Top Tip #2:      Think ‘show home’

Once you’ve de-cluttered you should find yourself with a whole lot more storage space, so put it to good use! Hide away as much of your day to day stuff as possible. This means clearing coats and shoes from the hallway, storing everyday bathroom products in cupboards and ridding kitchen surfaces of appliances, jars and bottles.

Your potential buyers should be able to visualise themselves living in your home. Nicely placed ornaments and pictures are good but consider putting away anything very personal such as photographs and your kids’ drawings.

If you need extra storage, IKEA has a great range of affordable, practical and good looking options.

Consider buying some nice fluffy towels and then keep them only for viewings (you’ll be able to enjoy them when you move!). Likewise, consider getting some crisp, neutral bed linen to use for viewings.

Top Tip #3:      Freshen up the décor

A fresh coat of neutral colour paint and replacing any dirty grouting on tiling will make a huge difference to your property, making it feel light and fresh. Opting for neutral colours means that no-one will dislike it and it’s easier for them to visualise how they might like to decorate.

If your kitchen or bathroom is particularly tired or old you may find that a cost effective replacement, such as from Howdens, makes the world of difference to the overall value of your property. Consider other cost effective things you could do too, such as replacing the cupboard doors in the kitchen. Even just the door handles can make a big difference.

Top Tip #4:      Give it a sparkling good clean!

From shining floors and gleaming windows to clean counters and scrubbed grout, every surface should sparkle.

You could consider getting a professional cleaning firm in to give a thorough deep clean to areas such as ovens, shower doors, under sofas and beds, etc.

We appreciate it’s tough, especially when you have small children but it’s really important not to skimp on this step – it’s key to impressing your buyer.

Want some cleaning top tips? See this article from Yours on the best household cleaning tips and tricks to help you get a spotless home for a fraction of the price.

Top Tip #5:      Rearrange your furniture

This is especially important in living rooms where we tend to point all the furniture at the TV. In a living room symmetrical arrangements work especially well and if you can, pull your furniture away from the walls. Using pairs (of sofas, lamps, chairs) helps create an inviting conversation area.

Give bedrooms a calm and serene feel with clean, crisp linens, tasteful artwork and a blanket folded at the foot of the bed. De-cluttering and de-personalising is especially important in bedrooms as they are such personal spaces. When it comes to children’s bedrooms make sure toys are tidied away (baskets and attractive storage boxes are very effective).

Top Tip #6:      Use ‘extra’ rooms and awkward spaces wisely

Every room in your house should have a clearly defined purpose, so think about what potential buyers might like to see here. An office? A guest room? Another kids’ room? Whether you buy inexpensive furnishings, rent them, or borrow some from friends, making a real room out of a junk room will have a big payoff.

‘Awkward spaces’ such as underneath the stairs or any nook or alcove can be off-putting if the viewer can’t see how that space could be used. Try to find a unique way of showing it off such as a desk/study space, wine rack or shelving. In doing so, you turn your ‘awkward spot’ becomes an adorable feature. Check out this article from Ideal Home on creative ways to use the space under the stairs.

Top Tip #7:      Don’t forget the garden!

According to a 2016 Zoopla poll, a messy, overgrown garden could knock 20% off a property’s asking price and a third of people said they would not even bother looking inside a house if they did not like what they saw on the outside.

Prune back any overgrown hedges or trees and make sure the grass is cut regularly and, definitely, before viewings. Weed and tidy up any flowerbeds and consider getting some tasteful pots and baskets with pretty flowers.

Place a table and chairs in a sunny spot to show how lovely it would be to sit there with a cup of coffee in the morning.

When it comes to front gardens and front doors, make sure these are also well cared for. Don’t have lots of clutter by the front door (pushchair, wellies, etc.) and think about your ‘curb appeal’ as many potential buyers will often do a drive-by of your home before arranging a viewing.

Top Tip #8:      Have a plan for when the call for viewings comes.

Of course, it is unrealistic to live permanently in a show home environment so have a plan ready for what you need to do in advance of a viewing. Write the plan out so you can run through it and tick off each task before each viewing. Here’s our suggestion:

• Clean all dishes and put them away.
• Make all beds (use your ‘show’ bed linen).
• Hang up/put away all clothes, coast and shoes.
• Vacuum and sweep.
• Wipe down all counters, sinks and appliances.
• Get out your fluffy towels, have clean tea towels in the kitchen and hand towels in any toilets.
• Make sure no bulbs have gone – if so, replace!
• Have some fresh flowers in vases around the house.
• Open all curtains and blinds wide to let in as much natural light as possible.
• Consider making a pot of fresh coffee (the smell is very appealing!)

Top Tip #9:      Sacrifice your parking space

If your home comes with an allocated parking space, leave it free for prospective buyers to use. It’s convenient and offers an experience that's closer to the reality of what it's like to live in your home.

Top Tip #10:    Instruct the right estate agent

Choose an estate agent with a good local knowledge who has got experience of selling properties similar to yours in the area.

Don’t be afraid to quiz them over how they will market your property. You need to feel confident they are going to working hard for you and your property. When it comes to viewings on your home, it’s always best to get the agent to do it as they know their job. As the owner, it’s much better if you are not there!

At Amelies, we take time to understand you and your property and then give you the best possible advice and valuation to help you sell your property within your desired timeframe and for the best possible price. Our fees are 1% (plus VAT) with no upfront marketing costs. We take care to ensure your property is marketed in the best possible way, from professional photos and floorplans (done at a time to suit you) to advising you on how to present your home for viewings.

We offer FREE VALUATIONS and are always happy to advise on current market conditions and how to get yourself in the best position to sell. Do get in touch to find out more.

Jessica Ashley, Director Amelies Estate Agents