Advice on preparing house for sale

[Jayne40]

Hi, I’m new and would appreciate any advice. I’m going to be selling my house and I’m really anxious and nervous about it. The idea of having photos on the internet (I know necessary) and been judged is a real worry.

anyway I don’t have much of a budget due to financial challenges so I’m wondering where to prioritize and what you look for when looking for a new home so that I can improve my chances of selling quickly.

I don’t really know where to start I guess.

What do you look for when moving?

what could add value at limited cost?

thanks in advance

The OP has already said she has financial challenges. Try re-reading her post.

As others have said, I would just focus on declutter and deep clean OP. Most people aren’t put off by having to give a house a lick of paint, but many would be put off if it looks like there’s not enough storage.
Also make sure you cupboards items are kept nice and tidy as people do open cupboard doors.
I had one viewer open my freestanding fridge to have a look when I was showing him round, even though I wasn’t leaving that with the house !

Make sure it smells good! When we were viewing the first thing that would hit me and then stay with me afterwards was things like a strong dog smell or cooking smells. Get pets out of the house and open windows a few hours before, use a nice fragrance, don’t cook anything that smells, get a takeaway and eat with windows open if needed (we always got a takeaway afterwards as a reward).

You can absolutely stop people looking where they shouldn’t! One man tried to open my knicker drawer! In a chest of drawers that isn’t fitted and we’d already told him wasn’t being left behind! I just put my hand to the drawer so he couldn’t open it and firmly said no! You can still keep your boundaries whether that’s knickers or fridge!

Make sure the house looks well maintained. Any little jobs you’re put off fixing things to around and complete.
Ensure the garden area is weeded and presentable, and the house is clean and uncluttered.

Yes good idea unfortunately my reflexes were too slow as he snooped at my extensive collection of dairy lea snack pots and my husbands protein pouches lol 😂

When we sold our house I asked about repainting etc and the estate agent said not to bother as people will paint to their own style. We did declutter but not to the extent that some people on here go to. Personally, I have things like photo frames and I want to see that the living room isn’t going to feel cluttered if I have photo frames or vases out. I also want to see a bin in the kitchen and bathroom because I want to see where the current owners have kept their bin to check it’s not in the way as you walk around.

You’re on a budget so if you can stretch to it - pay for the professional photos to be done by the estate agent and make sure you have a floor plan. Honestly that’s going to be the biggest motivator in getting people to visit. Plus getting the right agent, ask on a local FB page for recent recommendations.

Clean and tidy. Get a paint sample if you don’t have any old paint left so you can touch up any scuffs. Get a magic eraser for scuffs on cupboards and skirting. Give the house a good air out a few days before and go over any carpets with bicarbonate of soda.

We sold & had two agents, the first was just take photos don't worry about clearing up etc. didn't sell.
Next agent was all over styling the house, simple stuff like painting a wall lighter, making the entrance to the house like the hallway really inviting. We put a smelly candle on which was quite an expensive brand but people always commented on the smell.
The simple stuff works best, weeding, declutter, bedding & cushions.