Selling a home is, for most, an infrequent event. The last time you moved house could have been years or even decades ago.
As such, you could be forgiven for being somewhat surprised that, when you come to prepare for viewings, much of the advice you learned the last time has been turned on its head.
Read on to discover five ways house sale advice has changed over the years, and how to get your property in peak condition for viewings and photographs.
1. Think fresh rather than fragrant
A Rightmove article from 2014 suggests using delicious smells to add allure to your home, suggesting freshly baked bread and flowers. Other advice around this time was to brew fresh coffee, warm vanilla extract in the oven, or even fry bacon to create an appetising aroma.
Today, the focus is much more on freshness rather than “staged” scents. Strong smells can be off-putting, clash with each other if you overdo it, and make prospective buyers wonder what you’re trying to mask.
Think clean and airy rather than powerful and potent:
- Air rooms by opening windows for 30 minutes before your viewing.
- Avoid cooking beforehand.
- Empty all rubbish bins.
- Deal with the source of persistent smells, rather than trying to mask them.
- If you have pets, empty any litter trays, and make sure all their bedding is clean.
2. Be less personal
Previous advice encouraged sellers to make a home seem lived-in, by displaying photographs and personal items.
Nowadays, experts advise focusing on decluttering and removing personal effects, so people viewing the property can more easily imagine their own belongings there.
However, it’s important to strike the right balance. You don’t need to turn it into a clinical, sterile environment; rather, think about minimalisation.
- Reduce any large collections of family photos.
- Put away anything that’s highly personal.
- Declutter crowded shelves and surfaces.
Artwork on the walls, books on shelves, and plants on windowsills are fine, as they can create a welcoming look without it being “your” look.
3. Think about your online listing
While the viewing was all-powerful in the past, your online listing could now hold even more sway. According to Property Daily, 97% of respondents said they had used an online portal for their property search.
Your prospective buyer is very likely to see your home online before they decide whether to view, so it’s important to get your house in order for the pictures, not just the viewing.
It’s therefore a good idea to declutter, make your beds, and open up your curtains and blinds to get the best effect and lighting for the photos.
You could even go for a one-off professional clean before the photographer arrives.
4. Show opportunities rather than your own taste
A viewing used to present an opportunity to show your own take on each room. However, with hybrid working, many people are now looking to see the potential other variants for the rooms.
According to Finder, 39% of Brits work from home at least some of the time, so will be looking for a comfortable working environment.
- Add a desk and working area to one of your spare bedrooms, to show potential
- See if areas such as alcoves or large hall or landing spaces could house a dedicated workspace
- Demonstrate flexibility. As well as home working, you could consider how rooms could be converted into a nursery or space for an older relative.
5. Remember the importance of “kerb appeal”
In this respect, the advice hasn’t really changed. The front and exterior of your property is still arguably the most significant, as it creates the first physical impression for your prospective buyers.
- Mow the grass and trim edges so the lawn is neat
- Clean the front door and windows
- Move bins to a discreet place
- Sweep and clear pathways
- Make sure your house number or name is clearly visible
You could also add a few potted plants or hanging baskets to the front of your house to add some colour.
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Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.