Putting house on market...how much do I need to do?

[alltheworld]

Need to move for schools to an area where housing is more expensive due to the good schools and given the slowdown, need to make my house as attractive as possible.
It is well located for primary, transport etc and has a good number of bedrooms etc. But it hasn't been painted in years...there are cracks in the ceiling and it's gloomy.
Started getting quotes in and they are expensive. Plus everyone is booked up. Back in therapy I would paint it myself but I am a ft lp with very little cash.
Is it really worth spending a few grand on a paint job? If so which areas?
Could I just get the professionals in to do paintwork and ceilings while I do walls or is that not workable?

[DancingLedge]

The right painter will do what suits you.
I have done the cutting in and fiddly bits, leaving the customer to do the straight forward rollering only.

Just bear in mind, if a painter does just a bit in each room, they might need several rooms prepared for painting on the same day - things on surfaces put away, furniture in middle of room etc.

[wowfudge]

Have you tried washing the walls down with sugar soap? It might make enough of a difference to mean you needn't decorate. Concentrate painting on anything that needs attention, like chipped woodwork and marks that cannot be cleaned off. Do a deep clean and declutter. You'll be amazed how much difference it makes. Dirty kitchens and bathrooms put people off.

[TheBakeryQueen]

I would definitely paint it yourself, especially if money is tight.

I'm a lone parent with 3 boys and I've always done a lot of my own decorating. Start with the smallest room first and do a bit of research if you've literally never painted before but honestly, it's fairly easy, just a bit repetitive and boring.

[Kokusai]

I was always in the "paint it yourself" camp until I had a whole house to do. I did downstairs then ended up getting a decorator in to do the upstairs.

However - how old are the children? Can they help? From the age of about 8 they should be able to do the easy rollering and you do the edges, ceiling and tricky bits.

I find dulex once is very forgiving.

[Kokusai]

Also you might be able to get away without doing the woodwork. When I was selling my house I planned to do it all but after I did the walls you couldn't really notice the woodwork.

[bojorojo]

It depends how you price it and what else is on the market. If a dingy place is the only property available it might sell at the right price. If you have competition and selling isn't easy, give yourself the best chance. I would paint it myself but get a professional for the ceilings and woodwork. They should be able to repair any damage prior to painting. You can do the walls but not stairs and landing! If you need these done get a pro. I think clean kitchens and bathrooms without damage, clean flooring and in good condition and no clutter will help you sell. Present rooms in a tidy but homely manner and make the garden look attractive. You want people to view your house at its best not at its worst! Good luck.