to the vendor, too. Be personable and charming, open to questions, and be sure to offer coffee and a chat after the viewing, if the visitors seem inclined to do so. Sitting in the living room getting a feel for the house may be just what is needed to secure a sale.
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