August Atkinson, Residential Sales Manager at our Diss branch, has some top tips to help get your home into perfect condition for attracting a buyer.

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions really do count, because people often buy into a lifestyle as much as a property. They need to be able to envisage what it would look like if they were living there. Buyers often find this difficult, so here are my top tips to help make your home as appealing as possible to prospects.

Kerb appeal

Your house may be stunning inside, but the outside also needs to look cared for and well maintained. Sometimes you only get one chance to make a good first impression, and while you may be focusing on beautifying your indoors the exterior of your property is just as important. People often make a decision about whether or not they are interested in buying a property just from how it looks on the outside…before they even step over the threshold.

Working the room

Let rooms show their purpose. It should be clear what each area of your home is for, and that it ‘works’ – whatever its size. The use and function of some rooms in a house can become blurred over time; the living room becomes part office, the dining room becomes the kids’ play area and the spare bedroom might be used for storage.

Clean and clear

A home free of clutter feels more spacious, and if it’s clean too buyers will be assured it’s well cared for. A major declutter and clean will ensure your home looks, feels and smells its best for viewings. This applies outside too. Gardens are a big draw right now, so mow the lawn, weed the flowerbeds, cut back foliage and place a table and chairs on the patio. Buyers will be able to see the garden as a place to relax in, rather than a job to be tackled.

Sweet smell of success

Everyone is familiar with the cliche of baking bread or brewing coffee before a viewing, but pleasant odours can enhance the appeal of your property. Instead, try fresh flowers, candles or reed diffusers. Also, ensure any features that first attracted you to the property are visible.

Blank canvas

Viewers need to be able to imagine themselves living in your house, so depersonalise it as much as possible. You are setting a stage for them to project their own image of a ‘better life’ onto your home. If buyers think you live a good life in your house, they’ll think a good life awaits them there too! Buyers will fall in love with your house when they can imagine themselves living there, and make your house their home.

To contact August please call 01379 642233 or email August.Atkinson@durrants.com