The desirable residence is what most buyers are looking for and your task will be to transform your investment into a property that meets the aspirations of the majority. You must forget the idea that your house is your home – it now needs to be turned into everyone else’s home – thereby making it attractive to the greatest number of people.
Obstacles to overcome are familiarity and identity. Like all home-owners you are likely to have stamped on the property your own individuality and personal preferences. Colours and furnishings will be those of your own choosing. The transformation you need to undertake involves a makeover that will erase those elements.
The Significance Of First Impressions
The EntranceFew of us stand outside our front door long enough to examine it. Yet this is exactly what potential buyers will do when they first approach your home. The first impression you create will be a lasting one in the eyes of your viewers.
Bear in mind that they are likely to look at the entrance, either standing on the road outside or from the comfort of their car, for a period of time before coming to knock at the door. This aspect of your property must be welcoming and inviting. There are many simple and economical improvements you can make to achieve this. Here are a few suggestions:
- During spring and summer the installation of a few pots and hanging baskets adorned with colourful blooms will always add cheer to an otherwise bland entrance.
- During the winter months, baskets and pots can be replaced with tubs containing miniature conifers or clipped yew, bay or box, all of which will create an air of style and elegance.
- Replace rusty door furniture with new lacquered brass, which won’t need constant polishing, and re-paint the door and window-frames to make the entrance appear crisp and pristine.
- Check that the door-bell is in good working order and that welcome lights operate properly.
- Replace any broken or cracked paving slabs and brighten up the rest with a suitable chemical cleaner available from most hardware stores.
- Make sure any entrance gate opens easily and shuts firmly. Repaint if necessary and oil the hinges to prevent them from squeaking.
- Ensure that the number of the property is clearly visible from the road.
- If possible avoid parking vehicles on the entrance driveway as this will obscure the front aspect of your property or, at best, it will create an obstacle that viewers will have to navigate around.
- Pay particular attention to the front garden which should be kept neat and tidy. Ensure hedges are pruned back and lawns are regularly clipped.
The Interior Aspects
There are three tasks you can undertake which will instantly transform your property for the better and at nil cost. These are:
Once this process is complete consider installing one or two room air-purifiers, but don’t overdo it or it will become overpowering! Pot-pourri works just as well providing you
remember to refresh the scented oil on a weekly basis. If you have a good sized garden why not plan now to grow strongly scented flowers that can be cut and brought indoors during your house-selling period?
If you have a budget to spend on making improvements then identify your home’s greatest asset and spend it there. Popular ‘features’ include the kitchen, bathroom, a conservatory or garden. These areas can add appeal and value to what may otherwise be a run-of-the-mill property. For suggestions you might consider visiting a few show-homes on new-build developments nearby. Builders invariably employ professional interior designers to create contemporary and alluring living spaces, and by studying their work closely you can procure ideas with no cost to yourself.
Knowing Your Target Audience
When considering any improvements or alterations be aware of the group of people who are likely to be your buyers. There is little point in creating a fully flagged town-garden if the majority of your neighbours are couples with young children in need of a play area. Equally a high-tech kitchen and chromed bathroom may not suit an elderly couple. Take the time needed to identify your target group and be prepared to create a home that suits their needs.