How Do I Get My House Ready To Sell In 2024?

If you're thinking of putting your Harrogate property on the market, you'll want it to generate as much interest as possible. If you want to know 'how do I get my house ready to sell', we have the answers to prepare you for a new year sale.

 

The team at TLC Yorkshire Property Ltd is highly experienced in property. We will always make sure we give our utmost attention to your home when carrying out viewings. However, there are little tweaks you can make to ensure it's in outstanding condition and ready for the most discerning viewer!

 

The TLC Yorkshire Property Ltd team have put our heads together and want to share with you the top nine things you can do to get your property in Harrogate ready for sale!

 

1. Neutralise Your Home

There's nothing wrong with injecting your personality into your home, but when you're selling, garish paint and leopard print feature walls won't be to everyone's taste. If this sounds anything like your property, then give some consideration to some light redecorating. Ideally use neutral colours such as off-white, magnolia, greys or pastels.

 

It's far more appealing to potential buyers and it will allow them to visualise their own ideas if they have a blank canvas to work with.

 

2. Lighten Up

Following on from our first point, there are some simple lighting tricks you can do to make your home feel brighter, which in turn will make it feel more spacious and appealing to potential buyers.

 

It can be as simple as putting up a mirror opposite a window to reflect the light or ensuring you have high-voltage light bulbs fitted. If you have blackout blinds or curtains in your bedrooms then make sure these are open before any viewings, to avoid rooms appearing dark or gloomy.

 

3. Declutter

We all tend to throw empty boxes in cupboards (just in case) and gather 'stuff' as the years pass. If you've been hoarding items, then selling your property in Harrogate is the perfect time to eliminate unwanted items and declutter. It will help your home appear more spacious plus there's the added benefit of making a few pounds selling your old belongings.

 

4. Deodourise

Did you know that your home has its own distinctive smell? Not all houses have strong smells, but if you regularly smoke or vape indoors or you have a pet causing a whiff, then no matter how beautiful your house is, this will be the first thing a visitor notices. Unfortunately, it can be very off-putting. If your property has a strong smell then give it a deep clean before any viewings or get professionals in if you need to.

 

5. First Impressions are Everything

It's rare that you'll get an offer at first glance, but you can definitely lose one! If you have an overgrown garden, a grubby front door and a broken gate, then it's time to get your gardening gloves on and tidy it all up.

 

Kerb appeal is important. Not only because many potential viewers will do a 'drive-by' to check out the property before booking a viewing, but first impressions are what form the basis of someone's opinion of your property. Things that can damage your home's kerb appeal include having dirty wheelie bins on display, smeared windows and chipped paintwork. Spend a little time maintaining your outdoor areas and be sure everything is up to scratch before the viewings start.

 

Adding little extras like a potted plant or a lamp to light up your entrance can make a big difference. You don't need to do anything extravagant, just remember, it's all in the details!

 

6. Show Off Your Home Assets

Step room to room in your home and check for little things that may detract the attention of a viewer:

 

• If you have a study or a room you are using as an office, ensure your desk is tidy and your paperwork is filed away so that viewers can see an organised workspace.
• If you have a fireplace, make sure it's not being blocked by toys or extra bits of furniture that you haven't stored away so that viewers can imagine themselves cosy by the fire.
• If you have a dining table – a common dumping ground for pretty much everything - make sure it's clear of any paperwork or household bits that have been piling up so that viewers can see there is a defined place to eat.
• If you have a utility room, remove piles of laundry and tidy away detergents so that viewers can appreciate the extra space catering to the needs of a family.

 

When it comes to our homes it's easy to take some of the features we see every day for granted. To a viewer they may be just what they're looking for in a home, so be sure to highlight all the best features of your property.

 

7. How do I get my house ready to sell? Be Prepared!

Think back to when you bought your property. What questions did you have for the estate agent? If a buyer were to ask how old the windows are and if they have a guarantee would you know the answer? What about the last time you had the boiler serviced? When was the central heating checked? Be prepared and find your paperwork and service history relating to your home before it's requested, to save time!

 

• Service the boiler
• Check the central heating system
• Find any guarantees and warranties

 

8. Fix up, Look Sharp

Keeping on top of the maintenance of your home is crucial when you bring your property to market. If you haven't regularly maintained your home, now is the time to get all those niggly jobs done. Make sure everything's as well maintained as possible, whether it's fixing a damaged fence or replacing a broken lightbulb!

 

These minor details can make a big difference to potential buyers. It shows that your house is well looked after, and it will give viewers fewer excuses to negotiate. Make your property as flawless as possible. Touch up paintwork and don't forget to check gutters and drainpipes to get rid of leaves and debris.

 

9. Depersonalise

Buyers want to imagine themselves living in a property! Seeing personal items all over the house can actually have an off-putting effect, even though it's your home!

 

Don't remove every family photo, you're still living there of course, but there's a fine line between making a home look lived in and loved and showcasing it as someone else's dream home! Think about putting a few personal items and photos away before viewings. The space created will allow viewers to get a better idea of what they would do with the space and to imagine it as their own.

 

Now you know the answer to 'how do I get my house ready to sell?' call or message us!