Preparing Your Home for Sale – Interior Appeal
Depersonalize your space
When it comes to the interior of your property, you can’t be sentimental about the things around you. They may mean a lot to you, but they will mean absolutely nothing to a potential buyer, so save all those family photos and heirlooms as they will only serve to distract the buyer. The same rules apply to any trophies or unusual personal collections you may have, i.e. pig ornaments.
clear
We all collect an amazing amount of objects over the years. We no longer necessarily use or ‘see’ them; we just left them where they were dumped, gathering dust. Now is the perfect time to clean them. Tear them up in the car, give them to a charity shop, or wrap them up and store them in a safe place. Be tough, don’t keep things ‘just in case’, if you haven’t used it in the last six months, it’s unlikely you will. Do the same with children’s toys, old clothes, overflowing book shelves, and stacks of old bills.
Fixed
Check your house for those pesky little jobs you’ve been ignoring for months. The fewer blemishes a viewer sees, the better. So now is the perfect time to replace those cracked tiles and damaged countertops; repair leaky faucets and creaky floorboards, check that all internal doors open and close properly, and examine baseboards, light switches, and outlets for paint splatter.
Cleansed
Everywhere! Sweep all walls and corners with a feather duster. Clean out all cupboards, wardrobes and bathroom cabinets – anything that could be opened by a ‘nosy’ bystander, as dirty, cluttered and cramped storage gives the impression that there isn’t enough space. The same applies to your appliances: clean the inside of the fridge, freezer, stove, washer and dryer. Clean windows inside and out, clean drapes/blinds. Make sure internal and external doors are clean and free of dust. If you have pets, wash bedding to help keep pet odors at bay and try to keep pet hair to a minimum.
room staging
You need to make sure that each room has a purpose and that purpose is clear. You don’t want a viewer scratching their head wondering what the room is used for.
- Living room This is where new owners want to imagine themselves relaxed, so it’s important to make the right impression. The illusion of space is key, so don’t have a cluttered room in sight: remove unnecessary furniture to make the room look spacious. If you have a fantastic view, don’t cover it up with heavy net curtains and lots of trinkets on the windowsill, keep it simple. If you have patio doors, don’t have a couch blocking your access. Play with the placement of the furniture until you are satisfied with the welcome it gives you. The floor should be clean and tidy, so if necessary, have your carpets professionally cleaned. Cover worn sofas with blankets. Invest in some new cushions and lampshades if things are looking a bit worn, and if necessary, spruce them up with a coat of paint and some matching accessories. Remember to hide children’s toys or pets from sight.
- dinning room The same rules apply here as for the living room. You can set the table or have a nice centerpiece in sight. Make sure chairs are tucked under and there is enough room to move around comfortably.
- Kitchen Clean as much as possible of workplaces. Have minimal items on display. Make sure the towels are fresh and clean. If the kitchen looks dated, replace the existing handles with new ones. Keep children’s artwork to a minimum, just like if you have cookbooks on display. Put the fruit in a bowl, but make sure it is fresh.
- Bedrooms It should feel cozy, so clean and tidy is a must. There are no clothes in sight, the rugs are nice, soft and spotless. Bed linen must be clean, ironed and matching. Invest in new bedding and cushions if needed, and add a vase of fresh flowers. Make sure all clothes are neatly hung in the closets and shoes are neat.
- Toilets Hide as many of your toiletries as possible. Put away children’s toys. Invest in some expensive-looking hand soaps and creams for display. Clean, matching towels are a must.
Complete these following tips prior to call the real estate agent to request an appraisal; could make a difference in your selling price.
viewing day
Before onlookers arrive, if you have pets, remove all traces (including pet hair) and have your partner take them for a walk. Freshen each room with sprays and fresh flowers. Open the windows for a blast of fresh air and make sure none of the appliances are in use, no washer or dryer, and definitely no fried breakfast or bacon!
