8 Steps to Get House Ready to Sell

30 April, 2020

1. Declutter

Little tweaks can make a big difference in the overall feel of a house. Try to look at your home from the perspective of your buyer and think about the details that would impress or dismay you if you were in their position. Repair cracks in the walls, touch up paint, get a new shower curtain, put a throw over worn furniture etc.1. Declutter

Clear out the clutter. You want buyers to focus on how awesome your space is. Banish that piles of shoes from the entry, that stack of mail from the kitchen table etc. Also, make sure to clear the clutter around the features of your house so they stand out.

Pay specific attention to:

•  Books, CDs and DVDs
• Ornaments and knick-knacks
• Kitchen tools and appliances that currently live on the counters
• Make sure potted plants look fresh
• Posters on your children's bedroom walls

Top tip – Remove personal items such as family photos, kids artwork etc. Your buyer wants to imagine the lovely life they could make for themselves in their potential new home. Don't allow anything to clutter that vision.

2. Repair, restore, revamp

Little tweaks can make a big difference in the overall feel of a house. Try to look at your home from the perspective of your buyer and think about the details that would impress or dismay you if you were in their position. Repair cracks in the walls, touch up paint, get a new shower curtain, put a throw over worn furniture etc.

Top tip - Potted plants or a few pretty buds in a vase can help bring energy into a space.

3. Leasehold

If your property is leasehold, get prepared and get all your paperwork together. There is key information you will need to supply to your estate agent.

Consider this getting your leasehold ready:

• Decide what to do with your lease as soon as you know you want to sell. Don’t wait for it to drop to 80 years or below, as it will cost time and may slow your sale down.
• Extending your leasehold or buying your freehold will help you get the best price for your flat. Both have their upsides, so decide which one works for you.
• Find a good conveyancer or solicitor, as extending your lease or buying your freehold can take a while, and it’s different for every property. They’ll also help you understand what you’re paying for and how long it will take before you commit.
• If you’re not sure whether it’s worth extending your lease, ask us for advice. We know what the buyers are looking for and can advise you.

4. Mortgage

Find yourself a good financial adviser. We can put you in contact with an independent financial adviser who can help search and advise on the best products.

Top tip – Independent advisers can really help make a difference finding the products best suited for your financial situation.

5. Solicitors

There will be lots of paperwork to go through so always a good idea to start this now. We can help recommend solicitors for you.

Top tip – Find out your solicitor’s fee structure as they all vary.

6. Make Your House Sparkle

First impressions mean a lot. Don’t let dirty floors and dusty surfaces make a bad one on a potential buyer. Give your house a good clean and make it look fresh. 

Top Tip - Let as much natural light into your home as possible and replace dim light bulbs with higher wattage. If there’s any dim corners add a floor or table lamp. A light house will feel more inviting and spacious.

7. Exterior appeal

Make sure the exterior of your home looks the best it can. Trim your shrubs, weed your flower beds, fix any peeling paint, keep the walkway clear and clean the windows. 

Top tip – Add a pot with fresh flowers to make the entrance look welcoming.


8. Estate Agents

Look at what the estate agent specialises in and consider what your needs are. Choose the agent who you feel provide the best advice and gets what you are after.

Looking to sell quickly? At GetAnOffer we specialise in selling your property fast for a realistic price.