Hints & tips

First appearances count. Make sure that the area around the entrance is neat and tidy with no broken concrete or weeds.

Make sure the scent of your home is pleasant and fresh. Spray polish is better than air freshener and will make your surfaces shine. Give the cooking a miss before the viewings a smelly kitchen is a real turn-off.

Make sure there are no pet-hairs and doggy/animal smells. Remember not everyone likes to live with pets.

Make your home appear bigger. Buy storage boxes and pack away the clutter. Clear kitchen surfaces from jars and utensils.

Create more space by pushing sofas and side tables back against the walls. Take up that rug - does the room look bigger without it? Invest in a coat of neutral color paint. It may not be your taste but it will not offend theirs.

Laminated flooring is always a winner. It's modern, clean and buyers & tenants love it. It will last for years to come which is ideal for rental. It has many benefits including making your property sell or let quicker. Although some people do prefer carpets in the bedrooms, if you do choose carpets throughout, neutral colors are always recommended

Make sure there is plenty of light. Before clients come round turn on all the lights to make rooms look more spacious. A warm house is also more welcoming.

Let the potential buyers/tenants look around alone or with the Agent so they can discuss the house. Do not get into discussion with the applicant - let the Agent do their job - just be friendly and informative about the property. Showing clients around your home can be awkward & you may find yourself talking about unnecessary points or things the clients might not want to hear about that might put them off without you realizing.

Be realistic: the best way to sell/let your house is to make sure the price you are asking is the right one. Remember your property is not the only one on the market; it will be in competition with others. It needs to be the right price to get the clients in through the door. If it is overpriced clients will not entertain it. Take the advice of your Agent and also look at the property details on other houses in your road/area similar to your own.