When it comes to selling your house everyone knows this can be a lengthy process, we see houses that are sat on the market for months sometimes even years. However this doesn’t have to be the case, there are a number of things you can do yourself that can help boost a sale and get the best price. If you try some of these simple things before getting a house valuation it could help you get the best price and a quicker sale.
1. First Impressions
Presentation is everything, everyone wants a nice clean space to live in and if your house does not give this illusion then it can instantly put people off, especially if they are looking online for a house like (the norm these days). If the pictures look dark and doesn’t show the space well then the chances are you won’t get many viewings. I was once told that people decide within the first 10 seconds whether or not they like a house so first impressions really are important and can go a long way which can help you get the best price for your home.
2. Blank Canvas
First things first, turn your house into a blank canvas – make it look fresh and new so that whoever comes to view your house can see it as a clean space and picture their own furniture within the layout. To do this you need to make it neutral, start by getting rid of any patterned wallpaper that may not be to everyone’s taste. The odd feature wall is fine as long as it is soft and in a small area, for example a chimney breast. Secondly give a fresh coat of paint to the walls around the house, try sticking to colours such as white and creams as these make the place look fresh and clean and again are neutral and won’t put people off, personally I prefer cream as it has a warmer and more homely feel as sometimes white can seem a bit stark.
3. Space
Once you have freshly decorated walls look at your furniture, is it positioned in a way that utilises the space available? Does it block pathways? For example I once looked round a house that had a corner sofa in a very small living room which meant that as soon as you walked in the door you were automatically stopped by one side of the sofa which makes the room seem smaller and less inviting. Try to think of ways in which you can organise your furniture that makes the room seem bigger, even if this is not how you would normally have it, when you think of how show rooms have their furniture it is not always in positions that as a family you would place them but they have been cleverly placed to maximise the space and almost trick you into thinking it is bigger.
4. Keep it minimal and tasteful
Next have a look at your belongings such as ornaments. Again it is important to remember that everyone has different tastes so try to keep it minimal and tasteful. If you like having lots of ornaments up and being surrounded by things then just try putting some away for now and remember that it is not forever, once you have sold your house you can put whatever you like on display in your new home. This will de-clutter the rooms and make it seem bigger and fresher.
5. Storage and Cleanliness
Next on the list is smell and cleanliness. Always ensure your house as clean as possible, mops floors so they are sparkling, brighten the windows to make the house lighter, Pick up any clothes or kids toys that are hanging around when you have a viewing. Although this seems obvious and simple it can make all the difference. One of the main things a lot of people are looking for when buying a house is storage, so by keeping the place clean and tidy you are showing that you have adequate storage for the size of the house. Try lighting a candle or adding an air fresher to make your home seem inviting.
6. Outside is important too
It is important to look at the outside of the house too, if it has overgrown plants and weeds everywhere then people will see that it is unkempt and will instantly think of the work that needs doing. So sweep the pathways, pull out any weeds and trim any plants that need it. If paintwork is chipping give it a fresh lick of paint so that the house looks as inviting as possible and won’t put people off before they have even come inside.
Utilise these 6 tips to help you get the best price for your home before you getting an evaluation.
**This is a collaborative post written by my sister-in-law and I**
Jaime says
These are definitely good tips for those who are looking to buy or sell. I am not in the market but these definitely make sense
Miranda says
Thanks Jaime
Michelle Murray says
when we bought out house it was disgusting. It was a new house but old style. We knew that would be something we could easily change
Miranda says
I think I would have been put off unless it was under asking price
Melissa Bernardo says
Great post! Thank you for sharing all of your wonderful tips. 🙂
Miranda says
You welcome
Jade Priscilla says
I have been looking at houses this morning and you have hit the nail on the head when you say that a blank canvas works best! A rug that looks out of place or dodgy wallpaper has been a few of the deciding factors on my haunt because although you can change those things, once you see it like that it is hard to shake off:-)
Miranda says
I know right, it does
Anna Fraser says
Great post.
I know whenever I’ve viewed a property to buy before, I’ve always tended to steer clear of houses with too many personal touches, because even though everyone knows to look past it, a blank canvas will always win over for me.
Anna x
Miranda says
I am in the same boat blank canvas always wins
Mrs M says
Great tips – I think I am fortunate and I can always see past someone else’s style (or lack of!)
Miranda says
Thanks
Sonya Cisco says
Fab tips – my parents are planning a move this year so will send my Mum a link to this!
Miranda says
I hope these help
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Awesome tips! My house used to be so cluttered when my kids were growing up, but when they were old enough to help around the house, the transformation took place. Now we prefer the minimalist theme. It looks better and makes the house look bigger.
