Add value to your home before selling...

Date Published 16 August 2022

Your home will almost certainly be more attractive to buyers with some general sprucing up and cleaning - small things can make a surprising difference.

10 quicker wins for adding value before selling.

1. REDECORATE.

Redecorating is the most popular home improvement and adding a lick of paint can be done at a relatively low cost. Neutral colours are most appealing to house buyers and can go a long way to giving your home a new lease of life, so do not be afraid to pick up the paintbrush.

2. FIX SUPERFICIAL DEFECTS.

While unlikely to be the clinching factor in a house sale, small problems and defects can create an impression of a house being run down or not well cared for. Bigger issues (like damp) should not be covered up as they will show on a survey and come back to haunt you later on.
Things to look out for include:
• peeling paint
• dirty walls, especially near door frames and light switches
• dripping taps
• squeaky floors, doors or stairs
• mouldy sealant in kitchens or bathrooms
• lime scale build-up on kitchen and bathroom fittings
• badly fitted laminate flooring
• broken light bulbs

3. THE FRONT DOOR
.
First impressions count and the front door of your home can say a lot about the rest of the house to first-time viewers. If you cannot afford to replace the door, make sure it looks new by giving it a power wash or fresh coat of paint. Even a new doorknob, house number or name plaque can help. Try to make your front door look smarter than your neighbours' to help your property stand out.

4. DECLUTTER.

Never underestimate a tidy, clean room and pay special attention to high-impact rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. You should also consider whether there's too much furniture in each room as it can make the property feel smaller.

5. HEATING AND LIGHTING.

If you're not at home, preset the heating to come on ahead of a scheduled viewing. Potential buyers will want to know that your central heating works well and feel comfortable in your home if it's cold outside. Good lighting will also be essential on a drab day so having lamps on in dark corners will help. It's better for the viewing to take place in daylight but if a potential buyer is coming after dark then turn any outside lights on.

6. GARDEN APPEAL.

If you have a front garden, spend a little time sprucing it up. A few plant pots and a clear pathway can make the front of your house more appealing helping with the first impressions.
Out the back a well - designed garden can add a great deal of value, it should feel like an extra space for entertaining or relaxing, rather than an expanse of grass. It's essential to trim borders, clear pathways and cut back any overgrown trees or bushes, particularly if they block direct sunlight into the property.
An area of decking creates a sense of bigger usable living space and three per cent of homes sold in 2019 were even found to have a summer house in the garden, giving owners more space to relax and entertain in the brighter weather.

7. CREATE A DRIVEWAY / OFF-ROAD PARKING.

In some areas of the country, the ability to park close to your front door comes at a huge premium and therefore, if you have the room to add off- street parking, you are sure to increase value.

8. LOOK SMART AND BE ENERGY EFFICIENT.

Smart home technologies are increasingly important to buyers - just advertising the presence of fibre optic cables in your area could be enough to encourage buyers. Statement systems like multi-room music platforms can also make a difference.
Double glazing will also help retain heat (and keep noise out). Smart technology such as Hive, which gives mobile control over heating systems, is a feature worth considering. If a home improvement moves your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) up a band could add thousands to the sale price!

9. MAKEOVER THE KITCHEN.

Kitchens are often the main focus for many buyers, it may be the first thing they look to replace or pay more for if a property has one they like. You may not be able to afford a whole new kitchen but, for a relatively small budget, painting units or replacing cupboard handles or doors are great alternatives. Good lighting and clutter- free, clean surfaces will also make a big difference.

10. FRESH BATHROOMS.

In the bathroom, re - grouting, eliminating all lime scale and replacing taps are good options. Bathrooms need to look fresh and hygienic, so paint the walls a neutral shade and ideally add a new shower curtain or a standard glass screen. In 2021, new bathrooms were fitted in 29 per cent of homes which sold that year so could be the key to selling fast and earning more.

If you would like to discuss your property or even book a Free valuation then simply call us on 020 8306 2020 or 01322 400222 - option 2 or email us at awsales@ableestates.com - we will be happy to pop round.

Alternatively you can carry out an instant online valuation at www.ableestates.com