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Buying a home in the summer can be exciting, but it’s important to watch out for these common pitfalls! 🚫

1. Overlooking Seasonal Pricing Trends 💸: Summer is a hot time for real estate, but it also means higher prices. Make sure you’re not overpaying just because it’s peak season. Look at comparable sales from other times of the year for a balanced perspective.

2. Ignoring Energy Efficiency 🌡️: With higher temperatures, energy costs can skyrocket. Pay attention to the home’s insulation, window quality, and cooling systems. Efficient homes can save you money in the long run.

3. Rushing the Process ⏰: The summer market can be competitive, leading to rushed decisions. Take your time to thoroughly evaluate each property and consider all your options. Don’t let the pressure of the season force a hasty purchase.

4. Skipping Thorough Research on Schools and Amenities 🎓: Summer can mask the reality of local schools and amenities. Make sure to check out the quality of nearby schools and the availability of key services like grocery stores and parks, even if you don’t have school-aged children.

5. Overlooking Neighbourhood Dynamics 🏘️: Summer neighbourhoods can look vibrant and bustling. Research how the community feels during other seasons. Check for year-round attractions, events, and community activities to ensure it meets your needs throughout the year.

Avoid these mistakes to enjoy a smooth home buying experience this summer! 🌞🏡✨

#RealEstateTips #SummerBuying #HomeBuying #RealEstateAdvice #NewHome #DreamHome #HomeBuyers

**Open House Viewings: A Good Idea for Sellers and Buyers Alike**

When it comes to buying or selling a home, open house viewings have long been a staple of the real estate market. But are they really a good idea? Let’s delve into the benefits and potential downsides of open house viewings for both sellers and buyers.

### Benefits for Sellers

**1. Increased Exposure**

One of the most significant advantages of open house viewings is the increased exposure your property receives. An open house can attract multiple potential buyers at once, providing a unique opportunity to showcase your home to a broad audience. This can be particularly beneficial in a competitive market, where getting as many eyes on your property as possible can lead to multiple offers.

**2. Creates a Buzz**

An open house can create a sense of urgency and excitement. When potential buyers see a lot of interest in your property, they may feel more compelled to make a competitive offer. This buzz can sometimes lead to a bidding war, which could drive up the final sale price.

**3. Convenience**

For sellers, open house viewings can be more convenient than scheduling numerous individual showings. Instead of tidying up and leaving the house multiple times, you can prepare for a single, well-planned event.

**4. Immediate Feedback**

During an open house, you’ll often get immediate feedback from visitors. This can be invaluable for understanding what potential buyers like or dislike about your property, giving you the chance to make adjustments if needed.

### Benefits for Buyers

**1. No Pressure Environment**

Open house viewings provide a low-pressure environment for buyers. Instead of the potentially awkward situation of a one-on-one showing, buyers can explore the property at their own pace, without feeling rushed or scrutinized.

**2. Comparison Shopping**

Attending multiple open houses on the same day allows buyers to compare properties side by side. This can be incredibly helpful in making a more informed decision about which home best suits their needs and preferences.

**3. Opportunity to Ask Questions**

With the listing agent usually present at open house viewings, buyers have the opportunity to ask questions on the spot. This direct line of communication can clarify any uncertainties and provide more detailed information about the property and the neighborhood.

### Potential Downsides

**1. Non-Serious Buyers**

One downside for sellers is that open houses can attract visitors who are not serious buyers. Some people attend open houses out of curiosity or for decorating ideas, rather than with the intention to purchase. This can result in a lot of foot traffic without any real leads.

**2. Security Concerns**

Having numerous strangers walking through your home can pose security risks. Sellers need to be cautious about valuables and personal items, ensuring they are securely stored away during the open house.

**3. Lack of Personalization**

For buyers, open houses may not provide the personalized attention they would receive during a private showing. With multiple visitors, it might be harder to have in-depth conversations with the agent or to envision the property as your own without the distraction of other attendees.

