To think some little things make a house look expensive?

I don't really notice anything decor wise unless it would cost a lot to change/fix. I completely ignore soft furnishings & pot plants, paint colours, furniture that won't stay with the house.

I am focussed on:

• useful square footage & layout
• structural condition
• state (but not cosmetics/fashion) of fixtures that are costly to replace: kitchens, bathrooms, boilers etc.
• value adds like recently fitted solar panel systems
• plot size
• location
• availability of parking etc
• any service fees

I buy houses that are one step away from derelict so nothing but structure/ land/ neighbours etc will influence me.

I do stage homes when selling as it gives people an idea of what the home will look like when they move in but it’s not individual, it’s very generic. No bright crazy colours. Unfortunately, I don’t think there is much you can do with cushions and candles if the actual house doesn’t match up with someone’s criteria. Good bathrooms, kitchens, downstairs toilets, utility rooms are all things people will put a tick next to. I’ve never heard anyone say they were buying the house as the light fittings were nice.

Just saying this to manage your expectations.

Your husband isn't entirely wrong about the structure stuff etc., but LOADS of people are swayed by the froth.

My Mum used to drive my Dad around the twist when they were househunting literally for a fixer-upper - she would go off something lovely because she didn't like the wallpaper or something mad like that.

I agree no clutter, clean & tidy.

Make sure rooms have a spacey feel and aren't overcrowded with furniture = that extra rocking chair or shelf in the corner ect.

No clutter ANYWHERE - be absolutely brutal. Insanely neat shelves, surfaces etc. Remove anything at all that suggests how little storage you have! If you fill up a few boxes and have nowhere to put them, stick them in your car on viewing days!

House has to smell clean and fresh at all times - no cooking smells when people are coming to view etc. This will also mean washing all the sheets and towels at least once a week. H&M has some fairly affordable scented candles.

If your duvet covers are wonky or have any kind of colourful pattern, I would get something like this for each bed - https://www.dunelm.com/product/cosy-ribbed-throw-130cm-x-170cm-1000255649 and some cheap plain matching pillowcases. You can get those throws for much less on AliExpress, just depends on how long you can wait (Dunelm today, AliExpress about 10 days).

Similarly, get a bunch of cheap matching light coloured towels for the bathroom and have NOTHING out. No toothpaste, cheapo shampoo etc.

If you have the time/money/interest, paint over any "interesting" features like an accent wall or anything grey, because they're both dated and can make a space smaller/dreary.

If you have blinds AND curtains, think about ditching the curtains for the time being if that can suit your home - makes rooms bigger and brighter.

My Mum has a fantastic old cottage that she wants to put on the market soon. After a declutter I'm going to paint her hall cupboard and make it into a more purposeful entrance area with hooks, shoe storage.

When everything is done I'll help her to make each room look like it has a purpose. Her kitchen is small with an island so I'll make sure to put a small table and chairs in the sun room/porch.

I think making rooms look purposeful is important, I think it gives potential buyers ideas for how they'd use the space.

But definitely no clutter.

Fresh flowers.

Clean bathroom is essential. Chuck out all the clutter and just have some nice bottles on view. New or at least very clean towels folded/stacked.

Really nice lamps and cushions, not too much clutter, a handful of interesting well thought out 'objects' (vases, sculptures, small stack of books etc) to look at.

Uncluttered and smelling clean are most important

If you have anything remotely Love, Laugh, Love bin it hide it

Oh god you wouldn't pull a fast one like that on me.

I'd be looking at the structural condition, not fucking poncy cushions and hanging baskets.

Dh and I look at bricks and mortar because we tend to buy places which are in need of updating/modernisation and basically end up ripping it all down bit by bit while we live in it (fun 😂) so fripperies are totally pointless to us, we aren’t looking at them! We are looking at the structure and the existing space mentally calculating which walls can come down, which walls are load bearing and how much natural light the rooms get 🤣
Flowers, candles, cushions and any kind of staging are ignored.

A few healthy plants in nice pots

Uncluttered. Clean.