Presenting Your Property For Sale

Why can two properties that appear the same on paper, sell for vastly different prices? Quite often, it simply comes down to a matter of presentation.

It is amazing just how much first impressions do count - many properties have been sold, and many not - before the prospective purchaser has even set foot inside the front door.

So take a little time - step outside your own front door and approach your own home as if for the first time ... critically! Try to look for things you have learned to live with, but are really negative distractions ... the front garden should be neat and tidy, any rubbish, ornaments, etc stored out of site, the path weed-free, a newly painted fence or freshly clipped hedge is welcoming and gives the distinct impression of someone caring.

As for the exterior of the house, a lick of fresh paint costs next to nothing but is proven as one of the most important factors in creating a good impression - clean windows with neatly painted frames also add a little sparkle. The front door is worth particular attention, property can be transformed by a new front door, it is what your potential buyers concentrate on whilst waiting for you to let them in.

Obviously in presenting your property, internally it should be neat and tidy, all paintwork should be clean and free from cracks, stains and chips should be touched up. In addition to the obvious, there are a number of simple but highly effective sensory tools you can use to create a pleasant ambiance.

A little light on the subject

Studies have shown people react positively to properties shown under bright light. Even during the day, leave as many lights on as you can, keep the curtains wide open and windows clean. Similarly, trees and shrubs which shade windows may need to be pruned to increase natural light. At night switch on all lights, replacing any blown bulbs and dingy fluorescent tubes.

Creating space

It is very important to make each room appear as spacious as possible. It may be necessary to store some furniture with a friend, a self-storage company or in the garage to ‘open-up’ rooms and hallways.

The sound of selling

Classical music playing softly in the background can create an atmosphere of calm serenity. Otherwise go for peace and quiet, avoiding loud noises, barking dogs, your children and the TV.

Don't colour their judgement

Colours should be kept light and neutral when selling your home.

The sweet smell of success

Smell has more impact than you might think. It can work either for you or against you. So:

scour kitchens and bathrooms with bleach
use lemon oil or fine polish on your furniture to add richness
place fresh flowers strategically throughout the house

The show home effect

Show homes are designed to make a buyer “feel at home.” To recreate the feeling of a perfect display home is almost impossible unless you are starting from scratch, but there are valuable techniques you can apply that will help create a similar atmosphere.

When you enter a show home, an interior decorator has made sure of the following details:

the colours are neutral
the smell is fresh
the decorations enhance the home's features
the only sounds are peaceful
the details are perfect from the manicured lawn to the flowers in the entrance hall

General tips

In the case of pets, take particular care to clean the areas they inhabit - potential purchasers simply do not love your pet as you do. In the case of dogs ... get your children to take them for a walk - and remove two potential sources of embarrassment in one go!

. . . And finally

When showing your home to a prospective buyer, avoid having too many people present. Be polite, but don’t try to entertain your buyers. They want to inspect your home, not pay a social call. Never apologise for the appearance of your home. After all, it is your home! And, if you are asked why you are selling, tell the truth, without giving away too much information.

If in any doubt, discuss preparing your property for sale with your local Gibbs Gillespie consultant.