### Conclusion

Open house viewings can be a powerful tool in the real estate market, offering benefits for both sellers and buyers. For sellers, they provide increased exposure, convenience, and the potential to create a competitive buying atmosphere. For buyers, open houses offer a relaxed, informative environment to explore potential homes.

However, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against the potential downsides. Sellers should be mindful of security and the likelihood of attracting non-serious buyers, while buyers might need to prepare for a less personalized experience.

The other serious thing to consider is that you for open houses to work best you need to set a price that is going to attract a lot of interest to generate the competition around the home to achieve the best price.

Ultimately, whether an open house is a good idea depends on your specific situation and goals. With proper planning and realistic expectations, open house viewings can be a valuable part of your home’s marketing strategy.

1. Refresh Cabinets with Paint: Give tired cabinets a fresh lease on life with a coat of paint! Choose a modern, neutral color to instantly update the look of your kitchen and create a brighter, more inviting atmosphere.

2. Swap Out Hardware: Upgrade cabinet knobs, handles, and drawer pulls for a quick and easy refresh. Opt for stylish hardware in a complementary finish to add a touch of elegance and personality to your kitchen.

3. Install Stylish Backsplash: Enhance the visual appeal of your kitchen with a stylish backsplash. Whether you choose classic subway tile, sleek mosaic, or trendy peel-and-stick options, a new backsplash can transform the look of your space without breaking the bank.

4. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures: Illuminate your kitchen in style by replacing outdated lighting fixtures with modern alternatives. Consider installing pendant lights over the island, under-cabinet lighting for task areas, or statement chandeliers for added flair.

5. Revamp Countertops with Resurfacing: If replacing countertops isn’t in your budget, consider resurfacing them instead. Options like concrete overlays, laminate coatings, or epoxy finishes can give your countertops a fresh, new look at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

With these budget-friendly ideas, you can breathe new life into your kitchen and create a space you’ll love to cook and entertain in. 🌟

In 2023, only 52.88% of properties that came to market ended up selling, giving
homeowners a flip of a coin chance of selling their home.
With this in mind I wanted to offer any homeowners considering selling in 2024 some advice
to help get you moved this year in the quickest time possible and for the best price.
On average, it is currently taking 67 days to agree a sale on a property and a further 113
days to go through to completion.
This means if you are one of the 52.88% moving home, it will typically take 6 months from
you placing your property on the market to actually moving home.
At the time of writing, this would mean listing your home at the start of March would typically
result in moving home at the end of August.

What to consider….

The first month of marketing any property is the biggest chance to get sold and achieve the
highest price with research showing properties that sell typically generate at least 40% more
interest than comparable properties that are on the market over the first three weeks of
marketing.
There were 17.03% more properties for sale in February versus the same period last year
and this was also 3.85% up on January.
More competition from other sellers means you need to have your choice of agent, asking
price, and marketing spot on to give you the best chance of selling.
Not only this, buyer affordability has reduced by 27.5% compared to the record low interest
rates of two years ago, so you need to be doing everything to attract these buyers to your
property and make it look like great value for money.
The most recent data shows that 9% of properties are selling in their first week of marketing
and 32% are doing so in the first 30 days.
By following the tips below, you will be significantly increasing your chances of being one of
the sellers that are in the numbers above and selling your property in the first month.
You will also increase your chances of selling for higher than the average 95.4% of asking
price and not be one of the 48% who are selling their homes following a price reduction.

