It’s far from an ideal time to sell your home for a number of reasons. The on-going global recession has hardly helped matters and many people simply cannot afford to relocate.
As a result, anyone wishing to sell their home might find that they go months without an offer, or even an enquiry. While the current financial market means that many people won’t be looking to move, the good news is that some are.
With that said, it is a buyer’s market, and there are still a few things you can do to make the most of any viewings you do have from interested parties. In other words, follow these tips to get ahead of the real estate curve.
Simple Home Maintenance
While the last thing on your mind when you want to get rid of a home is to spend time doing DIY, carrying out any chores that may affect the visual appearance of a home will help your cause.
The absence of the littlest of problems, such as a dripping tap, loose curtain poles, or squeaking hinges on doors will show prospective buyers a home that is in great condition, and a home which they won’t need to dedicate a lot of time to repairing.
It’s important to realize how far to go. Obviously, fitting a whole new kitchen isn’t recommended, but there’s no harm in filling in any gaps and replacing any damaged cupboards doors or handles will make the home look more attractive to viewers.
The same can be said for gardens or the general entrance to the property. First impressions are vital, and the so called “curb-appeal” that your home will have with a tidy, attractive garden could also stand it in good stead.
Touch up Your Landscaping
Of course, this article does not advocate investing a lot of money in new features, but a bit of fine-tuning and some strategic additions might be in order to add that extra bit of curb appeal.
With that in mind, it is well worth you time (and money) to find the right landscaper to bring in on a consultant basis to provide a fresh pair of eyes and make recommendations based on what is popular just now. After all, your yard makes the first (lasting) impression.
Get Rid Of Clutter
The chances are that, at some point, you’ve said that you need a clear out of your home. Some people may be referring to their wardrobe, some the closet, and others just the general clutter that they hoard in various places of the home.
Not only does this make the house look less full of junk to the potential buyers, but it also helps you when it comes to eventually moving out of your house as it stops you having to transport a load of stuff you don’t need.
This can all be sorted with a quick trip to the dump, or you could even earn a bit of cash for yourself with a yard sale.
General Cleanliness
While many people strive to keep on top of the cleanliness of their home, it’s important that any selling home should be spotless. It should go without saying, but odors and build-ups of dirt are obviously going to go against you and the home in the minds of buyers.
A deep clean of the carpets, bathroom (especially to get rid of lime scale, mildew, and other build-ups of grime is essential.
A general dusting of surfaces (including the ones you don’t even see like the tops of wardrobes) should be considered too. Damp rooms and windows should also get some attention, as mold can appear in these places too.
