We’ve all been there – you’ve decided to sell your house and are now wondering how you can make it attractive to potential buyers. You begin making a list of things that need to be fixed in preparation for putting your property on the market. Of course, while most buyers will look for a house that doesn’t require much work, there are certain things that you don’t need to fix before selling.
So, before you consider making any home improvement, here are some top tips from the property experts at Shortland Horne.
Don’t overdo the decorating
While it might be tempting to redecorate before you sell, please don’t go spending hundreds – if not thousands – on fancy paint or wallpaper. If you do have a spare pot of emulsion in a neutral colour and one of your walls could clearly do with a fresh lick of paint, then use it, but avoid going to town on redecorating.
Trust us, it’s not worth the time or the money – after all, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on decorating those walls, new homeowners will undoubtedly want to put their own stamp on the property.
Don’t worry about minor electrical issues
Any major electrical issues should be addressed and fixed before your property goes onto the market – as these could be dangerous and will show up on the survey. Remember, not sorting these out could cost you unnecessary time and money, as well as a potential buyer.
However, if you have small electrical issues, like a broken doorbell or a light switch that leads to nowhere, then it’s not worth fixing these before selling. The new homeowner will deal with this problem.
Avoid big home improvements
Leave any small cracks, scratches and chips for the new homeowners. While these might seem easy to fix at first, you might find that you end up replacing the whole lot. Whether it’s flooring, wall tiles or your kitchen countertops, we would advise leaving them just as they are – you never know, the new owners might just end up replacing them anyway to suit their taste.
Don’t spend a lot on replacing old appliances
The reality is, replacing appliances for the sake of selling will probably not be worth it. After all, you might even find that the new homeowner will actually want to bring their own appliances with them. If your appliances are on their last legs and you really want to replace them, then consider buying second-hand models to save some cash.
Remember, safety appliances must be in working condition, including the smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector and any other safety devices.
Never splash out on repairing minor driveway faults
Repairing cracks in your driveway can actually turn out pretty expensive – and actually won’t make a huge difference, if at all, to the sale of your home. A recent survey shows that people tend to pay an additional seven per cent for a house with great kerb appeal – but kerb appeal includes freshly mowed grass, tidy shrubs, pretty flower beds and perhaps a nice mat by the front door. So focus on making your property look pretty with the help of a few new pots and plants, rather than splashing out on your driveway.
Are you looking to buy, sell, move or rent?
Are you thinking of putting your house on the market? Maybe you’re ready to start your next chapter in a new home? Or perhaps you are a landlord or tenant? At Shortland Horne, we are your professional and friendly property experts. So, whether you’re buying, selling or renting, we are here to provide you with the advice and support you need to make the process as stress-free as possible. Get in touch with our team today.