Tips on getting your home ready to sell this Spring

1. Do make sure your property is decluttered

Harry Chennells, from Cheffins estate agents in Cambridge says:

Bold colours, excessive personal items, or themed rooms can be off-putting. Houses need to feel clean and fresh, and this particularly applies to those with pets.

Colleen Babcock, Property Expert at Rightmove says:

During the decluttering process, store away any personal paperwork for viewings, and present as much of a blank canvas as possible to the visiting potential buyers, so that they can imagine how they might like to live there.

Mark Lawrinson, Operations Director at Beresfords says: 

Don’t forget to really stage all of the rooms, to give your prospective buyers a sense of space and how the home could be used. For example, if you have a small room that you use for storage, remove it for viewings and dress the room with a small bed or office space. Don’t forget to declutter!

2. Don’t leave out personal items

Elaine Penhaul, Director at Lemon & Lime Interiors says:

Avoid colours that will make your home stand out for the wrong reason, and try not to block walkways or views of a garden with badly positioned furniture. Also, don’t leave toothbrushes and other personal items in the bathroom – throw them into a box and hide it in a cupboard!

Harry Chennells, from Cheffins estate agents in Cambridge says:

Bold colours, excessive personal items, or themed rooms can be off-putting. Houses need to feel clean and fresh, and this particularly applies to those with pets.

3. Do think about photography

Harry Chennells, from Cheffins estate agents in Cambridge says:

…don’t forget to consider how the property will be photographed. Your photographs for your house are your shop window – and it’s up to you to make sure the place is as well presented as possible before the photographer arrives.

Colleen Babock, Property Expert at Rightmore says:

Before you get your professional property photos done, consider removing family photos first. Not only does it retain your privacy, but it also makes it easier for potential buyers to focus on seeing themselves living in the property, rather than you.

4. Don’t forget to clean up after pets

Harry Chennells, from Cheffins estate agents in Cambridge says:

Dirty dog water bowls or cat litter trays can be an instant turn off. 

5. Do think about greenery and outside space

Gareth Friend, Director at Carman Friend Estate Agents says:

With the lighter evenings now upon us, it’s time to get any gardens and outside space shining to make those first impressions count. You can also bring some of the Spring inside, by making sure the home is filled with fresh flowers. If you live in an apartment and it happens to have a balcony, don’t forget to spend some time making sure it’s welcoming, and that the pots are clean and usable, adding to the home’s outside appeal.  

Jordan Halstead, CEO at Jordan & Halstead Estate Agents says:

Now that we’ve had the very first signs that Spring has sprung, get the gardens looking good, and make sure to maintain them well as we get into the summer. 

Colleen Babock, Property Expert at Rightmore says:

A plant in every room can really make the home feel alive and add a pop of colour, particularly now that we’re in Spring. They can also leave a great scent if you choose a scented variety, but choose wisely – perhaps consider a more popular variety over your personal taste to appeal to the masses!

6. Don’t hinder the home viewings

Jordan Halstead, CEO at Jordan & Halstead Estate Agents says:

Don’t be tempted to follow the agent during the viewings – allow the agent to conduct the viewings and depending on the size of your home, perhaps even consider leaving for viewings. Not only can it make the process smoother, but allows the potential buyers to be honest about how they are feeling and can help to address any concerns for further viewings. 

Mark Lawrinson, Operations Director at Beresfords says:

Preparation of the home when getting ready to sell is really important and not to be overlooked. The appeal of the kitchens, bathrooms and outside kerb appeal are the key ingredients to capturing attention and achieving a sale, so in the first instance I’d recommend focusing time and attention here.

Gareth Friend, Director at Carman Friend Estate Agents says:

Don’t forget the small stuff. Now is the time to get carpets shampooed and smelling great, and to iron out any scuffs and knocks accumulated over the years with a paint brush. Sometimes it’s the small touches that make a big difference, and vice versa, buyers often get hung up on the smallest of details, so take some time with these.