It may not come as a surprise that the South West is one of the four most sought-after regions for buyers, according to Rightmove. With a vast number of home-hunters looking to move, and a predicted further 7% price growth this year, there really isn’t a better time to sell than now. 

Our Sales Team have shared their top tips on getting your home ready to sell. 

De-clutter and de-personalise 

After having appointed the perfect Estate Agent to sell your home, it is important to spend time to de-clutter and make your home look as presentable as possible. Potential buyers will want to imagine themselves living in your home, they don’t want to see potentially distracting personal touches or clutter making it difficult to appreciate the space. I'd recommend removing any personal items such as photos, postcards and keepsakes and ensure all toys are stored out of sight. Ideally, anything you don’t use on a daily basis should be put away. 

The main two rooms which, not only can be most expensive to upgrade but can also look the most cluttered, are bathrooms and kitchens. My number one tip for these rooms would be to keep sides as clear as possible, including storing toiletries away, keeping worktops tidy, utensils organised and, most importantly, keeping the toilet seat down. 

Keep it neutral 

Often bright or dark colours will put potential buyers off. As well as helping to lighten any darker rooms, keeping your home neutral will also help buyers see how they can put their own personal stamp on the property. 

Only renovate if it increases value 

While it is true that completing some home improvements will increase the value and appeal of your property, it is important to understand which ones do and which ones don’t. Your local Kivells property professional can give you expert advice on their appraisals with you. 

Fix, freshen up and deep clean 

It it's broken, fix it. First impressions are important for potential buyers. By fixing any damages on floors, doors, windows etc. it will not only show your property at its best, but also shows you care. Putting your house on the market also provides the perfect opporunity to undertake a deep-clean. Clean each room from top to bottom and ensure standards are maintained throughout the entire viewings process. 

Don't forget outside

It is always worthwhile taking a detailed look of the outside of a property and its kerb appeal. The majority of serious buyers are likely to do a drive by of the property prior to booking a viewing. Is there obvious maintenance points or areas of the property that may deter a buyer? If the answer is yes, get these done as soon as possible. A well maintained home shouts out that it’s well cared for and buyers are likely to increase their offer because of this. It also avoids the possibility of a lower offer being submitted due to the 'property needing work’. The front garden, if you have one, is the first thing that a potential buyer will see, so make sure that you give them a reason to smile straight away. 

Animal lovers 

As much as us animal lovers love our pets (guilty as charged!) sadly not everyone does. If a potential buyers comes into a property and is being greeted by a four-legged friend, not only can they miss the merits of the property, it can also put them off. I would recommend taking the dog for a walk while the viewing is taking place, putting the dog / cat bed away for the viewings and removing their bowls can further help people imagine the home as theirs. 

Moving onto the day of actual viewings – you’ll probably be feeling nervous and excited, right? I know we are! You’ll probably be spending the day getting your home ready to show. 

Our main tips would be: 

• - Open all curtains and make rooms as light as possible. This can include strategic lamp placement to make darker rooms feel brighter and more welcoming. Cleaning windows will also allow more natural light into the property 
• - Make the beds and clean the dishes 
• - Place some nice flowers on the kitchen / dining room table to add a bit of colour and give a homely feeling 
• - A gentle background music also works a treat. This helps a buyer feel relaxed and gives them a good feel for the home 
• - Maybe even light a candle 

As mentioned above, even if you do not have a pet it is still recommend to vacate the property whilst viewings are being undertaken and allowing the Estate Agent to show your potential new buyer around. We are the experts after all. This will help the potential buyer take a good, detailed look at, what could be, their new home! 

Thinking of selling your home? Kivells property experts can give you the best advice on presenting your home before arranging the professional photoshoot and video. If your property is well presented, you already have an advantage over vendors that neglect these steps. Buyers browse hundreds of properties online before deciding where to view, so really fantastic and memorable images are vital. 

Contact your local team today for your FREE, no obligation valuation. 

Kivells. The Sign That Sells