When we take buyers to view a property, there are certain things that they always notice first – and they are not necessarily what you think would have the biggest impact.
Yes, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, extensions and so on are important to buyers when they are choosing properties to view, and later when they are reviewing the spaces after they have visited.
But there are 6 small things that we’ve noticed make an instant impact right from the moment a potential buyer steps up to a property, that can transform your house from ‘one to consider’ to ‘the one’.
1. Front Door
Literally the first thing a buyer sees, but also your house’s first chance to make an impact with that buyer. A good feeling at the front door can really influence how they feel about the rest of the house – that initial gut instinct helps to put a positive spin as they look around the property.
Things to think about: privacy, security and aesthetic. Double glazed frosted doors can be very off-putting to today’s buyers, even if the rest of the house is beautiful: they feel exposed and less secure than a wooden (or wooden-style) door.
Colour is also surprisingly important: a study recently found that door colour can actually add value to a property, with blue giving the biggest boost of up to £4,000 on your asking price. That’s £4,000 vs a £20 tin of paint: not a bad return if you ask us.
2. Natural light
Nothing beats natural light to show off the space you have, and it is one of the first things a buyer will notice. A darker room will appear smaller, so do everything you can to cast light around the room during viewings. If you have net curtains, take them down while you’re trying to sell. The same goes for window dressings that are overly fussy or block too much light. Draw blinds all the way up, not partially. It may not be how you like it, but it will help buyers envision the space as their own.
If you do need to remove nets and drapes to increase light, take a moment to consider privacy if you are on a busy road. You could add natural screening outside of the window to address this. Think bamboo and other plants that will block the view from the street without blocking the light into the windows.
3. Clutter
A cluttered house does two things as a buyer views a property. It makes the property feel smaller (more stuff = less space) and it makes it harder for viewers to imagine the house as their future home.
Buyers will notice clutter, and despite most people thinking they can use their imagination to look past the surface and see the space, not its interior, it does affect their decision making.
If you are looking to sell as a matter of urgency, and aren’t prepared to do a full clear out before you move, hire some storage space in the short-term to pack away non-essentials. This comes with the added bonus that you will have already started to pack before you move.
4. House plants
These don’t count as clutter. In fact, the more the merrier. House plants improve air quality and make your property feel like a living, breathing space – they are a literal breath of fresh air (and they look great in pictures). This may seem ‘fluffy’ compared to things like extra bedrooms and en-suites, but we can honestly say that house plants are an important part of home staging that make a real difference during viewings.
Just make sure you can keep them alive. Wilting house plants obviously don’t make a good first impression.
5. Outdoor spaces
These are a real attention-grabber, especially in London, and one of the first things a buyer notices is how that outside space is being used.
If you have any outside space, whether it’s a balcony, a small yard or a sprawling lawn (lucky you), make sure you are showing its potential. Add a small table and chairs to a balcony. Put some pot plants on your patio (even if you’re not usually the green-fingered type). Make sure your lawn is maintained and looks manageable, as opposed to a mammoth task to keep up.
But don’t go too far with landscaping. Softer cottage gardens sell better as they are more versatile, so stay away from built-in seating areas and concrete planting blocks.
6. Communal areas
This only applies if you are selling a flat or an apartment, but it is vitally important. It may not be your responsibility to maintain this area, but buyers will take stock of stairwells and entrance halls before they even reach your front door: how are yours going to affect your sale?
If there are broken or deteriorating windows, flooring, railings etc, make sure it’s reported to your freeholder or home-owners association. Pile on the pressure, and make sure your estate agent is aware that requests have been submitted so that they can inform viewers.
If you are looking to sell your home – or are currently just floating the idea – we offer a free home staging consultation that can help you get started. You can book this service here, or just give us a call on 0203 519 9121 for some friendly advice.