Sellers of property should remember that there are two ways a potential buyer will view the home. The first will almost inevitably be online. This will usually be on a portal such as Rightmove or Zoopla, or it will be directly on the estate agent’s website.
They will have access to numerous photos of the home, a floor plan, EPC, map location, and street view of the outside – hopefully it looked spic and span when the Google car drove around!
It is vital that your home is looking its best when the agent takes photographs – a buyer that doesn’t click your listing is no buyer at all.
Once they have enquired, they will want to view it. It’s really important to get it right.
Going for a minimal look will be more appealing to potential buyers
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Five selling mistakes
Political posters
Don’t display political posters or boards at your home. If the buyer doesn’t share your political persuasion, you could very well see them voting with their feet and making a quick getaway – leaving your hopes of selling up in tatters.
Signs of pets
Pets and their accessories, food, baskets and worst of all – litter trays. Keep them all out of sight for photographs and viewings.
Remember, some people are phobic, others will be concerned about cleanliness and some cultures are not keen on animals inside the home.
Jonathan Rolande shares his opinions
JONATHAN ROLANDE
Too personal
If you can, remove some items that make the home unique to you – aim for more of a blank canvas. Numerous family photos and children’s drawings on the fridge, in small quantities, create a homely feel. Too many will make the viewer feel like they are intruding.
Use rooms as intended
Bedroom three as a home gym is rarely a selling point. A more traditional layout will help buyers imagine themselves living there.
Eliminate odours
We don’t notice them in our own homes, but buyers will. Pet and cooking smells are the number one buyer deterrent. Stock up on air freshener and keep rooms aired.
Jonathan Rolande is a property expert from the National Association of Property Buyers