Miranda says
I think minimalist is the way to go
Rachel says
Some really good tips here, I find the whole buying and selling house thing far too stressful x
Miranda says
I know right
Clo Nevaeh says
Selling a home can be hard. It’s always important to get the right price. These are great tips for us to know when we move in a few years.
Miranda says
It is hard selling I am told
Kristina Paché says
Good tips!! I sold my house in 2014 after my late husband passed away. These tips are very similar to what my real estate agent told me. To remove clutter, create space, clean carpets, paint walls if needed, make house spotless, etc. My house sold within 5 days. The tips work!
Miranda says
I am glad to hear estate agents gave same tips and house sold that fast
Elizabeth O. says
Not planning to sell my house any time in the near future but this sure makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the tips, it would be helpful in case!
Miranda says
Thanks
Alyssa Waters says
Such a great post, we were recently looking at homes and first impression is defintely a key point to selling. I remember passing up homes simply because of the outside not bring appealing, I didn’t want to imagine what the inside looked like.
Miranda says
I know exactly what you mean, I was like that last year when house hunting
April Mims says
Great advice. Even little things can make a huge difference in the price you can get. You always want to make sure it’s uncluttered and clean, at the very least.
Miranda says
Absolutely, if I was selling I would definitely want it to sell well above the asking price because I would have put these tips into practice
Liz Mays says
These are really helpful tips. It’s so hard to envision your own family in a house when you don’t have a blank canvas.
Miranda says
Absolutely, thanks
Patrice M Foster says
These are all great ideas. I want to sell my house need to fix up a few things now that I read your article. Thanks for sharing.
Miranda says
You welcome Patrice and good luck
tina says
My father is trying to sell his house and I’ve been hinting bout some of these tips. I just sent it to him and I’m sure it will help. Thanks!
Miranda says
You welcome Tina and hope he sells above asking price
Kelilajade says
These are all brilliant tips. Now all of these points have been raised an explained I can understand why they’re so impertitive.
Miranda says
Thanks Kelila
Nikki says
This is interesting, I have a friend who is selling her house, I think this could help her.
Miranda says
Thanks Nikki, good luck to your friend
Ickle Pickle says
Great tips – I have no plans to move, thank goodness, I have SO much stuff! I love seeing clear spaces but don’t have any!! Kaz x
Miranda says
Hahahaha lol it’s nice when you find a place that becomes home and you don’t have to move
Amanda says
I’m so glad to have come across this post–it is so incredibly timely! We are going through the process of selling some of our properties and I have never been on the selling side of these types of transactions.
Miranda says
I am glad we could help
Eve Redmond says
Great tips! I love those chair covers and cushions too.
Miranda says
Thanks
Ana De- Jesus says
What great tips! We are moving soon and the most important feature of the house is its cleanliness and overall hygiene
Miranda says
Thanks, good luck with your move
shalama says
Definitely good tips for those looking to sell or even rent their homes.
Miranda says
Thanks Shalama
Caro | The Twinkle Diaries says
Fantastic tips! It always amazing me that people can’t see past what’s in a room — and are often put off (or totally taken in by) the owners belongings. But it’s absolutely true isn’t it!! They say the best way to get a feel for a space, in a room full of furniture is to look at the ceiling. That gives a perfect representation of the space, as it would be in an empty room!
Miranda says
Thanks and so true
Lianne says
Good tips! When we were house hunting last year, it was so easy to be put off by bad interior design!! lol
Miranda says
I was in the same situation when I was house hunting
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
These are awesome tips! I am not planning on selling my house till my kids graduate from high school, but I want to get the best price for sure!
Miranda says
Thanks so much
Erica Price says
Good tips! We bought a house quite cheaply because it wasn’t presented that well particularly outside.
Miranda says
Unkept houses definitely sell for less than asking price
Joanna says
Great tips, we don’t own our own plave yet but when viewing one I definitely would be put off by clutter. When looking at a place I would need a blank canvas.
Miranda says
Thanks, clutter puts me off too
OurFamilyWorld says
Wonderful tips. Yes, outside is important, too. Sometimes, we get too caught up beautifying the inside that we forget the exterior.
Miranda says
Absolutely I know I have been guilty of that in the past
MyTeenGuide says
These are awesome tips. We are planning to renovate the house. I could use these tips.
Miranda says
Thanks hope they are helpful
Fi Ni neachtain says
I wish I was in the position to sell a house, or better yet, buy one! Cleanliness and a clear space would be such an important thing for me when sussing out a new house, you want to see a blank canvas, not clutter.
Miranda says
Absolutely, clutter would put me off too