During lockdown, there are a few fairly simple and cost-effective ways to improve the presentation of your home ready for potential buyers, without spending a fortune.
1. Tidy Your Garden
Gardens are a major factor for buyers when considering a property, so show yours off as best you can.
What better way to combine improving the appearance of your property and getting a bit of exercise?
We’re not suggesting you aim for the Chelsea Flower Show – simply tidy the borders, jet wash patios, paint the fences if they are looking a bit tired, wash the front door and add a few colourful plants., if you can get them.
Sussex Grown, Local Delivery has a list of nurseries who can deliver plants across Chichester, Arundel, Bognor Regis and the rest of West Sussex during the Coronavirus crisis.
2. De-Clutter
Like every property expert, at Sims Williams, we know what a difference a clean, uncluttered home can make when it comes to selling your home.
But, we also live in the real world!
We all have that pile of paperwork we haven’t got around to dealing with, a few newspapers we’re holding on to until we have time to read the article that caught our eye weeks ago or children’s toys that we can bear to part with – even though our “kids” are now at university!
Moving home is a fresh start and a ruthless de-clutter now will make moving day and settling into your new home so much easier and more enjoyable.
And, if you are stuck at home during the Coronavirus lockdown, you really are running out of excuses not to get on with it!
Filling a skip with your old “tat” and wanted stuff is one of the most fulfilling things you can do when you are planning a house move! And, if you can’t get a skip at the moment, set aside space in the garage or garden shed until you can.
3. Showcase your kitchen
Uncluttered, clean work surfaces, sink areas and windowsills really will improve the impression your kitchen makes on potential buyers.
Removing the “artwork” stuck on the front of your fridge freezer will instantly make the kitchen look tidier and bigger.
Put the masterpieces somewhere safe ready to don the gallery in your next home.
Think about where you can hide the bin and pet bed when photos are taken, or viewings are being carried out.
4. Let your bathroom sparkle
Remember the advert, “Take two bottles into the shower? Not me, I just wash and go.”
Seemingly, it never quite caught on.
Our bathrooms are festooned with bottles of shampoos and body washes, all promising to give us younger looking skin or hair as shiny as silk, and as thick as a lion’s mane.
Please, make sure all your beauty products, bath time toys and cleaning products are out of sight when the photographer calls or when people come to view.
And please, make sure the toilet seat lid is down and the plugholes are free from hair!
5. Pretend you are the buyer
Quite naturally, we all view our properties through ‘rose tinted spectacles.’ It’s our home – and hopefully, our happy place.
Try putting yourself in the buyer’s shoes and viewing your property objectively, as through the eyes of a stranger.
Imagine you are a potential buyer simply doing a “drive by to check out the location.” How does the front of your property look, is it tidy and welcoming?
Look at the online photos, virtual tour (f you have one) and the description of your property.
Does your home look inviting?
Are your principal rooms shown at their best and – sorry pet lovers – are our furry friends’ beds and bowls out of sight?
Here to help you during this challenging time
We fully appreciate that times are challenging just now, in particular if your home has suddenly become your place of work, your child’s school and your favourite pub!
Sims Williams are still on hand to help our clients however we can during lockdown.
If you have any questions or want any advice, please email us walbertonsales@simswilliams.co.uk or call us on 01243 551368.