When it comes to the optimum time to sell a home, spring is usually near the top of most people’s list. Not only do gardens come into bloom around this time, but the weather starts to warm up and potential buyers tend to ramp up the search for their new home.
If you’re planning to put your property on the market this spring, there are a few things you can do now to prepare. Here at Kings Group, we outline the main things to consider...
Give your home a spring clean
A spring clean is the first step to preparing your home for sale at this time of year. This means wiping down windows, walls, cupboards and all surfaces, giving your home a fresh gleam. You’ll also want to go through the home and declutter in order to free up some space.
It’s advisable to depersonalise the home too. Storing away bathroom products, clearing coats and shoes in the hallway and ridding kitchen surfaces of appliances, jars and bottles will allow potential buyers to visualise themselves in your home. You could go one step further and putting away personal items such as ornaments and photographs.
Strengthen your ‘kerb appeal’
The outside of your property will need to be presentable – or have ‘kerb appeal’ – to entice would-be buyers and set the tone for the rest of the home. To do this, you will need to ensure everything is tidy, neat and sale-ready. Mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, removing any weeds from your beds or pathways and making sure bins are tidy are just some of the ways to ensure this.
Consider giving the front door and window frames a fresh lick of paint and, as spring calls for it, put some pots of plants outside your property to add some vibrancy and character to the exterior.
Sort out the quick fixes
It’s worth looking over those griping maintenance issues that you’ve been putting off – you’ll come to realise that they can be quick fixes. Keep an eye out for peeling paint, cracks in plaster, torn carpet, scuffs on walls and broken tiles.
It’s fairly easy for prospective buyers to spot small areas of disrepair. Even if the property is in a reasonably good condition, some enhancements here and there won’t go amiss.
Spruce up the garden
Likely to be one of your selling points, the garden needs to look its best for viewing. Clear away any rubbish and clutter, trim the hedges/bushes, remove any weeds and cut the grass to give the lawn a refreshing new look.
As the garden thrives, consider adding a splash of colour with a few pots and plants in the borders and revitalise flower beds. If possible, add seasonal fertiliser to rejuvenate and bring colour to the lawn; potential buyers will appreciate a radiant garden when viewing.
Let your agent look after viewings
When your home has gathered enough interest and viewing day comes, it’s best to let your estate agent take the lead. They will be able to handle the viewing in a professional manner, ensuring prospective buyers are aware of the next steps they need to take.
Of course, it’s still beneficial if you are on hand to answer any extra questions the buyer might have.
Selling a home can be a stressful process, but with careful planning and early preparation, you can improve your chances of receiving offers quickly and securing a higher sale price than you originally planned.
If you would like any guidance on selling a property in North London, East London, Hertfordshire, Essex and the surrounding areas, contact your local Kings Group branch today.
Also, you can see how much your home could be worth on the current market by requesting a free instant online valuation.
