Preparing for sale whilst locked-down

So, here we are, forced to stay at home! Only allowed out to exercise and go to the shops. So ...

So, here we are, forced to stay at home! Only allowed out to exercise and go to the shops. So far removed from normal life and the freedoms we normally enjoy.

Although this is a very stressful time for us all and worrying for our own health and that of our friends, family and neighbours. In my opinion though there are a few things which are more positive. I think people are pulling together more, we’ve said hello to neighbours we’ve barely met before, spending more time with family and almost everyone I know is exercising everyday! We also have time to do those jobs we’ve been putting off for weeks, months or even years!

Almost the first call I took in lock-down was from a lady living in Purley who had instructed us just before this happened and wanted to hold off until restrictions were lifted. She was however, very keen to understand what she can do to make her home stand out more on viewings and get ready for photos etc.

So here’s what tips I gave:

1. Stand outside your home, remove your homeowner head. Look at it from a buyers perspective and what do you see? Is the house painted?, is the front door looking good?, how about the front garden? So start and work on the front, after all it’s the first thing your buyers will see.
2. Driveways should be clear of bins and clean – use a jet wash if you have one and is needed.
3. Next, walk into your hall. Is it light? If not, can you use a lamp somewhere? If the walls are badly scuffed or paint is flaking off the walls or wallpaper hanging down, then a repaint is probably in order. This is the same in any room
4. Kitchens do not need to be replaced. BUT grouting should be clean, work surfaces should be free of clutter, ovens and grills cleaned etc. Check lighting. Do all the lights have bulbs in? if you have under unit lighting, does that work?
5. Bathrooms are the same as kitchens and do not need to be replaced. They should be sparkling clean though and again grouting should be clean.
6. Windows ideally should all be cleaned.
7. Bedrooms should be cosy and when photos are taken, make sure your best bed spread is on and duvets are flattened out. Any bed- side tables, dressing tables and tops of wardrobes should be free of clutter.
8. Toys around the house are fine. Just tidy them to one side and make sure there are no lego pieces on the floor ready to hurt an unsuspecting viewer!
9. Rear gardens should be spruced up, remove unsightly weeds, jet wash patios and tidy if necessary. Ideally lawn should be mowed for photos.
10. RELAX! So many clients get stressed out about this. Yes it is great to have a house that is clean, tidy and well presented ready for photos and viewings, however, buyers are rarely making any buying decisions solely based on this and so my advice is, do what you can but don’t stress if its not exactly how you would like it.

I offer a free pre-sale inspection and advice viewing which depending on the size of your home, takes around 30 minutes and will give you a nice long list of jobs to do! I can only do this once we are out of lock-down though and happy to do this even if you are on the market with another agent already. Do get in touch on 020 8763 8060 or email hadley@parkandbailey.co.uk.