Clinch that sale Print E-mail
Written by Woman's World, 2008   
Page 1 of 3
In a slow market there are plenty of things you can do to make your house stand out from the crowd. Woman's World asked experts in property, DIY and furnishings for their advice.

Over the past few years we have been so spoiled by the buoyant house market that the slow down of the past year has caused consternation, especially among those who need to sell for whatever reason.

But Simon Buhl Davis who heads up Savills Interior Services (www.savills.com) says that in his experience, "properties correctly priced and dressed aren't sticking. It may be a bitter pill to swallow to think that your house is worth less than it was last year, but you have to take a long-term view - the market ebbs and flows."

His advice is to make sure your property stands out as "top of the heap of the competition" and to remember that a viewer's first impression starts the moment they step up to your door. If you have a one bedroom flat, then make sure this impression appeals to young professionals; if you have a five-bedroom house, then you must appeal to families.

Simon advises many overseas owners on preparing - 'dressing' - their properties to go on the market. "Spend an absolute minimum to do what is necessary to sell," he says, "A new kitchen and bathroom are a waste of money because you won't get a return."

Clean and de-clutter

Raya Mamarbachi, Director of Simplyzigzag.com, a new online, low-cost, real estate website, says: "Its all about showcasing the best side of your home in order to create interest and generate sales." Here are her tips:

  • Free your house of clutter. This allows potential buyers to picture their own possessions in your home. Keep worktops clean and clear away piles of magazines, coffee cups and a jumble of toiletries in the bathroom.
  • Have scented candles on the go, especially if you smoke, have pets or often cook spicy food. Many people don't realise how strong smells can put off potential buyers.
  • If the property needs work - like replacing dated wallpaper or a stained carpet - then have the work done immediately. It's easy to shampoo a carpet and you cannot go wrong with fresh, neutral walls. By carrying out a few cosmetic changes (or spring cleaning) buyers will feel they can move in without loads to do straightaway.
  • Create an illusion of space and light - keep a light on, draw open curtains or blinds especially on dull winter days.

Impressed on arrival

Robert Leigh of Featherstone Leigh estate agents says: "In the current market it is not enough to paint the lounge magnolia and brew some fresh coffee. Vendors who are having problems selling their homes need to make sure buyers understand the full potential of the property.

Space remains at a premium, especially in London and the South East, so it is often worth employing an architect to draw up plans for an extension, loft conversion or a reorganisation of the living space. You might not be able to carry out the work, but showing a vendor how it could look is often enough to seal the deal.
 
"A well-appointed exterior, smart door furniture and a neatly manicured garden will all help give a potential buyer a strong first impression. If they are sold on arrival, they will be in a more positive frame of mind when they step inside."

A lick of paint

Neutrals come in a lot of different hues, as you will soon discover the moment you decide to spruce up your home to sell. Farrow & Ball suggest you look first at the colour bias within three different groups of neutrals - grey, yellow and red.

The grey group will suit a sophisticated, urban look while the more 'yellow' group is warmer and gives a more 'country' feel. The third 'red' group gives a warm contemporary look.

They have some advice for a long thin space - typical of an entrance hall, which will be the first thing your viewers see. It can be made to feel less 'tunnel-like'.

Try painting the two shorter walls a slightly darker tone than the two long walls. Because the darker colour will advance towards you and the lighter colour will recede away from you the room will feel more square. Visit www.farrow-ball.com

Clean and tidy

Elite International Real Estate Ltd has more useful tips:

  • De-personalise: You are not presenting your personal home but rather planting a seed in the buyer's mind so that they can see themselves living in your property.
  • Loud colours don't sell as easily as neutral colours. If you have oranges, reds, greens on walls or floors then furniture must act to tone down the overall effect.
  • A vase of seasonal flowers works well. Or have fresh lemons in the kitchen and leave one cut in half on the worktop chopping board (lemons mask cooking odours).
  • Tidy the garden. Put some pots filled with scented plants by the front door.
  • Clean the house - this is the obvious one people forget!
  • Try to have children out of the house when viewers are present (kids can sabotage a sale!).
  • Ask estate agents who come to give you a valuation of what they think will increase the potential of a sale.
  • Take a look at some show homes to get ideas for presentation.

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