9 top tips to get you sold

1. Over 70% of traffic on Rightmove is on a mobile device, where only your first photo
   will be seen in the search results.
   It is also worth noting that you are competing against 24 other properties on a page if
   a buyer is not using a mobile device to search Rightmove.
   You only get 3 seconds to capture the attention of a buyer, so do a quick search via
   Rightmove on your phone or tablet to check how the listing appears.
2. A property advert with at least 7 images gets twice as many enquiries versus those
   that have less than 3 images.
   Make sure your property advert has a minimum number of images to capture the
   attention of buyers.
3. Property listings with a video or virtual tour receive on average 8% more detail views
   and 6% more enquiries than those without.
   Advertising your property listing with an online viewing sticker can increase the
   number of detail views by up to 10%.
   Only 34% of properties on Rightmove have a video or virtual tour, make sure you are
   on of them!
4. 37% of buyers will not enquire on a property that does not have a floorplan and
   having a floorplan increases the number of enquiries on an advert by 12%.
   Make sure you have a floorplan with all the measurements and the overall size of the
   property.
5. A property advert with photos, a floorplan, a video, and an exact location get up to
   145% more detail views compared to a property advert that just has photos.
   Be sure to have all of the above and not cut any corners to increase the number of
   buyers looking at your property advert.
6. According to data from Focal Agent and TwentyEA, estate agents using high-quality
   professional photography alongside other professional marketing including
   floorplans, 360 tours, professional property videos, elevated pole and aerial drone
   photography are 39.4% more likely to agree a sale and achieve 1.63% more for the
   property as well.
   Make sure the agent you work with does all of the above to give you the best chance
   of selling and for the highest possible price!
7. Double the amount of detail views on your property by making it a featured property
   and get 20% more detail views by giving it a premium listing.
   Work with an agent that offers a featured property and premium listings as part of
   their marketing package to increase the exposure of your property.
8. The “99p” style of psychological pricing is outdated and simply doesn’t work in the
   world of home hunting.
   Instead, set your asking price at a minimum or maximum price point.
   This will make sure your advert is seen by people searching both up to and from a
   certain price.
   Listings that are priced this way get 11% more views than those that aren’t
9. Properties that reduce their asking price are 10% less likely to sell than those that do
   not, take twice as long to sell, and are twice as likely to have a sale fall through.
   You want to make sure you price correctly from the outset to give you the biggest
   chance of selling for the best price, in a quicker time, and not having a sale fall
   through.
   I hope my 9 top tips to consider when selling your home has given you an insight into
   what it takes to give you the best chance of finding a buyer at the best price.
   If you would like to discuss this in further detail or have any questions, please feel
   free to contact me and I will be very happy to help.
   Thank you for reading

5 Signs That Fixer-Upper Might Be a Money Pit

If you are new to the refurbishment/investment market then please take some time to research. The worst thing you want is getting your fingers burnt on the first project and burning up all your cash.

Deals are always appealing, especially during a hot market. So if you’re looking to hunt for a house and you see the prospect of nabbing a fixer-upper for a too-good-to-be-true price, you may be tempted.

Just use caution – sometimes that hidden treasure ends up being a disaster. Here are five signs the fixer-upper you’re eyeing should be left on the market:

1. Bad Location

There are some things in a new house that can’t be fixed, irrespective of how dedicated you are – like location.

Check the home is not next to an unsafe natural formation. If there is unsteady or shifting ground then that could have implications for the house.

Also, do you want good local amenities such as good schools, excellent transport links, green spaces, shops or a nice, leafy garden filled with plants and trees? If there is nothing nearby then you might wish to think twice about buying it.

2. Bad Layout

In any house, including fixer-uppers, the layout of the rooms may be a primary indication of how (or if) the space will fit your needs.

Pay attention to how the space is organized – like where the kids’ bedrooms are in reference to the main bedroom. Always remember, though: you simply can knock out non load-bearing walls and make more open-plan spaces – as long as you recognize which walls are which.

3. Bad Plumbing or Electrical Wiring

This is a quick and easy point to consider: if the plumbing or electrical system needs completely redone, leave that fixer-upper alone. The value of fixing those problems will far outweigh the good, potentially leaving you out-of-pocket.

4. Badly Done Renovations or Repairs

If a house has had major renovations and continues to be listed as a fixer-upper, be warned. The renovations did not get done the first time – maybe for good reason – and may need to be revisited all over again.

