There's something wonderfully energising about the arrival of spring, with its longer days, warmer weather, and blooming spring bulbs so it's no surprise then that this is a popular time of year for home buyers.
Preparing and 'staging' your home is about taking a step back and viewing it through the eyes of a viewer, allowing potential buyers to envision it as their own. According to a recent poll by House Staging Association UK, 94% of estate agents claimed that home staging resulted in more viewers. 100% of viewers stated it helped them visualise the house as their future home while 75% claimed they spent more time looking around a staged home than an unstaged one, and 86% said they sold three times faster.
7 Top Tips To Get Your House Ready For Home Buyers
If you've strategically chosen to put your home on the market this spring and want to sell it quickly and for the best price possible, then read on for our top recommendations on prepping your home for a spring sale.
Kerb appeal
Remember, you only get one chance to make that all-important first impression, so make it one that leaves your viewers wanting more. Make sure the garden, path, front door, and windows are clean and clutter-free. Trim the lawn, cut any overgrown plants, and tuck the bins out of sight if feasible. Filthy doorsteps and windowsills can be quite unappealing to a possible buyer, so thoroughly clean them before each viewing.
A grand entrance
Spring can provide us with breathtaking views and colours in our gardens, parks, and country walks. It can also bring a flood of muddy bikes, boots, and shoes into the halls. When you enter the front door, make sure the first thing people notice is a clear, clean, and wide hallway that offers the universal goal of a bright, clutter-free existence.
Improve on that good first impression by cleaning up any debris or clutter in the hallway. Put away your shoes, coats, and school bags. Also, if you store your bikes in the hallway, take them out during a viewing. The hallway is a doorway into the promise of better things to come, so keep it clean, bright, and appealing.
Clear the clutter
If you're selling your home in the spring, now is the time to clear out the winter clutter in preparation for the big move. Put the winter coats, scarves, and boots in boxes and stow them away. If you don't have enough space to store your unwanted items, ask a friend or relative to do it for you.
When preparing your home for a spring sale, or any sale, decluttering is one of the most essential and vital actions. Clear surfaces will not only ensure that you sell your property faster and for a greater price, but it will also get you on track for the big move.
Then thoroughly clean throughout. The spring sun may be deceptively revealing, so make sure every surface shines, especially the floors and windows. Get the carpets professionally cleaned if they have seen better days. Consider replacing them if they are badly worn. This may appear to be an uncomfortably high price, but you will more than make up for it in the sale.
Let there be light
Bad lighting in a home is one of the top buyer turn-offs, so make sure to let in as much natural light as possible. Make sure your curtains are tied back and your blinds are fully open for each viewing. Remove any furniture or accessories, and trim any plants that may be blocking windows. Filthy windows can let in a surprising amount of light, so keep them clean both inside and out.
Evenings can still be gloomy at this time of year, so make sure all bulbs are operating and there are enough lights and lamps to make your home feel light and cheerful for later viewings. Before your viewer rings the doorbell, turn on the lights in all of the rooms. Place a small table with a lit lampshade or an up or downlighter in a dark corner to bring warmth and 'open up' the room.
Keep it cosy
Whatever your ideal temperature is, keep in mind that most buyers want a warm and cosy home. Therefore resist the urge to turn off the central heating at the first sight of a daffodil and imagine the extra energy expenditure converting into greater notches on your sale price. Similarly, ensure that your windows and doors are properly closed to prevent draughts and that north-facing or particularly chilly rooms are adequately heated.
Find it, fix it
Everyone wants simple, low-maintenance living. Buyers will believe that leaking taps, broken light bulbs, peeling wallpaper, overgrown lawns, and sticky doors are the tip of the DIY iceberg and will drop their offer - if they offer at all. They may appear to be little details, but they can detract from the overall appearance and feel of the house. Buyers don't want to think about spending their summer holiday dragging a toolbox around the house, let alone paying someone a fortune to do it for them.
Love the outdoors
Gardens are a huge selling point for any property. They can add an extra room to the house, as well as a lovely view and a healthy link to the changing seasons. We fantasise about opening the doors and spending time in the garden with our family and friends, especially in the spring.
Investing a little time in pruning and clearing away the autumn leaves and dead plants, as well as making the garden seem and feel well-loved, may make a significant difference in the selling of a home. The garden is frequently what draws viewers to a property. A neglected garden, on the other hand, can be quite off-putting, so make the garden a priority when preparing your property for a spring sale.
While spring can be an excellent time to sell your property, unless it is clean and in good, tidy condition, it may not fetch the asking price. If you're thinking of selling this year, why not book a free, expert valuation.
If you need assistance preparing your home for viewings, contact the team at one of our nine branches across Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. They can offer expert advice as well as recommendations on how to sell your home as quickly as possible.
