Decide which items need to be removed, think of yourself when you bought your house and remember that people will favor a “show flat” rather than a “home” as they might not be able to picture themselves in it. 

The neutral colors and furniture of a show flat help identify oneself with the property. Go through your home and try to create that show flat effect. 

3 SIMPLE RULES: TIDY IT AWAY, SELL/DONATE IT OR THROW IT AWAY 

DECORATION AND REPAIRS

 If you do decide to paint the walls, choose white or neutral colours.

VIEWING DAY You have gotten rid of the clutter, painted the walls, it’s now time to do a final check: 

• Make sure the kitchen has been cleared as much as possible off the worktops including cloths and washing up bottles from around the sink.

• The same applies to the bathroom(s). 

• Bedrooms – Tidy up the clothes (none lying around), the bed spread and pillows, make it look comfortable. 

• Children’s toys are to be put away. 

• Lounge - remove all personal mail, magazines etc. and arrange the pillows on the sofa, again make it look inviting.

• Buyers want to imagine a property as their home; too may personal effects around make it harder for them to imagine themselves in the property.

• Make sure the house is clean and tidy.

• Try not to make yourself available during the viewing as statically, the potential buyer will not spend much time in a home if the current owner is present. We want the buyer to spend as much time as possible in your home; we need them to feel comfortable and not obliged to rush so as to not inconvenience you.

• Lights. A property with lots of light makes rooms feel fresh so try to create as much natural light as possible. For the darker rooms it may be worth purchasing some small lamps to lighten up some areas.

• If there is an outside area or garden, bear in mind it will be the first impression, incredibly important, so make sure the lawn is cut and your driveway is swept. If the front door looks tired, brighten it up with a lick of paint. Put some plants or hanging baskets outside. Dress the windows with blinds or curtains as empty windows can make a property feel impersonal or run down. Tidy up the garden or terrace and wipe down the outdoor furniture.

• Viewings flexibility is crucial, so it’s always best to leave us a copy of the keys if you are going away, or leave us details of where we can collect them. We always need to be able to access your property with prospective buyers, even at short notice.

• Presentation matters! Buyers are coming to look around your property, and you need to make an effort to show your home at its best. Don’t make buyers imagine how good it could be – show them! Decide on the strengths of your property and show them off. 

• Advertise the property as being on the market with one of our “FOR SALE” signs. 

Properties with For Sale signs prominently displayed receive more enquiries and viewings than a property without one.