You’ve decided it’s time to sell your home, so what’s the first step?
First of all, it’s really important to spend time researching and selecting the right estate agent. Ultimately, the selling and buying process is a partnership and you will need an agent who works with you to achieve the best price for your property, within your given timeframe. Check their websites, call at their office and meet the teams to be certain you would feel comfortable and in ‘safe hands’.
At Laskowski & Company our dedicated and friendly staff combine in-depth knowledge of the geographical areas we work in, together with a service tailored to your needs. We’re specialists in the sale of all types of property, with a team who bring together over 140 years of combined experience in the business. We also offer a tailored marketing package to show your home in its best light.
That said, there are definitely things you can do to help, particularly when it comes to preparing your house for sale.
Sarah Allen is one of Falmouth’s most experienced agents having commenced her career here in 1988, after attending Truro County Girls Grammar School. She leaves no stone unturned to ensure a successful outcome to even the most complex of transactions and is the perfect person to talk us through some top tips for house preparation….
It’s all about the first impression
Ensure that visually your property is in good order, with external paintwork clean and fresh, fascias and guttering clean and the front door smart and spotless with shiny door furniture. Adopt the same approach to the front gate, pathway and gardens.
Think of the front of your property as the cover of a book, an indication of the standard to be revealed inside.
It’s all about the first impression.
Declutter
Typically, people need to try and reduce clutter by 50%. This can be a daunting thought! However by taking one room at a time it will be a manageable exercise. Make sure the entrance hall is inviting with an area to neatly tuck away coats and shoes. If you have pets try to keep their baskets tucked away – same for the children’s toys!
Neutral palette
Keeping a neutral colour palette is a good idea as darker colours can feel too personal and have a tendency to make rooms feel darker and smaller. A light, neutral palette helps buyers to imagine their personal belongings and furnishings in your home.
Before your photoshoot and viewings
Before your photoshoot and each viewing make sure windows are cleaned and that everywhere is clean, neat and tidy, both internally and externally.
Although the room layouts might be working for you, they may not be showing the spaces at their most appealing. Consider whether you could rearrange furniture to make rooms look more appealing and more spacious. Angling sofas away from walls, placing your dining table where it would sit most welcomingly or arranging chairs to encourage gathering for discussion are all ideas to consider.
Providing additional details
Buyers like to know what you like about the property, why you purchased it and why you are moving. Taking a little time to create a short summary of why you bought the house, why you’re moving and notable areas of interest nearby, along with a folder covering any guarantees that exist from works undertaken is a great idea.
Should you wish to discuss preparing your property for marketing and discuss details specific to your home don’t hesitate to contact Sarah for an informal discussion on 01326 318813.
