Contrary to popular belief, that “first impression” isn’t when a potential buyer walks through the door. It’s way before that, when a potential buyer looks at the photographs of your house.
So make sure your home is at its very best for the estate agent’s photographer, inside and out.
Spend time tidying up the garden with simple things like mowing the lawn and weeding. Plant flowers if things look bare, and put stuff into those tubs – you know, the ones that someone bought you for Christmas three years ago, but you never got round to using.
As for the house itself, make sure everything is new, fresh and recently painted. “Kerb appeal” counts.
Remove all the clutter that’s found its way on to every surface (and all over the floor). Put the small stuff – from your kids’ scattered Lego to teddy bears into storage.
Consider actually replacing items - if the huge table from granny actually only just fits in the dining room, consider getting a smaller table that does fit, and makes the room look bigger.
Get someone you trust to walk round your house, and tell you what needs re-painting. They’ll point out not just the faded spare room, but the vibrant purple living room wall which might not be to everyone’s taste.
With everything newly-painted, your potential buyers can see much more easily how they could live in your house.
If there’s a cupboard door hanging off or even a tap that’s dripping – get it repaired. If the grouting in your shower has gone black or the carpet in the dining room is threadbare – get it replaced.
You might also want to think about removing all traces of your pet. Some people are allergic to animals.
Imagine your house is an album, and each room is a track on the album - it’s your job to make sure each room sings.
Has the spare bedroom become a dumping ground? Turn it back into a room that someone can sleep in. Buyers on average view eight homes before buying – one bad room can kill the mood.
Does your house look light and airy? Clean the windows, replace any broken light bulbs, consider more powerful lighting, use wall mirrors to make everything look bigger and brighter.
A bad smell is considered a real turn-off for buyers. So fix any sources of smells, whether it’s a drain or a bin, open the windows, clean everywhere and don’t dismiss the old freshly-brewed coffee trick.
Think like a salesperson, and you won’t go far wrong.
From the moment you contact your first estate agent, to the moment the happy purchaser offers you the full asking price (it’s not luck, it’s preparation), you’re a key figure in a deal worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
So think like one, and act like one.
Tips and advice
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Make your first night in your new home go perfectly with our list of first night must haves.
How to guide
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Trends & inspiration
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