Similarly, be wary if the house shows signs of natural disaster damage (flooding, foundational damage), or if there are rooms added. They may be illegal additions that don’t have the correct paperwork which will cause you problems down the line.

5. Bad Bones

This is perhaps the most important thing to look at when fixer-upper-hunting, because these are the issues which will take time, money and energy, potentially turning your deal into an ordeal.

The bones are the physical fundamentals of the house – the load-bearing walls, the structural integrity of what is holding it all together. If there’s anything questionable about the foundations or the drainage then this is often not the fixer-upper for you.

We all love a bargain – but when trying to find a house, seriously contemplate what could turn a fixer-upper into a money pit.

With all of these handy tips, you ought to be ready to walk into a home and tell what needs a lick of paint and a few minor repairs compared with what could drain your finances.

If you want some advice please give me a call on 07595 473891 or email me at chris.durrant@exp.uk.com. Being an Estate Agent selling all different types of homes in Milton Keynes has given me a little insight into condition, cost and other factors that may cause issues for you.

9 REASONS YOUR HOME ISN’T SELLING

Selling a home can be a nerve-wracking experience. You want to move on as quickly as possible and for a good price, but frustration can easily creep in if your house has been sitting on the market for a few months.

If your home isn’t getting many viewers and time is ticking on, it might be down to some of these factors:

Too Expensive: The number one reason a home won’t sell is always because of the price. Homeowners always feel their home is worth more than the agent and market data tells them. But, if you put your home on the market for a price that’s unrealistic then you could have a house that will sit on the market for months and won’t generate much interest. Dropping the asking price, even just a little bit, will attract more viewers.

Photos: The majority of buyers start their search for a home online these days and that’s why it’s very important to have good quality images and video showcasing your property. Some homeowners want to provide agents with pictures they’ve taken themselves but this is always a bad idea. Make sure you hire a local agent who has a proven track record in creating quality marketing materials and you’ll attract more viewers to your home.

Time: When putting your house on the market it’s a good idea to be mindful of what season it is. Selling a house in the height of summer can pose some challenges as many people are away on holiday. If you sell in the middle of winter some buyers will just hold off until after Christmas. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to sell your home at certain times of the year, it just means that you might have to have more patience.

Too Personal: As a homeowner you’ve an emotional connection to your property but it’s important to remember that your buyer won’t and they might not love you collection of dolls in the spare room or unusual paintings in the living room. Put all overly personal items in storage to allow your buyers to visualise themselves living there.

Too Cluttered: Before you put your home on the market make sure you declutter every room in your house as buyers want to walk into a house and see themselves living there. Sometimes people can’t see past other people’s stuff and it will put them off. Ask your agent for tips on how to stage your home for sale, but please don’t take their advice personally.

It Smells Bad: If you smoke or have a pet then you won’t notice the smell in your home- but other people coming into your home will and it can really put buyers off. Before showing your house, deep clean your carpets, dispose of any rubbish and freshen up fabrics with odour eaters. On the day of your viewings don’t cook food that have strong smells, instead use scented candles and diffusers and open your windows to allow fresh air in.

Pets: Your furry friend might be the centre of your world but not everyone will feel like you do and you have to be mindful that some buyers might not even be animal lovers. Don’t let your cat or dog leave the wrong lasting impression on a potential buyer- keep them out of sight during viewings.

You Won’t do Repairs: Homeowners are often left horrified if their agent suggests they might have to give their home a lick of paint or fix those DIY jobs that they’ve been ignoring for years. However, you want to make a good first impression on potential buyers and if your home is a bit tired then that will leave people with the wrong impression.

Low Showing Availability: It can be incredibly annoying having to keep your home tidy all the time and to have strangers walking through your home constantly, but you have to make your home available for viewings as much as possible. If you decline too many showings then you could end up missing out on the perfect buyer. Allow your agent to show the home when you’re at work and at weekends. Also, ask them to give you 24 hours notice.

