Friday, March 23, 2012
Estate agent advice on helping your home stand
out
The National Association of Estate
Agents (NAEA) is advising sellers on practical ways to maximise
interest in their property, as wider economic constraints continue
to impact on activity in the UK housing market.
Wendy Evans Scott, Presidentof the
NAEA, said: "Although the housing market is struggling at the
moment, there are people out there who want - or need - to sell
their home.
"Sensible pricing is an absolute
must to ensure a quick sale, but there are plenty of other small
and inexpensive changes owners could make to their property to help
it stand out for all the right reasons."
To help sellers make their homes
noticeable in what is proving a tough market, the NAEA recommends
the following:
- Street appeal - The way the property is
presented is critical. This means concentrating as much on the
external aspects of the house, such as the front garden, driveway
and external facade, as you would on internal spaces. First
impressions can often influence a house-hunter's decision even
before they have entered the property. At the very least,
gardens should be tidy, the approach should look welcoming, and
overall the outside should be well-looked after.
- Take a buyer perspective - Disassociating
yourself from the property can really help you to view it as a
product to be sold, rather than your own personal space. Think
practically about what personal items to display during viewings so
that the home seems lived-in but not cluttered. Consider
placing unnecessary personal items in storage to help the buyer
more easily envisage themselves living there.
- Ensure neutral decor and plenty of light - If
necessary, re-paint key rooms like the lounge, giving neutral decor
to appeal to as many people as possible. Light decor can also
help the property seem spacious, while opening curtains and blinds
will maximise the amount of natural light. If you have a viewing in
the evening, think carefully about how best to light each room -
while natural light is a good thing, too much artificial lighting
can seem stark.
- Repair and revitalise - Applying a coat of
paint to worn walls, re-grouting bathroom surfaces and replacing
any broken fixtures can really help to perk up a property. Taking
the time to ensure that things like door bells and light bulbs
function as they should, will show the property is worth caring
about.
- Get a professional valuation - Deciding on the
right local estate agent to market your property and ensure your
home is realistically priced is vital, and choosing a licensed NAEA
member will mean you are protected against unethical
practice.