It’s probably fairly obvious to state that when you’ve got people looking at your house, the presentation of the property can be crucial. Bearing in mind that potential buyers can view 5-10 properties in any given day, it can mean the difference between creating an average impression and a great impression. We’re not just talking about the property being clean and tidy but a few other little touches that can make all the difference.
- Light: all properties have darker areas and the vendor would do well to try to lessen the effects of these. Areas such as hallways are particularly prone to this so it can be worth leaving doors open just to let in light. This also has the advantage of making the property look bigger as open doors can create the impression of more space. Failing that, it can be worth tactically leaving the lights on!
- Smell: it sounds stupid, but making a property smell homely is one of the more subtle ways of increasing its appeal. We’re not talking about daily trips to the florist or constantly baking bread (though those can be nice touches, especially on second viewings), more like making sure the loo smells fresh and that the house isn’t filled with eau de washing-machine.
- Clutter: one thing we’ve seen many times is that cluttered homes are harder to sell. We’re not saying get rid of all the fixtures and furniture, but do consider what’s covering the walls and whether the furniture could be arranged to create that bit more space. An important factor on viewings is prospective buyers being able to visualise their possessions in any given space; if every inch of floor- and wall-space is filled, it’s that much harder.
One thing we notice with all of these points is that the prospective buyers really notice if someone has taken that little bit of extra effort in presenting their property. It’s easier for the agents welcome the prospective buyers in and they, in turn, feel more at home, as well as showing that the vendor is serious about selling; all of which creates a good impression!