Don’t let your listing gather dust, make sure you avoid these 9 mistakes and you’ll have a home that will sell in no time.

Thinking of selling? Get in touch today for a market appraisal of your home. If you are on the market already, let’s see if we can freshen up the adverts and relaunch.

Whether you’re a lifetime renter, or you just need a place to stay while you house hunt for your dream house, we think it’s still important to show your home some love.

Just because you don’t own the property doesn’t mean you can’t have it nice. Here are 9 things you can do to make sure your pad is perfect:

Always Ask for Permission: First thing’s first and if you intend decorating your rented space then before you go ahead with any decorating or lasting changes then please ask your landlord if it’s ok first because you don’t want to lose your deposit.

Tweak the Small Things: Once your landlord has given you the go ahead to freshen up the place then make a list of small things you can do that won’t cost you a ton of money and won’t leave any lasting impressions on the property.

Paint the Walls: The cheapest and easiest way to transform your rental is to paint the place. Stay away from bold colors and instead stick to neutral colors that make the property look light and bright. A freshly painted property will not only look good but feel fresh and clean too.

Put Down a Rug: If you are a bit fed up with the flooring in your rented apartment or house then one of the best things to do without breaking the bank it to buy an oversized rug that will tie your room together. Plus, when you leave, you can take it with you.

Accessorize: One of the best ways of making your rented accommodation feel more like your own home is to accessorize. Buy cushions, throws, mirrors, plants and ornaments and dot them all about the place to make it feel more homely.

Use Stickers: If your landlord draws the line at you wallpapering and tiling then don’t worry because you can buy stick on tiles and wallpaper that both look great but are also not a pain to remove if you need to once you leave your rental.

Command Picture Hooks: Picture hanging strips are locked in and hold tight and are perfect for your artwork in a rental. And, if you need to take them down, then they come off the wall cleanly leaving no holes or sticky residue.

Use Bookcases Instead of Shelves: Try not to put up shelves in your rental because that will leave big holes in the walls and that might mean you not getting your deposit back. Instead use free standing shelves or bookcases to store your things.

Buy Some Statement Furniture: Ok so maybe you can’t do much with your surroundings or your landlord isn’t keen on you decorating, well that doesn’t mean you still can’t transform the property by adding some statement furniture to it. Buy a bed with an oversized headboard, invest in a sofa that you can also take with you to your next place or pick up some cabinets or side tables that will make you feel at home while keeping the landlord happy.

It can be easy to put your own stamp on your rented accommodation when you know how! Just simple changes can make a huge difference to the look and feel of the place and allow you to feel more at home in a property you don’t own.

If you need any help or advice in the property market please contact me on:
07595 473891
chris.durrant@exp.uk.com

So, throughout the start of year there has been speculation about the impending stamp duty deadline. But with Rightmove consistently reporting activity figures beating figures from the same time last year, I think there is good strength in the market place.

You could say this is attributed to a possible extension but these figures pre date the rumour mill of a possible stamp duty holiday extension to the end of June.

Rightmove reports activity 22% up on this time last year. AND, commercial enquiries also increasing so there looks to be a forward thinking approach to businesses getting property……hopefully buyers are shrugging off the shackles of the stamp duty deadline.

In my, opinion, all good news!!

Here is the article from The Property Reporter:

Records were broken once again at Rightmove with the portal revealing that 17th Feb was the site’s busiest day ever as house-hunters gear-up to move home in light of the roadmap out of lockdown finally being announced.

According to Rightmove’s latest data, the number of prospective buyers contacting agents in February so far is up by 22% on February last year in a sign that many are planning a move regardless of the stamp duty holiday, and the number of renters contacting agents is up by 39%.

There has also been record activity from people looking to buy or lease commercial property. Visits to this section hit a new high on Wednesday 17th February, and all of the top 25 busiest days for commercial property have been recorded in January and February this year.

