With a large number of properties on the market, anyone looking to sell must consider how to make their properties stand out from the crowd. In a buyer’s market, presentation is everything, so here are a few things to consider when thinking of putting your property on the market…
1. Be objective
Scruffy and dated decor/untidy rooms will ultimately impact your ability to achieve the desired asking price. Before putting a property on the market, cast a critical eye over it and identify its strengths as well as where there is room for improvement.
2. A lick of paint
When you’re close to a property it’s easy to overlook the fact that the decor might be looking a little tired. Unfortunately, this is one of the first things prospective buyers notice when walking into a home. Re-painting the main rooms in a neutral colour is one of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a space and create a welcoming atmosphere that improves the reception of your property during viewings.
3. Furnishings
When marketing a property for sale lacklustre furnishings can negatively impact a viewing as well as the photographs used to promote your property in agent windows or online. Investing in stylish soft furnishings such as cushions or throws is a really easy and relatively inexpensive way of driving attention away from what could be tired looking furniture. We recommend using a neutral scheme with one accent colour such as a deep blue or fresh green to ensure your property stands out for all the right reasons.
4. The smell of selling success
Studies have shown that the smell of a room when you walk into it informs your general perception of that space. With this in mind, airing rooms and buying oil diffusers or burning scented candles can create a welcoming atmosphere the minute prospective buyers walk through the door.
5. Making sense of space
When preparing a property for sale, take time to de-clutter; a room that houses an old TV, ironing board and desk might work for your own use but won’t translate to strangers walking round your house. Make spare rooms into something functional; an office or made up spare room. If you have young children tidying away toys is imperative.
This way you’re showcasing your property’s greatest potential and ensure that prospective buyers don’t get lost in your presence in the space and instead begin to imagine themselves in it.
For most, the buying and selling of a property will be the biggest financial transaction they ever make. Investing a small percentage of what your property is worth into its presentation will not only make for more persuasive marketing but has been statistically proven to help secure those all important offers.
It can be difficult to make this kind of investment but by doing so it can make the difference of reducing your asking price or exceeding it.