Selling

Preparing and Presenting Your Property

 

You have decided to put your property on the market and have instructed your agent, you now must prepare your property.  To give you the best possible chance of success, you need to take a proactive approach and make your property stand out.

Here are some things to remember when preparing to sell your property…

First Impressions

When selling your property, you in fact have two opportunities to make a good “first impression.”  Most buyers will first see your property online, so it pays to ensure that your photographs are the best they can be.  That is why, at J & H Mitchell, we engage a professional photographer to take the all-important photos.  However, to help him get the best shots, you do need to do some preparation work – making your property clean, tidy, and free from clutter can make all the difference.

Images and videos that show your property at its best will generate initial interest.  It is important that you are telling a consistent story about your home and the photos should represent that.  Images should also be truthful, showing each room exactly as they are, so potential buyers are not disappointed when they view.

So, you have prepared your property for photographs, and you are now online.   Potential buyers have received notification that your property fits their criteria and they have studied the particulars, photographs, video and virtual tours, floor plans etc.  Now they want to see the real thing.

This is where they will get to see everything…..EVERYTHING!  And the first thing they will see is how the property is presented from the outside.  This is your second chance to make a good “first impression.”  Keeping the garden and any pathways tidy and clear can make all the difference.  If you have a shared entrance, make sure there is no unwanted mail lying around and maybe introduce a nice plant, making it feel more homely.

 

Here are some things to consider when presenting your property on the market…

  • Keep the garden neat and tidy, removing any dead plants or weeds.
  • Wash down external doors, getting rid of any cobwebs, or give them a lick of paint if they are looking tired.
  • Clean the windows.
  • Keep bins tucked away in a tidy corner, so they’re not the first thing viewers see.
  • Keep any pathways clear and tidy.
  • Make sure any outside lights are working.
  • If you have a driveway or parking space, try parking around the corner, allowing your potential buyer to drive straight in as if they already live there.
  • Look at what other properties are available for your target buyer and think about how you could make your property stand out.
  • This is probably one of the most impactful things you can do.  Keeping the property free of unnecessary clutter will create a sense of space and blank canvas for your buyer.
  • Bathrooms and Kitchens should always be clean, tidy and mould free. Try keeping your toiletries and products on show to a minimum, and kitchen worktops as clear as possible.
  • Keep it simple. If you feel the need to re-decorate before marketing your property, choose neutral colours that have universal appeal.
  • Minor repairs. The little things add up and if there are simple repairs that you have been planning to do, get them done before going on the market, it will give potential buyers few things to find wrong.  But don’t go to too much expense, ie install a new kitchen!

Don’t be afraid to discuss anything with your agent.  That is what we are here for.

 

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