In the current real estate market, where supply is often abundant and competition is heightened, it is crucial for property sellers to maximise their chances of standing out and quickly attracting potential buyers.
A well-prepared and showcased property can make all the difference between a swift sale and stagnation on the market.
This is why it is essential to make your home as appealing as possible by optimising every detail to effectively differentiate it from other properties available.
In this guide, we provide practical tips to prepare your home for photoshoots and viewings, thereby maximising its attractive potential.
Declutter the Rooms:
- Streamline the spaces: Remove non-essential items to visually enlarge the rooms and create a sense of order. Too many personal items, clothing, and decorative accessories can give the impression that your property lacks storage.
- Remove bulky, unnecessary furniture: Opt for a minimalist layout to improve flow and highlight the room dimensions.
Deep Cleaning :
- Thorough cleaning: Ensure all rooms are spotless, including windows, floors, and carpets. Make countertops, mirrors, and appliances shine to create a fresh and bright appearance.
- Ventilate the home: Ensure the air is fresh, free from cooking or pet odours.
Staging and Depersonalisation :
- Add neutral touches: Simple decorative items such as plain neutral colour cushions, vases, and flowers bring warmth and modernity.
- Focus on lighting: Open curtains and use warm lighting to create an inviting atmosphere. Replace cold-light bulbs with warmer options, ideally between 1,500 and 3,000 K, to emit a soft, cosy orange glow conducive to relaxation.
- Tidy up bed linens and towels: Neatly fold bedding and choose clean, coordinated towels in the bathroom.
Optimising Key Spaces :
- Kitchen: Store small appliances out of sight and keep countertops clear. Add a bowl of fresh fruit or herbs for a refreshing touch.
- Bathroom: Ensure all surfaces are dry and clean. Avoid visible cleaning products, and keep toilet lids closed.
- Bedrooms: Keep them simple, with neatly ironed sheets and uncluttered bedside tables. Choose white or neutral-coloured bedding for a fresh, timeless look.
Exterior and Garden :
- Maintain the garden: Trim hedges, mow the lawn, and remove dead leaves.
- Create an inviting space: If possible, set up some garden furniture.
- Clean the façade and pathways: Use a high-pressure washer with bleach to remove rain and pollution stains from walls and stone terraces, making your exterior more appealing.
Preparing for Viewings :
- Regulate the temperature: Ensure the house is at a comfortable temperature for visitors.
- Create an atmosphere: If possible, play soft music and use lightly scented candles with neutral fragrances.
- Remove pets: To avoid distracting visitors or causing allergies, keep pets away from viewing areas.
Additional Details :
- Minor repairs: Address small issues such as loose door handles, wall holes, burnt-out lightbulbs, or leaking taps and toilets.
- Redecorating and freshen up the paints: Choose neutral colours for a clean and timeless appearance.
These simple yet effective steps will help present your home in its best light and inspire a sense of love at first sight in potential buyers. The goal is to transform your personal space into a place where visitors can easily imagine themselves living.
First impressions are critical. Remember, buyers often make their decision within the first few minutes of a viewing.
For more information and personalised advice, feel free to contact your estate agent. We are here to support you at every step of your sales journey.
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