Tips for preparing a house for sale

[Sticki]

Hi
We are hoping to move in the next 12 months, if the stars and market align.

Other than having a huge declutter and tidy up what are your top tips for getting a family house ready for sale?

Particularly for getting good photos and managing viewings and maximising value.

Thanks

We made sure to do all those niggly DIY jobs that we’d been putting off - paint touch ups, wobbly handles etc. We wanted the house to feel completely move in ready.

We also did what we could to make the “garden” look it’s best. It was a terrace house so limited outdoor space, but we did our best to make it feel appealing!

For photos, we made sure to use an Estate Agent whose photos we liked! I made sure that the house was spotless for the photos and did a small amount of staging for the pictures. Simple things like nice bath products out on display, put those fancy chopping boards out, basically made the house seem a bit more aspirational than it really was.

Our house went on the market twice (first chain fell through) and both times we had open days for the viewings because there was a good amount of interest. I like open days because they show potential buyers that there’s competition! Also saves constantly tidying 😂 we achieved offers above asking price both times.

When we sold our last house, our EA provided the following list which helps. We hired a storage unto to make sure the house was properly decluttered. Also, if you can be bothered, iron your duvet cover when it’s actually on the bed 😂 sounds mad, but it makes it look so much neater.

External

• Remove all cars from the driveway
• Move bins so they are hidden from the front elevation (if possible)
• Remove any clutter - bikes, footballs, toys, broken furniture etc
• Clear garden rubbish and have your garden as neat as the season allows - Remove any hanging washing or laundry items
• Make all beds with clean bedding
• Remove any clothing from behind doors
• Clear any visible under bed clutter and ensure clothes are out of site
• Remove toiletries from counter tops and behind the WC - Store cleaning equipment and products out of view
• Remove towels and bath mats from radiators
• Clean mirrors and shower screens

Kitchens

• Clear counter tops of items such as post, magazines, keys, pots and pans etc - Remove dirty dishes from the sink and store away
• Ensure any soap, dishcloths and drying racks are hidden from view
• Clean cooker tops - we often shoot close up shots in kitchens

Other Bedrooms Bathrooms - Consider any personal photographs, if on display, they may be picked up by our cameras - Please arrange for any pets to be out of the property and hide away any pet belongings - Ensure all lights/ lamps have working light bulbs

• Remove shoes and jackets from hallway/entrance areas

- Clean windows help showcase the view - Clean carpets and floors

i moved a couple of years ago so viewed a lot of houses.

i did some upgrades to my house brocade it was in the first time buyer market so I replaced the doors on my dated kitchen and redid a grotty wooden floor. Repainted rooms and de cluttered. I also cut my neighbours grass before the photos (with their permission!).

people mainly look at room size, kitchen and bathroom and garden size. Start getting your paperwork in order now - any certificates for extensions, boilers etc.

make sure it is very clean and remove as much clutter as possible - also any evidence of pets!

Give everywhere a good clean and tidy then walk around your house and see what stands out to you, or even take pictures and then look at them. We noticed little DIY jobs we hadn't ever finished, where looked a bit cluttered (like shelves) and then focussed on that. I think my partner hated me, I walked around and made a snag list and we fixed it all up. House sold within 2 weeks of being listed though!

Rearrange furniture to make sure it suits the space and that it’s placed where most people would want or expect it, rather than where it has ended up, especially if you have an awkward or unusual layout. Eg most people want a sofa opposite the telly so show that even you personally don’t watch tv, or relocate the dog bed if it has pride of place! etc etc.

Take some practice photos to get an idea of what looks good and bad.