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday the number of commercial enquiries being sent also hit a new record, as businesses review the type of space they need to reopen as lockdown restrictions hopefully start to ease over the next few months.

The hope of once again being able to travel abroad to view property later this year has also led to Rightmove Overseas reporting a record number of searches, with almost 1.1 million in one day on Sunday 14th February. The most popular destinations people are searching for are Dénia, Costa del Sol and Tenerife.

The waiting game

New research conducted by Rightmove about UK home-movers’ intentions has uncovered a lack of suitable properties as the biggest reason putting home-owners off selling their home right now, with a third (33%) of people who are planning to sell later in the year saying this is the reason they are delaying.

Other key reasons are waiting until lockdown is over (22%) and wanting to know if the stamp duty holiday is going to be extended or not (24%).

The latest Rightmove data shows there are 21% fewer new properties coming to market than this time last year.

Of those currently in the process of moving or planning to move this year, one in five (21%) are worried they will not complete in time to make use of the stamp duty holiday if it does come to an end on March 31st.

A bigger group of 37% say the stamp duty holiday was not a factor in their decision to move, while 16% say they are likely to pull out of the sale if they don’t complete in time to make use of the stamp duty savings.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert, said: “Despite all of the uncertainty right now, there are clear signs from buyers that they want to move home in the UK this year. Our traffic levels are on a par with the mini-boom from last summer, and July’s busiest ever day last year has been replaced by a lockdown day in February. Now that we have some clarity on what the roadmap out of lockdown could look like we expect to see more people putting their home on the market. This should help open up more choice in the market to satisfy the strong buyer demand we’re seeing.

“I’ve heard a number of stories of people falling in love with their dream home, only to find it takes time to sell their own one and so lose out on their move. I do completely understand the thinking that home-owners want to find somewhere first, but in the current competitive market if they already have their property up for sale it means when they do find that dream home they’ll have a much better chance of having their offer accepted.

“People will be eager to hear what the Chancellor decides to do to stamp duty in the budget next week and there are clearly a number of people who are worried about missing the current deadline, but our research shows there are also a large group who do not see this as a factor in deciding to move this year.”

If you are looking to move or need any advice please get in touch on 07595 473891
chris.durrant@exp.uk.com
www.chrisdurrant.co.uk

Home gyms have become very popular over the years and have enjoyed a big boost over the past 18 months because of the coronavirus pandemic. If you are deciding if you should sell your home, or, create a home gym, here are some tips that may help you decide.

Here are eight reasons why working out at home has its benefits:

💪 No Commute Required:

You can just get out of your bed in the mornings and stroll right into your gym. There is no need to jump in the car and travel 20 minutes to your local workout spot.

💪 It’s Always Open:

Whether you are finishing work late, are suffering from insomnia or want to get working out before logging on for work, there is now absolutely no need to hang around and wait for your local gym to open. You’re your own boss with your home gym now, so exercise whenever you want to.

💪 No Queues:

There is always a queue for treadmills at the gym – at home you don’t need to worry about that. Your equipment is always available. Plus, you won’t come into close contact with other people’s sweat either.

💪 Great Investment:

You can customise your own gym and only buy equipment that you actually use, saving you from subscribing to a costly gym membership where you feel like you are not getting your money’s worth. Plus, you are more likely to stick to a fitness routine when the gym is in your home.

💪 Put Your Own Stamp On It:

Sometimes, gyms can look and feel very clinical and generic. When you have your own though, you can make it entirely your own. You can decorate it how you want and design the layout exactly just how you want it. Put your own personality into it and you will reap the benefits.

💪 More hygienic:

Public gyms can see hundreds of people come and go every day and that only means one thing: more germs. When you have your own at home, you don’t have to worry about coming into contact with someone else’s sweaty equipment, so you can be rest assured you’d be less likely to fall ill.

💪 Privacy:

Sometimes at the gym, you can feel self-conscious working out in front of prying eyes or feel anxious as a queue starts to form behind you at the piece of equipment you’re using. In the privacy of your own home though, you don’t have to worry about this at all, so go as big and wild as you want to as you work out.

