If you have decided to sell your house privately and avoid the hassle and expense of employing an estate agent you may need to give your home a makeover first. Selling your home by yourself can be a great idea however it may require a through clean and some modernisation first.
If you have lived in your home for at least a few years it is likely that you won't see the property in the same way as potential buyers. While you may be used to the faded paint, permanent clutter, and overgrown garden, your buyers are not.
The first thing you should do if you want to sell your home by yourself is to try to see the property through the eyes of the potential buyers. Home buyers are quick to pick out faults and even the smallest problems can turn them off buying your house.
It is therefore essential to give your property a thorough cleanout before you begin viewings. If your property is aging it may also be necessary to perform some refurbishment and modernisation as well.
First and foremost, remove all clutter from every room of the house. All the trinkets and trophies you have collected over the years may be special to you and your family but buyers will simply notice the mess. If your house looks bare after putting all your belongings into storage simply put some plants and flowers around the house to give it more lived-in feel.
Take a close look at the interior surfaces of your home including the walls and the floor. If they are looking faded it may be worth replacing the flooring and painting the walls and ceiling. A fresh coat of paint and some new carpet can make an old house look and feel brand new again.
It is also a good idea to take down any pictures you have hanging on the walls, especially family photos. Remove the picture hooks, repair the holes and paint over them. The person who buys your home from you will want to personalise it and will therefore be more interested in buying a home that looks like a blank canvas than a house that feels old and used.
Finally, give your home a thorough clean inside and out. This includes weeding and trimming the garden. Forget about the old trick of baking cookies in the oven to give buyers a nice aroma when you are showing them around your home. Potential buyers will be more likely to appreciate the absence of bad smells after a thorough clean and the pleasant aroma of fresh flowers.
By making your home as attractive as possible you will increase your chances of selling it privately if you do not wish to use an estate agent.
