HOP’s Top 10 Tips for selling your home

When it comes to selling your property, making a good first impression is imperative.

Here at HOP, we have identified the biggest turn-offs for prospective buyers and how to avoid them.

1. De-clutter but don’t depersonalise

• Clutter is not only distracting but it could be an indication that the property does not have adequate storage.
• De-cluttering is a great way to increase your chances of completing a sale but that doesn’t mean you have to part with your prized possessions! You can box them up and store them in the loft or garage. If this is not an option, ask family and friends to store them or there is always the option of self-storage.
• People need to be able to envisage what the property would look like if they were living there. Most people often find this difficult, so make it easy for them to see all the fantastic living space you’re offering them.
• Don’t make it look like a generic hotel; leave some personality. Apart from anything else it gives unimaginative buyers suggestions as to what they might do. Buyers are often buying into a lifestyle as much as a property. Show them the attractive side of your lifestyle!

2. Get the right smells

• Bad smells are the single biggest turn off for prospective buyers. No matter how pleasant your home appears, persistent odours such as the smell of pets, cigarettes or pungent food can be detrimental when it comes to selling your property. Make sure that your property is free of unwanted smells. Clear drains, wash bins, ventilate, air the kitchen from old cooking smells. Ask a trusted friend to give your home a “sniff test”.
• Conversely, good smells can make a property feel like an alluring home. While it might be impractical to bake fresh bread, cakes or brownies for every viewer that visits your home, you could perhaps brew some fresh coffee, light a candle, use air freshener/diffusers and maybe pop some flowers somewhere.

3. First Impressions Count

• Kerb appeal creates a lasting first impression – most buyers make up their minds in the first few minutes of arriving at a property and the first thing viewers see is the exterior. Ensure your bins are not overflowing and your pathway is weed free. Do what you can to make your home feel inviting from the outset.
• According to a recent survey of more than 2,000 UK adults conducted by YouGov, the most important features for kerb appeal were well-maintained windows and a roof that appears in a good condition. Well-maintained gardens, pathways and fences and a well-painted frontage and attractive front door were also important.
• Don’t forget, most viewers will have probably already done a drive-by before making an appointment!

4. Light and airy

• Light and warmth are two of the most important factors to attract a buyer to your home, especially in the colder months of the year. A cold or poorly lit home can be an instant turn-off to any potential buyers. Natural light is so important so try adding wall mirrors as they make a room look much bigger and lighter. This works really well in smaller rooms or hallways.
• If it’s a cold evening, or even chilly day, light your fire (if you have one). Consider burning some pinecones for the delicious smell. This will make your home feel warm and inviting.
• Clean windows inside and out, and replace any non-working light bulbs. Making the place feel light and airy makes rooms feel bigger and the property more attractive. Ensure that you have lamps on in any dark corners. Putting a soft lamp in the bathroom can create a warm glow. Finally, make sure all the curtains and blinds are open.

5. Make it look pretty

• First impressions are crucial so make sure the windows are properly dressed with blinds or curtains as naked windows make a place feel impersonal and run down.
• Plants and flowers bring colour, life and light to a room and also smell wonderful. So does that fruit bowl on your kitchen counter.

6. A fresh lick of paint

• Giving your walls a fresh lick of neutral paint will make your home seem lighter and bigger. It will enable the viewers to more easily imagine how they would adapt the rooms to their needs. It makes it easier for the buyers to move in and use the rooms immediately.
• Avoid controversial or quirky décor as it’s not everyone’s taste. What you think is retro, others may consider dated.

7. Fix and clean

• Make any minor repairs necessary – holes in walls, broken door knobs, cracked tiles, torn or threadbare carpets, mouldy sealants. Many buyers want to move in without making changes, so try and allow for this.
• Clean everything until it sparkles. Get rid of limescale, clean and repair tile grout, wax wooden floors, get rid of all odours, hang up fresh towels. This will make the place more appealing and allow viewers to imagine living there.
• Tidy up the garden: cut bushes back, cut the grass and clean the patio and furniture of lichen and dirt. While this doesn’t add much value to your home it makes it more likely to sell as people visualise themselves using the garden.

8. Unwanted noise

• Most people expect their home to be a place of peace and tranquillity. It may not always be preventable but there are steps you can take to reduce unwanted noise from your property.
• If you live on a busy road or close to a school, try and avoid viewings during busy times of the day such as rush hour or school pick up.

9. Think about your pets

• Whilst you might think your pet is adorable (and it most likely is), others may not. Potential buyers may be allergic so make sure any pets are confined to one room (such as a utility room or the garden) or removed from the home during viewings.
• Animals can also detract attention away from your property, leaving them with a neighbour or family member will ensure home buyers are kept focussed on your home.

10. Trust in the team here at HOP

• When it comes to selling a property, a picture really is worth a thousand words; with more home buyers searching online than ever before, great photos are an absolute must.
• Avoid photos with bad lighting or any that are blurry and poor quality. All our photos are edited professionally and enhanced to make sure you stand out from the crowd!
• An overpriced property could deter anyone from arranging a viewing and making an offer. A property’s price is the most important deciding factor about how quickly it will get sold. The right price always attracts the greatest number of buyers and will always help you sell it faster even in a slow market. You may want to get a good capital from selling your property but never overestimate the price.
• Here at HOP, we will guide you through the best strategy to sell your home quickly, efficiently and for the best price possible. The sales team at HOP are always on hand to deliver the best service and guide you through every step of the sales process.
• We are proud to provide excellent customer service and are passionate in communicating with customers to exceed expectations. To us, every move matters.

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