Many homeowners underestimate the importance of preparing their homes for prospective buyers.

Making your property more attractive will not only help to maximise the sale price, but it will help it sell quicker too. If you’re thinking of selling your home, these ideas can help you to prepare now, ahead of putting it on the market.

That’s why now is actually the perfect time to get your home ready and photographed, with a virtual tour all done, in time to go on the market straight after Christmas and secure as many eyes on it as possible.

First impressions count

Make sure the exterior of your home looks inviting. Tidy up your hedging, buy a colourful winter hanging basket and repaint your front door if it’s looking tired. Move bins out of view and clear away anything unsightly. Do what it takes to create that positive first impression. 

Check everything is working

Selling almost any home can be tricky, but selling a home with lots of small repair needs can be much harder. When buyers walk into your property, they want to fall in love with the house, not add a bunch of small repairs to their to-do list. Check the doorbell, tighten loose taps, replace light bulbs and tighten any loose handles.

Remove clutter

Less is more. Tidy up counters, windowsills, tables and all other areas on show. If the house is overflowing with things, buyers might worry that the house won’t be big enough for their own belongings. Moving out will be also easier if some of your belongings are already boxed up.

Deep clean

Clean under and behind furniture, clean the windows, touch up any scuff marks, scrub the skirting boards, walls and doors. Really make your home sparkle and look cared-for.

Repaint walls to neutral tones

A light neutral colour allows buyers to envision what the walls would look like with the colour of their choice.

Check the smell of your home

Your home needs to smell fresh and clean. If a smell is pervasive, prepare to do some investigating and deep cleaning.

Depersonalise your space

Remove distractions so that buyers can visualise themselves living in the property. Limit personal items and if your children’s bedroom walls are covered in posters, remove most of them. Try to create a blank canvas, so that buyers can picture themselves making the house their home.

Consider who your buyer might be and define each room

Buyers need to be able to picture themselves living in the house, so it’s essential that each room is shown off to highlight its purpose. For example, if your home has a spare bedroom, it should be dressed to look like a guest bedroom, not a junk room! You may also consider who may want to buy your property and dress your home accordingly.

Make the most of your outdoor space

Gardens can be a great selling point – but an overgrown jungle will make the space look smaller and unloved. Consider power washing the decking and patios, planting some tubs, and creating privacy with trellis or trees. Continue to look after your garden at all times of the year.