If you are thinking of putting your house on the market, it pays to show it off to its best potential. Making a good impression will help ensure not just an offer, but one you will be happy to accept. So, here are a few top tips to help you make a great first impression and secure a great deal.

Take a step back
A good place to start is to imagine how potential buyers will see your home when they walk through the door for the first time. As it’s your home, and familiar, you can become blind to what it really looks like. For example, ignoring the clutter, living with that stain in the carpet, or glossing over the painting that needs doing. If you take a deep breath and look with fresh eyes, it’s amazing what you will see. To help you confront it, get a notepad and pen to write down what needs doing and take pictures. Better still, get a good friend to come over and point out the things that need doing because you can bet your last pound, potential buyers will be making mental notes during their viewing.

Clean and clear the decks
If there is one thing you should prioritise above all others it’s giving the place a good clean. Ideally keeping on top of the daily dust on a regular basis should be de rigeur, but life isn’t always accommodating. So, if it has been a while, allocate a day or two and really go for it. And while you are at it, get rid of any excess stuff. Too much clutter can choke a house and make it appear cramped, small and claustrophobic. Many potential buyers will find it hard to look beyond a room that is full to the brim. Indeed, it can be so off-putting they may choose to walk away. Instead they need to see how their furniture will fit in and work in the home so keep rooms tidy, clean and clear of excess belongings.

Repair and retouch
Before putting your home on the market, it’s worth doing any easy maintenance or repairs such as painting, making sure lightbulbs are in working order, there are no wires on show, the shower curtain is hanging nicely, there are no stains on the carpets, there are no broken or loose tiles and the toilet roll holder is not hanging off the wall. Think how you would feel walking into the property and seeing easy fixes neglected. By doing the jobs before you list, not only will you make your home more saleable, buyers won’t have any excuse to offer a lower price. However, if you do need to do work make sure it’s done properly. Get professional and reliable tradespeople who have been recommended if you feel it’s beyond your capabilities. It’s also a good idea to check in with your estate agent to get advice from them about what really needs doing.

Eliminate odours
As well as making your home look presentable it also needs to smell nice too. Odours emanating from animals, cigarettes, bins or by a home not being aired and ventilated can all contribute to putting potential buyers off and have them running for the hills. If there are issues with damp and mould get a professional in to sort out the problem, but otherwise, give the place a good clean, get rid of the bins, remove evidence of pets and clean carpets thoroughly.

Go neutral
Everyone likes to put their own stamp on their home but when it comes to selling, neutral tones are the way to go. This allows potential buyers to “see” the property more clearly and thus imagine how they would personalise it.

Cosy and comfortable
While no one likes mess, most people want to see a cosy, comfortable home so make it look warm and inviting. Lots of natural light, flowers in a vase on the table, cushions plumped on the sofa and beds made. If you really want to go to town, bake a cake or a loaf of bread, cut the grass or make a pot of coffee. If you are selling an empty property, make sure you put a few items of furniture in to show how the space can work for potential buyers.

Marketing potential
Now you’ve got your home in marketing condition and ready for listing, make sure you choose the right agent. High valuations and low fees sound good, but the neither will secure you the best price. Competition is tough in the current climate so choose your agent wisely. Ensure photographs, video tours and drone footage are professional, feedback on viewings is done swiftly, communication channels are open, advice on the market and local area is second to none and they are marketing your property on all the relevant portals to make it stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons.

At Sheldon Bosley Knight we recognise your home is unique so our approach should mirror that. We are proud of our best in class marketing approach and can advise on any aspect of selling your home. Pop in to one of our branches or visit us online www.sheldonbosleyknight.co.uk and see how we can get you moving.