I hope you had a fantastic break over Christmas and back to work full of good vibes...
Yes I know, I know... It is a 'bit' gloomy out there... Weather is just like yuuuk all the time... Medias keep on talking about the January blues... Pollution... The economical crisis... The uncertainty of the real estate market... And... Here you are... YOU... Thinking of selling your property or had it for sale now for far too long... And nothing happening... But hopefully I can lift your mood up today ;-)
As I recently said to our friends who have had their property on the market for a few months now, you have to remain positive to attract the 'right energies'. If you don't believe in 'that sort of things', then we should stop it here and I d rather leave you with your negative thoughts so they do not spread all over me ;-) ... I genuinely think that good things happen from the moment you ask for them... I also think you have to rethink constantly your options. Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. In 2018, infuse your life with action and stay po-si-ti-ve!...
When it comes to sell a property, I usually advise against customers undertaking large scale and costly renovations: refurbs of kitchens, bathrooms and other large scale renovations are not advisable. It is my belief that sellers may choose finishes that won't appeal to potential buyers or equally badly risk to overspend on refurbishment, without the assurance of getting any money back afterwards. Who would like to see all that hard work for nothing?... I am not saying you should be doing nothing... But what I would recommend is to make some small changes only... The kind of modifications that will have 1) a huge impact on your house/flat value, 2) an effect on the visitors and 3) on you {maybe, while you live there!?}... I call it "cosmetic renovation"! It is generally cheaper than structural renovations {for which you usually need various permits, yes you do!} - and I always advise anyway to leave larger scale structural improvements to the new owners!.. So if well done/organised, cosmetic renovations can seriously help you with the sale of your property. If you need help to assess your house and define priorities, call me and let's discuss that option in more details! ;-)
For now, here is a list of my simple "indoors & outdoors" tips to follow when selling a property (including cosmetic renovation marked with symbol * )
1. Presentation is paramount
FIRST impressions have a lasting impact when it comes to judging other people, it is the same when someone visits a property... Do your best to have a well presented place, INSIDE and OUTSIDE.
2. Lighting and luminosity *
Potential buyers are always more interested in places with good light.
On a gloomy day like today, I d make sure to turn on all lights in my house and all Velux blinds up. Opening up the curtains will also add light into the rooms, which helps the home feel light and airy.
Don't hesitate to "cheat" a bit by investing in a halogen floor lamp if an area needs some help with luminosity.
Change the dated lighting
Be sure you keep up with the "trends".... Either you like it or not, it can affect the buyer's opinion. For example, currently, it is all about copper wires, concrete lights and wooden ones. If you can find those to replace the dated ones that you have installed maybe 10 years ago, then do it!
3. Ambiance perfume and smells
Nobody really wants to smell last night’s dinner, cigarettes or animals' odours when walking around the property. Freshen up each room with either sprays or by opening the windows before the visit. Also make sure NOT to use perfumes that are too powerful as it can have an effect on people coming for the viewing.
4. Spotless property
Potential buyers have no mercy and have a look at everything: you have to make sure everything is neat. Before a viewing, make sure that any washing or pots are clean and hidden in the cupboard. Clutter-free surroundings are key to help the visitor to picture himself/herself living there.
5. Depersonalize
Make sure you take away ANY picture around. In the bedrooms, on your fridge, on the piano, in the hallway, EVERYWHERE. The property MUST be neutral and not associated with a specific person (you and your family!) It is the same for any artwork that would be too personal.
6. Kids free zone
If like me, you love kids, great! We have that point in common. However, your potential buyer may not like them at all (not to say HATE them!) It is a good idea to hide all toys and anything in relation to kids.
7. Painting *
Repaint your property inside and out in a fresh neutral colour to lift its value. Yes (Sorry!) it has to be NEUTRAL to be effective and once again to allow the potential buyer to project himself/herself into living in your house/flat...
8. Small DIY around the property *
Peeling paint
Squeaking/sticking/broken doors and windows
Seals affected by mould in bath/shower, kitchen sink etc.
Dripping taps
Loose tiles/bad flooring/etc
Sewer/blocked pipes smells
Broken or damaged windows
Cracks to ceilings/walls and plasterwork
9. Strategic areas like kitchen or bathroom... and the front door! *
Paint or replace tired-looking cupboard doors in kitchens and bathrooms, swap dated cupboard handles and taps with more modern versions. Don't hesitate to re-paint certain cupboards if you feel there wouldn't be too much work. People tend to forget how important the front door is as well!.. So make sure it is well finished with paint or special wax/treatment!
10. Light landscaping *
"Do to your garden what you would do to your house" :-) Make sure all trees and grass are cut and tidy. Remove not useful pots and anything that doesn't add value to the garden. If the front of the house requires light landscaping too, please do it. There is nothing more repulsive than rusted signs, beams that are falling apart and giving the impression of a messy property.
I hope my post will help you to see clearer about how to make the use of cosmetic renovation and how to optimise your property's look in order to be sold for the best return.
If you need, don't hesitate to get in touch so we can discuss how I can assist you further!
A bientot,
Urszula x
