Written by Mehran Charania, Director, Ready Steady Store
Selling your house is a significant milestone – yet it’s one that the cost-of-living crisis may be undermining. Seeking to maximise value for money, would-be buyers are increasingly drawn to homes they can move straight into without significant additional spend, placing greater onus on homeowners selling to get their properties in pristine condition.
Potential buyers will be forming impressions that will sway their decision the moment they walk through the door, with tradesperson platform, Rated People, reporting that factors like dirt, clutter and unpleasant odours could potentially slash up to £54,000 off your home’s estimated value as a result. As a result, it’s imperative to put some thought into the way you present your home to viewers, especially if you’re looking to steal the advantage from the competition and secure a quick sale.
Well maintained
Leaky faucets, chipped paint and squeaky doors can be major red flags for viewers. No one wants to move into a home with underlying issues like mould, damp or dangerous electrics, so, make sure you get everything in a safe, reasonable condition as a minimum requirement. Updating any broken fixtures, hardware or lighting can also help to give your home that much-needed cared-for touch without breaking the bank.
Clean as a whistle
A clean home is a welcoming one. Prioritise a thorough deep clean to rid your home of any dirt, grime or lingering odours, paying special attention to frequently overlooked areas like skirting boards, ceiling corners and the inside of cabinets. A spotless home not only looks more appealing but also signals to buyers that you’ve taken good care of the property overall.
Neat as a pin
Decluttering is one of the most crucial steps in preparing your home for sale, following basic hygiene and maintenance. An overwhelming 73% of homeowners admit to having at least half of their homes filled with clutter, according to property platform, Boomin – an issue only added to by the online shopping fever caught during the pandemic.
The chaos of clutter can deter potential buyers, making spaces appear smaller, dirtier and less appealing. Remember that items you’re used to seeing daily may look jarring to an external eye, so it’s best to keep things as minimal as possible to keep the rooms the centre of attention.
Start by tackling one room at a time, sorting items into categories to keep, donate and discard if you have the time to do so. For items you can’t part with but don’t need immediately, consider using self storage solutions. Storing infrequently used items – or even regular things if you need to move quickly – can be a lifesaver during hectic moves, providing you with the space and time to focus on presenting your property in its very best light.
Blank canvas
Neutral colour schemes also make it easier for viewers to imagine themselves living in a property, without being put off by your personal tastes. Palettes like off-white, soft grey and beige appeal to a broader audience, reflecting enough light to prevent rooms from feeling dark and dingy.
One study by Rated People actually found that a white kitchen would be enough to sway 27% of potential buyers into making an offer, followed closely by light grey at 22%. Nevertheless, major changes aren’t always required, with service finder, HomeAdvisor, estimating that a fresh lick of paint can add up to 3% in value – a significant return on investment when selling something as high-value as a house.
Selling the dream
Whilst removing personal items like toiletries and memorabilia from view can help buyers to imagine themselves in their new house, a touch of personality can still be beneficial. Try to imagine what the type of viewers coming to your home are looking for, then give them a delicate taste of what they want, without overpowering this vision with too many clues that it’s still your house. For instance, if you’re selling a family property, you might like to leave a few tasteful family photos or nursery items out to showcase the lifestyle that comes along with it. Everything else can be neatly packed away and stored elsewhere, allowing you to strike the right balance between homely hints and personal chaos.
Natural light
Of course, bright, airy spaces are universally appealing, too. Make the most of any natural light by cleaning windows, opening curtains and strategically placing mirrors in hallways to reflect light. Well-lit spaces feel larger and more inviting, creating a more welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers.
Embracing your inner Marie Kondo
Ultimately, staging your home for success is all about showcasing potential, creating a space that resonates with potential buyers. By deep cleaning, decluttering and making a few thoughtful updates, you can transform your home into a show-stopping property that buyers will snap up fast.
Remember, the moving process can be stressful, but taking the process step by step and utilising solutions like self storage can help. By storing items away from your house, you can create a calm, clutter-free environment that easier to manage during the transitional period, giving yourself more time to organise your next property, as well.
About the author
Mehran Charania, Director of Ready Steady Store
Established in 2005, Ready Steady Store is one of the fastest growing self storage providers with cost effective storage units located in the Midlands, and South, North and East of England
