Useful tips for buying and selling your house

Tips for sellers | Tips for buyers

First impressions are very important:

• Tidy the front garden if you have one.


• Clean the windows and door at the front of the house.


• If the paint is chipped on the door consider repainting.


• If you have a car on your drive ensure it is clean!


• If you have gates see they are in good repair.


Or alternatively if you really want to make a difference why not employ a professional to help you? Jessica at Plumped Property specialises in de-cluttering, deep cleaning, staging and accessorising. Call her now on 07837 014749 and she will be more than happy to help!

Inside the house:

• Remove clutter from all rooms in the house. The more personal nik-naks etc. you can remove the bigger and tidier the rooms will look. Consider storing these in the loft or garage, after all you will be moving house anyway.


• Clean all windows to allow as much light in as possible.


• In the summer open the windows and allow fresh air to circulate.


• In winter ensure the heating is on and the house feels warm, and turn on lights to make the rooms brighter.


• Thoroughly clean the house, especially the kitchen and bathroom, and vacuum all carpets.


• Try to tidy up kitchen utensils and pans and store these in cupboards where possible.


• Viewers like to see a clean washing up area and sparkling sinks.


• Make sure the bedrooms are tidy and that beds are made and look fresh, with clothes put away in wardrobes etc.


• Children's toys should be tidied up where possible, you don't want your viewers to trip over them.


• Try to omit odours e.g. pets, smoking, cooking oil.


• Smoking can significantly reduce the price you get for your house. Try and smoke outside if possible, empty all ashtrays and preferably remove them for viewings and try and eliminate odours.


• The smell of freshly brewed coffee, bread, or lemon can all be helpful.


• Fresh flowers can also create a nice aroma and brighten a room. The right smell on entering a property is essential.

Pets:

• Pets can also significantly reduce the price you get for your house, consider carefully where they are free to roam in the house and try to clean up after them as far as possible. Remember your buyer might not love your pets as much as you!

Outside:

• If you have gardens, keep lawns cut and flowerbeds tidy. The
  garden will look larger!


• Clear up any pet droppings.


• Remove any rubbish, bricks, timber and other unwanted items from the garden, take them to the tip.


• Ensure boundary fencing is tidy and in good repair where possible.


• In the summer hanging baskets and potted bedding plants always add colour
  and charm to your garden, and you can take them with you when you go.


• Many garages are so cluttered it is hard to get in, if yours is like
  this see if you can tidy it and perhaps get rid of unwanted items.

On the day of viewing:

• Try and leave internal doors open, it creates a feeling of space.


• Point out the features that attracted you to the property.


• Look out recent council tax, water rates, electricity and gas bills and have them to hand. Buyers may often ask about this.


• If you have had any new appliances such as boilers, central heating put in recently, have receipts or any guarantees to hand.

For more extensive improvements consider the following which may have a dramatic improvement at minimal cost:

• Touch up white gloss paintwork that may be chipped.


• Consider repainting rooms where the paint is tired, discoloured by smoke, cooking, age etc.


• Very tired or worn carpets may be worth replacing or cleaning.


• Outside loose gutters or drains, cracked paving, or damaged fencing should be repaired where possible.

Tips for buyers | Tips for sellers

Buying a house is probably the largest purchase you will make, don't rush it and allow plenty of time when you view a property.

• Try to make a list of the features that are important to you in a house before you start looking. You can categorise these into essential features (e.g. number of bedrooms) and desirable features but not essential. Refer to these lists when looking at properties to see how they match up.


• When looking at a house, try to imagine how it will look with your furniture and possessions in there, not the sellers. Check your furniture, especially large items such as sofas, beds and wardrobes will fit into the rooms. Do not be put off by poor decor, which can easily be remedied by a coat of paint and cleaning.


• Note the weather the day you view, it is often a good idea if you are seriously interested in the property, returning to view at a different time of day and under different weather conditions. Remember on a rainy day everywhere always looks less enticing, don't be put off what maybe your ideal property.


• Gardens don't always look well tended; imagine what you could do yourself. An untidy garden will often look smaller than it really is.


• Look at arrangements for car parking, will they meet your needs?


• Ask the vendor about bills and outgoings such as council tax, electricity, water and gas bills. Also if it is a flat ask about maintenance and service charges, these can be quite considerable. Ask about any guarantees for any recent work/new appliances you are shown.


• Don't forget to look around at the neighbours and area and ask yourself will I feel at home here. Check out local facilities such as shops, schools, doctors, and local transport.