As demand in the housing market continues to rise, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) today provides top tips on how to prepare a home for sale.
With another long weekend coming up and the evenings getting lighter, it’s a great time to get on with home improvement projects. NAEA research shows that there are now over eight buyers for every property on the market*, so it is a promising time for those looking to sell.
Jan Hÿtch, President of the NAEA, observes that spring is usually a busy time in the housing market, and this year is no exception.
"Despite the significant number of buyers, it is always sensible to make the most of your property in order to get the best price possible. Well thought-out DIY fixes don’t need to be time-consuming or expensive, and just a few small changes can make a big difference to your home when it comes to sale.”
The NAEA has the following tips for home improvement projects:
First impressions – First impressions are key, and they start before viewers even get through the door. Give the front garden a tidy and remove any weeds. Add some potted plants by the front door for an extra splash of colour and vases of flowers in the front windows to help create a homely and welcoming look. Re-paint the front door if needed, and ensure that the doorbell is working.
Create a neutral base – Décor and furnishings in neutral colours can help create a ‘blank canvas’, making it easier for potential buyers to imagine the property as their home. Painting walls is one of the easiest ways to freshen up your house. Opt for beiges and creams on your walls to make rooms seem more spacious. A useful tip for re-painting any woodwork is to always use a primer first, even if your change of colour is not dramatic.
Fixtures and Fittings – A really easy way to spruce up your property without spending too much is to replace doorknobs and light switch covers. Both require no more than a screwdriver and your new fitting, and are straightforward enough for most homeowners to undertake themselves. These subtle changes can lift and modernise a room.
Modernising furniture – Got an old bookshelf, table or cabinet? Dark wood can suck the light out of a room. Painting your old furniture is a cheap and easy way to turn it into an asset, but check it is not a valuable antique first! Be as creative as you want without being gaudy – experiment with different brush strokes to create texture, or even try using stencil prints, which can be bought from most DIY shops.
Be safe! – Nobody wants to become one of the 220,000 people who end up in hospital each year due to DIY accidents. Keep tools clean and in good repair, and definitely don’t attempt to tackle any electrical work yourself unless you are a qualified electrician.
