10 steps for getting the best price for your property

It goes without saying that if you are selling your property, you want to achieve the best price possible for it, which could make all the difference to your subsequent purchase and ease some of the financial burdens associated with moving home.

We have been in the business of getting homeowners the best prices for their properties, for ten years, and we have tried and tested methods for doing this. We know what works and even though some of these steps may seem like common sense, it’s amazing how, with our busy lives, it can be so easy to miss something, or not pay attention to what could make all the difference.

By working through these ten steps, you will cover every aspect – ensuring you are able to get the maximum price possible for your property.

1. Declutter to showcase the space

   If a room is cluttered, that will be the first impression anyone viewing your property will get. It sounds obvious but it’s amazing how we get used to looking at a room so that we may not even realise how cluttered it is.

   Try to empty the space as much as possible – think clean lines. Your potential buyer needs to be able to imagine themselves living in your property and they are prevented from doing that if your personal bits and bobs are all over the place.

2. Give each room a purpose

   By giving each room a clear purpose, you are showing that every inch of your property is a liveable useful space. If you have a junk room, now is the time to make it into an office or a reading room or a guest bedroom so that any potential buyer can feel they are getting the maximum value possible from your home.

3. Deal with outstanding repairs

   Not only will dealing with outstanding repairs make your home look better and more appealing, but it will also give the impression your home is cared for. Imagine that your potential buyer looks at two identical properties, one in a state of disrepair and the other well-maintained. They are not going to offer the best price for a property they will have to spend extra money on later to fix up.

4. Present each room as clean and homely

   There should be no dusty or grimy surfaces on view and floors should be clean. If a carpet has seen better days, replace it. You want to create spaces that viewers find pleasant to be in, that are easy to navigate and feel welcoming. A good clean goes a long way, and so does a fresh atmosphere. Make sure you empty all bins and perhaps burn some essential oils or candles to fragrance the rooms.

   Try to make use of as much natural light as possible, fully drawing back all curtains and blinds. And in the living room, make sure the furniture is arranged in such a way that it creates an area for conversation and easy television or entertainment viewing.

5. Depersonalise

   A potential buyer cannot imagine themselves living in your property, with all their own belongings, if they are overwhelmed by yours. Photographs, piles of books, takeaway menus and artworks, or ornaments, that are unique or quirky, are best packed away for viewings. Try to aim for a blank canvas, ready to accommodate the tastes of your buyer.

6. Neutralise decoration

   A potential buyer is unlikely to have the same taste in wallpaper as you so consider replacing strong feature walls and colours with more neutral, painted walls. Painting rooms white is an option and provides the ultimate blank canvass however, warmer tones can be equally successful and create the neutral look you’re aiming to achieve. Neutralising a room doesn’t mean making the room has to be bland and boring though. This neutral backdrop will assit in showcasing well chosen pops of colour and highlight character and charm bringing a room to life.

7. Understand your potential buyer

   If you are targeting families with your property, take time to understand what those families are looking for and would appreciate. Present the box room as a nursery or playroom, rather than an office space. Or if you are targeting a buyer who is perhaps retired, maybe a hobby room or reading corner could add extra value. Try to appeal to what your target buyer would be looking for by understanding who they are and what they want.

8. Don’t forget the outside space

   A lovely garden has successfully sold many a property, but it doesn’t have to be exquisite, or worthy of the Chelsea Flower Show. By making sure lawns are cut and weeded, plants and bushes are neatly pruned and tidy, you can make your outside space appealing.

   Consider a few flower tubs or pots to add homeliness and ensure windows, doors, pathways and drains are clean and fresh. And if you have room for any outdoor living, make the most of this by adding suitable furniture such as chairs and table.

9. Be realistic

   If your expectations are unrealistically high, you will always be disappointed by what potential buyers offer. You can avoid this by doing some research into similar homes and their selling prices. There is always going to be a limit to what price each house type can command in your area, for instance a two-bedroom semi-detached with no garden is never going to attract the asking price of a four-bedroom detached in its own grounds, no matter how nice it is.

   Be aware of the likely offers your house type will attract, then you won’t be disappointed.

10. Choose the right agent

    The right agent will have your best price in their sights and do everything they can to help you achieve it, including giving advice on appealing to your target buyer. They will understand the market, know where your target buyers are looking and present your property to them in the most appealing way.

    The right agent will not encourage you to take the first offer you get, if it’s not the offer you want, just so they can get the SOLD sign up. They will take time to know and understand what you want and need, going with you every step of the way to ensure you sell your property for the price you want, and that the transaction is as stress-free and painless as possible.