Current conditions mean the property market remains uncertain. While some experts predict a small rise in the coming year, others believe prices will start to fall. If you’re hoping to put your home on the market in 2021, taking the time to prepare could make all the difference in generating interest and helping you secure an offer.
Here are seven top tips to get your property ready for listing on the market.
1. Research local sales
Nationally, property values have increased in the last 12 months. According to the Halifax House Price Index, the annual rise was 6% in December 2020, with house prices ending the year on a record high. Take some time to assess what houses have been selling for in your local area and how long they’re taking to sell.
It’s a step that can help you see if you’re being realistic about your target sale price, and ensure your plans to purchase are reasonable too.
2. Declutter your home
Staging your home to appeal to potential buyers can be a fine balance to strike. You want to demonstrate that it’s a liveable space while still allowing them to see how they could put their own stamp on it.
Decluttering and scaling back personalised items can help buyers see how they can adapt the space to suit their needs. If you have bold interiors, switching these to more neutral palettes can help the property sell too, focus on getting the most out of the space and natural light.
3. Tick off those jobs you’ve been putting off
Often it feels like there are a hundred little jobs to do in a property that you just don’t get around to doing. Investing some time to complete the small tasks, like fixing broken locks, filling cracks in walls, or repairing that door that always squeaks, can be valuable. Where walls look tired or marked, a fresh lick of paint can make it far more attractive too.
It’s an investment that can help sell your home to those looking for a property where they can move straight in with very little DIY work to complete.
4. Show that your home is functional
While your home has defined rooms, their use often becomes blurred when we’re living there. Perhaps your spare room has turned into more of a large storage cupboard or the kitchen table has become your desk. When staging your home, think about what each room is used for and clear out the rest.
Creating defined living spaces can help potential buyers get a better view of the property and support decluttering. If your spaces feel small with all your belongings in, it may be worth using a short-term storage facility while the property is on the market.
5. Don’t forget about kerb appeal
When selling a home, it’s often the interior we focus on. After all, it’s where you spend all of your time and where buyers will be taking a tour. However, the outside of your home is just as important.
It’s worth spending some time thinking about the first impression buyers will get when they pull up outside your home for a viewing and taking steps to improve it, whether that’s fixing your front door, pulling up weeds from the drive or giving the garden a bit of a makeover.
6. Take your time with the photos
The photos that accompany your listing will be the first thing potential buyers see, so take your time to get these right and really show off your home.
Images are more important than ever. With social distancing restrictions in place, viewings are limited and buyers may reduce the number of homes they see. Make yours stand out for the right reasons and give a good impression before a viewing is even booked. With no group viewings or open houses, you may also want to consider including a video tour as well.
7. Keep in mind what buyers today are looking for
A few changes to your space or listing while thinking about what buyers in your area are looking for can help drum up interest. If you live in a family area, for example, highlighting that the school is rated ‘excellent’ can help. Lockdown has affected what people are looking for in homes too. Useable gardens, access to local green spaces, and room for a home office have become priorities, according to a survey from Zoopla.
If you’re planning to move home this year and will need to get a mortgage, ensure you’re application-ready by getting in touch with us. We’re here to provide support throughout the process to help you secure the best mortgage deal for you.
Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.