💪 No excuses:

Do you find yourself sometimes making up excuses in your mind so that you don’t have to go to the gym? Is the wintry weather a turn-off, have you been too busy at work or do you have plans you’d never make in time? Not anymore. With a gym at home, you’ve no excuses to not get fit because it’s right there.

There you have it – all the reasons why you could benefit from making your home gym. Now having an active and busy lifestyle can’t get in the way of you looking after yourself.

For more information on Chris Durrant ‘Your’ Estate Agent please use…
https://linktr.ee/chrisdEA

9 Staging Secrets to Get Your Home Sold

In the current market properties are selling quickly, with high demand. If yours is not then you may consider making some changes to how it looks, before adjusting the price or making any other major changes.

Staging your house for sale can make a huge difference to the offer you receive and the length of time it sits on the market. In fact the latest statistics suggest a staged home will sell on average 25% quicker than one that hasn’t been.

So, here are 9 staging secrets to get your home sold:

DECLUTTER

When you say declutter to someone the first thing that springs to mind is clearing out wardrobes or kitchen cupboards. But have you ever thought of decluttering your furniture? A professional stager actually removes half a homeowner’s furniture to make a house look bigger. So have a look around and see what you can throw out, pack away or pop into storage for a few months.

GROUP YOUR FURNITURE

A common staging misconception is that pushing your furniture up against a wall instantly makes the room look bigger. However, the truth is, to make your room look bigger and more inviting then it’s best to float your furniture in each room away from the walls. Just remember to make sure that your furnishings are placed where traffic can still flow through the room.

TRANSFORM SPARE ROOMS

Get rid of that spare room that has only ever collected boxes or other junk and turn it into something functional. Make it into an extra bedroom, a home office or reading room. Buyers want to see themselves living in the property and this helps them to do that.

GREAT LIGHTING

Great lighting is a must when you’re staging your home for sale. You can flood a room with natural light if you put mirrors on the walls opposite light sources. Also, make sure you include table lamps and floor lights in your rooms as that creates ambient lighting. Never use the light in the middle of your room as your main source of light as it won’t show your room off to its best.

GO NEUTRAL

If you’ve a bright pink room or have invested in wallpaper that has a unique pattern then a fresh lick of paint can go a long way. Off-white, creams and neutral soft greys can transform your home into a modern fresh canvas for a potential buyer. If you do want to be a bit bold then please make sure it’s only on a feature wall.

USE YOUR GARDEN

Fancy flowers and floral arrangements can be pricey but you can get the same effect with a simple bunch of flowers from the supermarket or by picking some flowers from your garden. Just keep the arrangement simple and throw in a little bit of colour. Flowers can instantly bright up a room.

GET A QUICK FACELIFT

Give your kitchen an instant facelift by painting cabinet doors or drawers or by vinyl wrapping them. It’s a cost effective solution and the results can be incredible. Also, tackle your bathroom by freshening up the grouting or sealant for quick results.

FINISH THOSE REPAIRS

Unfinished home repairs can really put off potential home buyers. If you need to touch up the paintwork on a chipped banister or replace a wonky door handle then please do it. Don’t give a buyer ammunition to negotiate a lower price for your home. So finish those repairs you’ve been meaning to do for years and you’ll reap the rewards.

CLEAN YOUR HOME

We’ve saved the best for last because this is the most important tip- clean your house from top to bottom. A dirty house is a massive turn off for potential buyers. Make sure your home is spotless, scrub the kitchen and bathrooms and eliminate any odours- especially if you’ve pets or smoke. If you can afford it then get professional cleaners to come in and blitz the place, as buyers want a nice, fresh welcoming home they can see themselves building a life in.

So, there we have it, just a few simple, affordable tips that can make a huge difference to the sale of your house.

Thinking of selling? Get in touch today for a FREE home valuation.